Cosy Bites: A Toast to Comfort Foods & Brands
Cosy Bites
For me, it's the humble baked beans on toast – a perfect combination of simplicity and satisfaction. Made in a moment, it always hits the spot – and no one understands the power of this classic combo more than the folks over at Heinz Beanz.
A few years back, the brand took comfort to a whole new level by showcasing Maurice Drake’s famous slogan ‘Beanz Meanz Heinz’ across 50 limited edition cans created in partnership with Selfridges. Each reinterpreted the famous phrase, showing just how Heinz Beanz delivers comfort in a can. The campaign elegantly showed that comfort food isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about the experience, the memories, and the joy it brings.
But, let’s not just savour my musings. I asked the team at Hunt Hanson to share the foods and brands they turn to in the chillier months of the year:
Michelle, Client Service Director: A biscuit that unites a nation
Nothing quite brings me the same sense of comfort as digestive biscuits dunked in tea. Even as a child, I’d happily dunk them in my parents’ tea. Almost more than the comforting taste, is the ritual – how many dunks can you manage before the biscuit collapses? This is something British people actually talk about and discuss, which is fascinating. Such a simple act creates a shared connection across the country.
Nancy, Designer: Nothing beats a warm cup of tea on a chilly day
It’s the first thing I have in the morning and the last thing at night. Whether it’s a good day or a bad day, holding the warm mug instantly relaxes and warms me inside.
Yorkshire Tea has to be my favourite. The ‘truly British’ feel of this brand, using their illustration on the pack of the idyllic Yorkshire dales, takes me back to family holidays in the countryside. They push the idea of “properness” with their campaign ‘where everything’s done proper.’ This is so relatable because to me, no tea tastes as good as a ‘proper’ English brew. I’ll even take it as far as putting a few bags in my luggage when going away…
Amy, Design Director: Simmering down with a Yummy Soup
I have many comfort foods during the winter months, but when I need something quick to warm my hands up, I love a cup of hot soup. My top two favourites are Baxter’s Spicy Parsnip, which has that extra warming kick, and Batchelor’s Cup a Soup Cream of Asparagus. I actually make the latter daily when the studio is chilly. It’s super easy – just add hot water.
Batchelor’s design exudes ‘comfort’ through the steaming kettle and the top view of the mug – and who could forget their “Big Hug in a Mug’ campaign?
On the other hand, the design for Baxter’s gives a warm glow with the colours and steam coming off the bowl. There’s also a homely feel with the handwritten typography. Both feature images of chopped ingredients that remind me of a hearty, home-cooked meal. Yum…
And as for my digestive biscuits of choice? McVities, of course. It’s a British institution, and there’s truly no substitute for them. They know this well – their latest ad, “There Can Be Only One,” makes it absolutely clear that they are and always will be the definitive British biscuit.
So there you have it – our team’s winter comfort food confessions. Whether it’s a simple cuppa, instant soup, or beloved biscuits each sip and bite offers true comfort. And as for the brands? Well, they’re the unsung heroes, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Cheers to comfort, cosiness, and the brands that make winter a little warmer!
And as for my digestive biscuits of choice? McVities, of course. It’s a British institution, and there’s truly no substitute for them. They know this well – their latest ad, “There Can Be Only One,” makes it absolutely clear that they are and always will be the definitive British biscuit.
So there you have it – our team’s winter comfort food confessions. Whether it’s a simple cuppa, instant soup, or beloved biscuits each sip and bite offers true comfort. And as for the brands? Well, they’re the unsung heroes, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Cheers to comfort, cosiness, and the brands that make winter a little warmer!
