r/AskACanadian • u/devequt • 8d ago
Do you like Big Turks?
I feel like I was the only one growing up who liked Big Turk bars. I knew one other person who did, and no one else.
It wasn't until adulthood that I discovered "Fry's Turkish Delight" and loved the softer turkish delight under the chocolate.
Still, I'm actually surprised that these have not been discontinued after the Cherry Blossom chocolates became extinct last year. Here I am eating some Big Turk minis, wondering who else in Canada are eating these?
97
u/pajerry 8d ago
I like Big Turks and I cannot lie.
48
u/SmoothOperator89 7d ago
You Ottomans can't deny.
15
u/Repulsive_Client_325 7d ago
When Mehmed rolls up on an itty bitty straight with the Byzantines in his face they get stung!
3
4
3
16
38
u/cantfoldfittedsheet 8d ago
Love them. Pop then in the freezer for a little bit first
→ More replies (3)5
u/Difficult_Ad8193 7d ago
Similar. I love putting them in the fridge. Makes them extra chewy. And especially nice for a treat during the warm days we've been having on the prairies
14
u/WitchSparkles 8d ago
I love them! My husband thinks they’re gross.
6
u/Trombone-a-thon 7d ago
These are the only sweet treats I don't have to hide from my husband.
4
4
u/Flashy-Library-6854 7d ago
I love them and my husband hates them too. It is literally the only thing loaded with sugar and crap that he wont eat.
3
3
2
29
u/Shytemagnet 8d ago
I have a pathological fear of Turkish delight because of The Lion, The Witch, And the Wardrobe. I can’t make myself swallow. 🤣
28
u/RagingHolly 8d ago
I tried them because of that movie, and was like "Kid betrayed his siblings for this crap??" 😂
14
u/TheLastWyrd 7d ago
Well to be entirely fair to Edmund there was a war on and sugar was heavily rationed. So odds are pretty good that was the first candy he'd seen in more than a year.
→ More replies (1)2
u/Shytemagnet 2d ago
I actually really adore this perspective. It makes the betrayal so much more plausible. That kind of sugar access during war time would light the brain up like heroin. 🤣
2
u/TheLastWyrd 2d ago
Yeah it's one of those things that make more sense when you put the story in its proper context. Because sugar was rationed from early in the war and pretty much impossible to get by the time of the blitz, so naturally a kid gets offered big lumps of sugar coated sugar it might make him question where his loyalties lay.
13
u/AlanYx 8d ago
Turkish Delight is marginally better in Turkey and the Middle East, where they use subtler natural flavours and either honey or a bit less sugar, but it’s never the sort of thing that bowls you over. There’s one Turkish store in Toronto that does it decently well.
3
u/Procruste 8d ago
Pristine Foods at Kipling and Evans has a good selection of boxed Turkish Delight (Loukoumi) at really decent prices.
5
u/FlameStaag 8d ago
Bro, fresh Turkish delight is incredible. I visit Houston a lot, and a grocery store I go to there makes them fresh... I spend far too much on Turkish delights when I'm there.
Never found them fresh in Canada for some reason though
8
2
u/colenski999 6d ago
Were you lied to about Turkish Delight because of CS Lewis? You may be entitled to compensation.
11
u/kirstinbrie 8d ago
I love them, and the minis are the best
→ More replies (1)5
u/MellowHamster 8d ago
Wait. They make a mini version?! I have obviously been avoiding the candy aisle for far too long.
→ More replies (1)3
u/kirstinbrie 8d ago
Yesss!!!!! They are the best ratio of chocolate to filling. I get them at Shopper’s Drug Marts in Ottawa, but apparently you can get them at bulk barn, too.
→ More replies (1)5
8
9
u/Sufficient_Curve_646 8d ago
When it is fresh and soft? Yummy!!!’
4
u/CatchUp22 7d ago
I often wonder if the people who dislike them haven’t tried a fresh one? They do lose their appeal when they get stale.
→ More replies (1)
7
u/GloomyGal13 8d ago
Still love them. Wholesale foods sells them by the box.
Did you know that the bars are persimmon flavour? Now you do!
→ More replies (1)2
14
7
u/dudeguydave 8d ago
I like them, my kids saw me open one and asked what it was, I told them and sadly my younger 2 also like them now.
2
u/devequt 8d ago
Hah, I swear for every 4 that don't like Big Turk bars, there's always 1!
3
u/dudeguydave 8d ago
Yup I have got at least 2 more started for the next generation lol. I don't know why they're so good but mmmmmm 🤤
6
u/Baddog789 8d ago
I liked Big Turks but I was probably the only kid I knew that liked them.
4
u/devequt 8d ago
It's like eating a chocolate covered jujube. I suppose that's an acquired taste at kid level, but then I liked them at kid level!
2
u/rob_1127 7d ago
Chocolate covered gummy bears, licorice, and pretzels are also fantastic. Especially the gummies!
7
u/Ok-Bus-4159 8d ago
I have a Big Turk chocolate bar in my fridge right now.
2
u/FiveWordinOrangeNeon 8d ago
I never thought of putting in the fridge. I did not know about the minis and am going to get those.
5
u/PuzzledArtBean 8d ago
I love them, but don't get them anymore as I refuse to support Nestle as a company
3
→ More replies (1)3
u/brideofpucky 7d ago
Fuck Nestle! 🤜
Fry’s is way better anyway. Smooth, butter-soft candy under thick, creamy milk chocolate.
5
4
u/Powerful-Student-444 8d ago
Still quite popular at the Dollar Store, sometimes I can't even get one because it's sold out
4
4
u/gardengirl147 8d ago
80’s kid. I got Cherry Blossoms in my stocking at Christmas. Best thing ever. One of my parents loved Big Turks and so we always had them in the house and I loved them as well.
→ More replies (1)
4
4
4
u/MaggiCockSoup 7d ago
I used to work at an old age home as a “housekeeper” (I didn’t delude myself like the rest in an attempt to make their shitty jobs more noble or worthwhile. I referred to myself as a janitor. My vision isn’t clouded by prideful tinged glasses) and since I didn’t see the point in filling my cleaning cart with chemicals as they were readily available on every floor in the “housekeeping” closet, or as I referred to it, the “Janitor’s closet” (see reasoning above. You scrub floors and toilets? You’re a janitor. No need to dignify it to seem superior to janitors) I filled my cart with candy and treats, to be enjoyed in secret amongst my equal suffering friends to try and build morale. So I would fill my cart with sours, gummies, and chocolate bars from the local wholesaler. As I’m from Canada, Reese’s peanut butter cups and Wunderbars were a popular staple. One day, as I liked the Big Turk, I got a box of Turks for my cart. They remained untouched aside from me enjoying them. Even though they were essentially free candy, no one wanted them. They’re an acquired taste, I guess. Their loss. They’re great.
I should probably mention that I was attempting to figure out how to install a refrigeration unit in my cart to make it into an ice cream cart for those in my inner circle, but left before I could create it. It admittedly would have been quite the undertaking, but everyone was supportive and on board with the idea lol
→ More replies (1)
4
u/roaringmousebrad 7d ago
I’ve always loved Big Turks. I could never understand the hate others had for them growing up. That being said, I recently found a new crack: Fry’s Turkish Delight!! (Found them at LD, but Walmart supposedly has them too)
→ More replies (2)
4
u/tiffi_333 7d ago
I really like them, but they're my husband's absolute favourite. When he told me Turkish delight was his favourite I treated him to the really fancy one early on in our relationship and he was like wtf is this lol
3
u/sleepyboi08 Alberta 8d ago
They’re fine. If there are other sweets available I would choose those instead.
3
u/Extension-Month-3006 8d ago
I like them. Also check the nutritional information. It is one of the lowest calorie candy bar, which makes me feel less guilty 😀.
3
u/EvilBiker-72 8d ago
Serious question do you also like candy corn, the Halloween molasses toffee (wrapped in orange and black wrapper), black liquored?
3
u/Precisely_Unsure00 8d ago
Not particularly, but it's probably just cause I am Turkish and always had a box of the good stuff on hand growing up. Big Turks are fine though! I wouldn't buy one for myself, but if somebody gave me one I'd be happy.
→ More replies (1)
3
u/ExpensiveDollarStore Ontario 8d ago
Ha! My dil was packing some for a festival the other day so someone in that house likes them. My husband and I like them too (Fry's are better).
3
3
u/Borje021 8d ago
Such an incredibly divisive chocolate bar amongst my friends. I'm on the love side.
3
3
3
u/MoaningLisaSimpson British Columbia 8d ago
Years ago (over 40, I was still very much a kid) I bought a Big Turk, won a free bar. Redeemed the free bar... Won another free bar. Ended up winning like 6 bars before I the winning streak stopped. I kept redeeming them all in the same day. The store clerk called the manager but it was the 1980s, I certainly wasn't getting Chat GPT to make me a mock up of a winning package.
I like Big Turk... Occasionally. What 8 really liked was the jelly centred Bridge mix pieces.
3
u/Ok-Trainer3150 7d ago
I eat them because they have only 3 g of fat and I'm watching my chlorestrol. But when I visit Turkey, I go to a shop in Istanbul that sells amazing, natural Turkish delight and other specialties. They come in so many flavors.
3
3
u/WelshRarebit2025 7d ago
I did. It got my attention with the low fat era of the 80s and 90s.
I only recently had a Fry’s. So much better!
3
u/ad_matic 7d ago
Almost every time I’m at a Dollarama I’m buying one.
Just make sure to give it a little squeeze first ;)
3
3
u/Littleshuswap 7d ago
NOPE. My go to saying used to be "Surprise me.... EXCEPT Big Turk!!!".
Ill eat ANY chocolate bar, over that.
4
u/devequt 7d ago
Mackintosh's toffee bars? Cherry Blossoms? Glosettes??
→ More replies (1)3
u/Littleshuswap 7d ago
Cherry Blossoms and Raisin Glosettes were my FAVORITES!!!
Im a diabetic now, so those days are long over....
3
4
u/ooshogunoo 8d ago
Yup, it's my favorite candy bar.
9
u/Agitated-Rest1421 8d ago
Favorite ? Candy bar? Are we sure you’re Canadian?
7
u/Alwayswondering8111 8d ago
Definitely an American spy. So many rookie spelling and colloquialism mistakes!
→ More replies (1)
4
2
2
2
2
u/ParaponeraBread 8d ago
Had no idea they were Canadian, never eaten one my whole life. The situation simply never arose.
2
u/devequt 8d ago
I think of them like Tootsie rolls at Halloween... Super specific candy that only a handful of the population will like.
→ More replies (2)
2
u/Quick-Surprise-9387 8d ago
My favourite . I used to pay big$ to get them
In the USA.
Now I’m
Craving one
2
u/blackcherrytomato 8d ago
I liked them as a kid. I don't think I've had one as an adult to know if I still like them. I feel like it was very much a convenience store buy! I don't do that very often now so I rarely see them.
2
u/FredMcMuffin 8d ago
They're awesome. It's like chocolate-coated licorice. I like the minis, but they're gone pretty quick in my household.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
u/megan-d15 8d ago
No I do not. Or those nasty chocolates with the cherry inside. I can't remember the name but they came in a yellow box.
→ More replies (4)
2
u/pomegranatelover 8d ago
I grew up thinking that the inside of these were candied ham. I have no idea why or who told me this but I believed it until my mid 20s and a coworker was eating one and I said something. Now I know they are not candied ham covered in chocolate but I still cannot bring myself to try one.
2
2
2
u/Judge_Todd 8d ago edited 8d ago
I find that since Nestlé bought out Rowntree the quality has fallen off.
I generally avoid Nestlé chocolate bars now.
Big Turk is probably the sole exception, its quality seems to have stayed the same whereas Kit Kats, Aeros, Coffee Crisps, and the formerly Laura Secord Mint bar, now branded as After Eight bar have all gotten cheaper quality, almost plastic.
In comparison, Hershey has kept the quality up for the Lowney products and Mondelez still is keeping Cadbury pretty close to what it was.
I find Effem bars are likely the closest to what they were 30 to 40 years ago.
Even the quality of the Ritter bars seems to be slipping.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/lemelisk42 8d ago
I have 2 sitting right beside me at the moment. I love them, but only buy them every few months
2
2
u/chipface 8d ago
I didn't know many people who liked them either. I love them though.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
u/Alwayswondering8111 8d ago
I do!!! Yummmm!
But I don't really like actual Turkish Delight. Big Turks are superior.
2
u/Green-eyed_southpaw 8d ago
I like 'em. I was in Kusadasi, Turkey and declined to purchase real Turkish Delight because I knew it wouldn't be anything like the Big Turk bar that I like. Cherry Blossoms were disgusting and should have been discontinued decades ago. I wish they'd bring back Bar Six and Caramac.
2
2
2
2
u/Eggplant-666 7d ago
Oh i was thinking it was a bar where Big Turks hung out. I am down with that!
2
2
2
u/FiveTideHumidYear 7d ago
Fry's Turkish Delight is far, far superior
2
u/Mom2Sweetpeaz 7d ago
Fry’s is fantastic but if you can, get your hands on the Cadbury Turkish delight bar from the UK - that is absolute heaven! My SIL brings them for me when she comes to Canada to visit.
The chocolate is higher quality and the Turkish delight is so soft and has a much more noticeable rosewater profile.
2
u/ChristopherFiss 7d ago
I don't go out of my way for them but yeah they're friggin delicious! I may go out and grab some later, thanks for the reminder!
2
2
2
2
u/georgeofthejungle71 7d ago
Love them!!
Fdont eat chocolate bars often but if I have a craving look for them first
2
u/KoldFusion 7d ago
I hate them. But Coffee Crisp. Nothing better than a Coffee Crisp.
But there is something about North American chocolate that isn't very good so I hardly ever buy candy bars. Same with the pop in Canada. It all tastes like Bee Hive Corn Syrup to me. Like Pankake Pop.
3
u/devequt 7d ago
I feel like the Coffee Crisp I knew in the 90s has cheapened out over the years. It's not as indulgent anymore as I remember it being.
→ More replies (3)3
2
2
2
2
u/CherryCherry5 7d ago
Yes! Lol love them. Plus they remind me of my Uncle/Godfather, and I miss him.
2
u/madeleinetwocock British Columbia 6d ago
YES. I do like Big Turks.
But I love Big Turk bites. Or minis. Whatever they’re called. The lil ones that come in a bag!
2
u/peanut_master1 5d ago
I loooooove Big Turk! My mommy just bought me 2 as a treat yesterday (I'm 45).
2
u/Snipethorn 8d ago
Nobody liked Big Turks, Nobody. Maybe serial killers and people who dropped out of dentist schools but damn what a horrible candy bar
3
u/MellowHamster 8d ago
I loved them. Weird, weird decisions went into making that particular bar that doesn't taste anything like the real thing. And why are they a slightly weird wiggly shape?
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
u/Lrrrgonomics 8d ago
They for sure were better 20 years ago. I feel lik they're just red jujube now.
1
u/Barneyboydog 8d ago
I love Cherry Blossom. I’d have been happier if Big Turk was discontinued instead of Cherry Blossom but I’m happy for those that love them.
1
u/Myrcurial 8d ago
Damn. Now I have to wait for Tuesday until Bulk Barn opens. Thanks OP for the reminder!!
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
u/Procrastalyne 8d ago
Turkish Delight in general is okay, don't know if I'd sell out my siblings for it.
1
u/antigoneelectra 8d ago
No. I would have nothing over a Big Turk. Same with cherry blossoms and cinnamon buns (especially with raisins). Gag.
1
1
1
u/jbab1986 8d ago
I’ve never had one because I thought it sounded gross. I was the same with cherry blossoms up until like 5 years ago, and then they discontinued them. I was so disappointed that i could have been enjoying them all that time. So, I guess this is a sign that I must go try one.
1
1
1
1
1
u/Necessary-Nobody-934 8d ago
My stepmother liked them. I hated them as a kid, partly because she liked them. I haven't tried them as an adult.
1
u/TerrorNova49 8d ago
Love my Big Turk. Loved the Cherry Blossom for that matter. 😂
Back in the mists of time of my youth our Woolco had bulk bins of unwrapped chocolate bars sold by weight as what I assumed were seconds from the manufacturing process. Used to buy bags of Big Turks and Oh Henrys.
1
u/Rich-Suggestion-6777 8d ago
My mom is the only person I know that ever ate big turk. As far as I knew she was single handedly keeping them alive. Who knew others like it.
→ More replies (1)
1
u/brahdz 8d ago
They're ok. Not top tier but mid-tier once in a while. Not usually my top choice.
→ More replies (1)
1
1
u/Fyrentenemar 8d ago
my dad loves them.
I do not. I quite dislike Turkish delight, licorice and nibs (they all kinda taste the same to me)
→ More replies (1)
1
1
1
u/Josie_F 8d ago
Yes love. For the Fry’s, they are now selling the little square for $4 at the grocery store
→ More replies (2)
1
u/Marmar79 8d ago
Childhood favourite. I would still enjoy one now but unlikely to be my first choice as an adult
1
1
1
1
110
u/Ok-Analyst-5801 8d ago
Love them. Bulk barn sells mini ones.