Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis: Calories, Nutrition and Health Benefits
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Perplexity Scotland's first-ever dessert haggis - a rich chocolate brownie loaded with all-butter shortbread chunks and fudge, made for Burns Night celebrations.
Quick Nutrition Facts
Per 1 Serving (~120g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
| Calcium | 45mg |
| Iron | 1.2mg |
Macronutrient Breakdown
NUTRITIONIST INSIGHT
Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis is a celebration dessert - 350 calories with 28g sugar and 10g saturated fat per serving. Treat it as a once-a-year Burns Night indulgence rather than a weekly dessert, and split a serving between two people for sensible portion control.
Myth Busters
MYTH #1: Chocolate Haggis Has the Same Nutrition as Real Haggis
TRUTH: Real haggis is savoury (offal, oats, suet) while chocolate haggis is a sweet brownie pudding. They share only the shape - chocolate haggis is dessert with ~28g added sugar that contributes empty calories.
MYTH #2: Diabetics Cannot Have Any Chocolate Haggis
TRUTH: Diabetics can have a small portion occasionally. Sugar-free dark chocolate produces 65% lower blood glucose response than conventional chocolate, but Simon Howie's product contains regular sugar - keep portions to a few bites and pair with protein.
MYTH #3: The Saturated Fat in Chocolate Haggis Is Heart-Healthy Because It Is Cocoa Butter
TRUTH: While cocoa butter has a neutral cholesterol profile, this dessert also contains butter from shortbread and fudge. WHO recommends limiting saturated fat to under 10% of daily energy, and one serving uses about half that limit.
MYTH #4: A Brownie Is Lower Glycemic Than a Banana
TRUTH: Chocolate desserts trigger a meaningful insulin response. Insulin index of chocolate products is 28% higher than equivalent non-chocolate items, even when glucose response looks similar - so blood sugar control still matters.
MYTH #5: It Is Just a Novelty - The Calories Don't Count on Burns Night
TRUTH: 350 calories is roughly 17% of a 2,000-calorie day. Combined with a full Burns Night meal (haggis, neeps, tatties, whisky), the total can exceed 1,500 calories in one sitting. Skip seconds and walk after dinner.
MYTH #6: Microwaving Destroys the Chocolate's Antioxidants
TRUTH: Brief 3-4 minute microwaving has minimal effect on cocoa flavanols. The bigger antioxidant loss comes from the recipe itself - milk and white chocolate contain far fewer polyphenols than the dark chocolate studied for cardiovascular benefits.
NutriScore by Health Goals
| Health Goal | NutriScore | Why This Score? |
|---|---|---|
| Weight Loss |  | 350 calories, 28g sugar, 18g fat, only 1g fiber. Calorie-dense and low satiety - share a portion or skip entirely on cutting plans. |
| Muscle Gain |  | Carbs help replenish glycogen post-workout but only 4g protein. Use as occasional treat after heavy training, not as a regular recovery food. |
| Diabetes Management | | High sugar (28g) and refined carbs (42g) drive sharp glucose spikes. Diabetics should limit added sugars and pair with protein if consumed at all. |
| PCOS Management | | High glycemic load worsens insulin resistance. Limit to a few bites once a year; pair with protein and a walk afterwards. |
| Pregnancy Nutrition | | Safe ingredients but high in sugar and saturated fat. Gestational diabetes risk goes up with diets high in refined sugar - keep portions small. |
| Viral/Flu Recovery | | Easy to swallow, comforting, quick energy from carbs - but low in vitamins, minerals, and fluids that aid recovery. Better recovery foods exist. |
PERSONALIZED NUTRITION
Track your meals with NutriScan for personalized NutriScores based on your specific health goals!
Blood Sugar Response to Chocolate Haggis
A chocolate dessert with 42g carbs and 28g sugar produces a meaningful glucose spike, especially when eaten on its own at the end of a meal.
Typical Glucose Response Curve
This chart shows typical blood glucose response for general healthy individuals. Individual responses may vary. Not medical advice.
How to Flatten the Spike
Pairing dessert with protein or fat slows glucose absorption and reduces the post-meal blood sugar peak:
- 🥛 Greek yogurt or crème fraîche - Adds protein and fat alongside the brownie
- 🥜 A spoon of nut butter - Healthy fats slow sugar release
- 🧀 A small piece of mature cheddar - Protein-fat combo blunts the spike
- 🚶 A 15-minute walk after dinner - Helps muscles soak up glucose
This combination not only lowers the glucose peak but extends the energy release, helping avoid the post-dessert sugar crash.
Cultural Significance
Chocolate haggis is a 2024 invention by Perthshire butcher Simon Howie, designed as a sweet finale for Burns Night - the Scottish celebration of poet Robert Burns held every year on 25 January.
Burns Night background:
- Celebrates Scotland's national bard, born 25 January 1759
- Traditional supper centres on haggis, neeps and tatties, with whisky toasts
- Burns's 1786 poem "Address to a Haggis" is recited before the meal
- Pipers "pipe in the haggis" on a silver platter to applause
The chocolate haggis twist:
- First produced for Burns Night 2024 by Simon Howie of Perthshire
- Chocolate brownie with Walker's shortbread chunks and Mrs Tilly's fudge
- Dark and white chocolate chips mimic the speckled look of real haggis
- Stocked at Tesco from 26 December and Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons from 1 January
- Limited edition - sold only between Hogmanay and Burns Night each year
Compare & Substitute
Chocolate Haggis vs Similar Desserts (Per 100g)
| Nutrient | 🍫 Chocolate Haggis | 🍰 Sticky Toffee Pudding | 🥧 Apple Crumble | 🍮 Cranachan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 292 kcal | 360 kcal | 220 kcal | 245 kcal |
| Carbs | 35g | 50g | 32g | 24g |
| Sugar | 23g | 36g | 18g | 19g |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 0.5g | 2.5g | 2g |
| Protein | 3.3g | 3.2g | 2g | 4g |
| Fat | 15g | 14g | 9g | 16g |
| Sat Fat | 8.3g | 7g | 4g | 10g |
| Calcium | 38mg | 60mg | 25mg | 80mg |
| Best For | Burns Night novelty | Indulgent winter dessert | Lower-sugar comfort treat | Higher-protein Scottish dessert |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis good for weight loss?
No - 350 calories with 28g sugar and 18g fat per serving makes it a poor fit for weight loss diets. The 1g of fiber gives little satiety, so it is easy to want a second helping.
Best practices: Split a portion between two people, skip seconds, and only enjoy on Burns Night itself rather than reheating leftovers daily.
Can diabetics eat chocolate haggis?
Diabetics can have a small portion as a rare treat. With 42g carbs and 28g sugar, it produces a steep glucose curve, especially if eaten alone.
Tips for diabetics:
- Limit to 40-60g (one-third to half a portion)
- Pair with protein (Greek yogurt) or fat (cream, nut butter)
- Avoid pairing with sweet drinks or alcohol
- Take a 15-minute walk after eating
- Monitor blood sugar 2 hours after consumption
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.
How much protein is in chocolate haggis?
A 120g serving contains approximately 4g of protein - mostly from butter, eggs and chocolate. This is not a meaningful protein contribution. Pair with a high-protein side (Greek yogurt or crème fraîche) for a more balanced dessert.
What are the ingredients in Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis?
Key ingredients:
- Chocolate brownie base: Cocoa, butter, eggs, sugar, flour
- Walker's all-butter shortbread chunks: Adds buttery, biscuit texture
- Mrs Tilly's fudge pieces: Sweet, creamy bursts
- Dark and white chocolate chips: Visual reference to traditional haggis speckling
- White chocolate flakes: Mimics the look of barley/cereal in savoury haggis
- Microwaveable casing: Designed for 3-4 minute microwave preparation
It contains gluten, dairy, eggs and soya - check the label for allergens.
How do you cook Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis?
Microwave method (recommended):
- Remove all packaging from the haggis
- Place on a microwave-safe plate
- Microwave on full power (800W) for 3-4 minutes
- Let rest 1 minute before serving
Oven method (traditional presentation):
- Cook like a regular haggis at 180°C for the time on the pack
- Bring to the table in casing
- Slice open theatrically before serving with cream or ice cream
IMPORTANT NOTE
Always check the casing for damage before cooking. If you spot tears, transfer the contents to an oven-safe dish.
Is chocolate haggis suitable for pregnancy?
Generally safe - the recipe contains no alcohol, raw egg or unpasteurised dairy. It can be enjoyed in small amounts during pregnancy.
Things to be aware of:
- High in added sugar (28g) - moderate cravings, watch gestational diabetes risk
- Contains butter and full-fat dairy (saturated fat ~10g)
- Best as a one-off Burns Night treat, not a weekly dessert
- Pair with milk or yogurt for a calcium and protein boost
Where can I buy Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis?
UK retailers (limited edition, Dec-Jan only):
- Tesco: From 26 December
- Asda, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Scotmid: From 1 January
- Direct from Simon Howie: thescottishbutcher.com (subject to stock)
It is sold only between Hogmanay and Burns Night each year, so stock up early or order online if you live outside Scotland.
How many calories are in one serving of chocolate haggis?
One serving (~120g) contains 350 calories. The calories break down as:
- 42g carbs (~168 kcal)
- 18g fat (~162 kcal)
- 4g protein (~16 kcal)
Add cream or ice cream and a serving easily reaches 500 calories. Plan it into your day's calorie target.
Track your meals with NutriScan app to see how chocolate haggis fits your personal nutrition goals.
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