In American advertising there are few things quite so coveted as a presidential seal of approval. So when Fran's Chocolates in Seattle found out that their Smoked Salt Caramels were the Obamas' favourite chocolates, it's fair to say they were probably jumping for joy. Within weeks, demand for the caramels was so high that production of their other sweets had to be scaled back.
What actually is a Smoked Salt Caramel? Salted caramels are a traditional treat in Brittany, but have only reached the wider world in the last 10 years or so. Imagine a conventional caramel with a topping of crisp, thick sea salt and try to suppress the urge to be a little bit sick. The salt, which according to the website gives the familiar caramel an "unexpected boldness", is shipped to Seattle from the shores of North Wales, where the Anglesey Sea Salt Company have Obama to thank for a healthy rise in their profits this year.
So if, like the Obamas, you like your confectionery brash, keep an eye out for the inevitable invasion of the salted caramel. Or just sprinkle table salt on a Mars Bar. It'll do at a pinch.
• This article was amended on 20 April 2010. The original referred to Anglesey on the shores of South Wales. This has been corrected.
