'I'm a chocolate expert - you've been eating Maltesers all wrong'

The nation has been devouring one of its favourite sweet treats wrong this entire time, according to the popular brand. Few chocolates are as beloved across the UK as Maltesers, but it appears we Brits haven't enjoyed them the right way.

As the treat's white chocolate edition makes its long-awaited arrival on supermarket shelves, the brand's associate product development scientist has shed some light on the debate. On average, Brits believe the whole process should last approximately 22 seconds per ball, enough time to savour the sweet, white chocolate taste and allow the right ratio of melting for its crunchy malt centre. "While the malt interior is undeniably tasty, it actually serves a clever purpose - it helps break down the chocolate, preventing that sticky, hard-to-clean feeling you get on the roof of your mouth from a solid piece of chocolate," choc expert Megan Rushman explains.

"It's the unique texture and balance between the chocolate and the malt centre that makes the sweet treat so iconic and loved by so many, and that's no different when it comes to the launch of the new Maltesers White Chocolate."

However, a study of 2,000 adults found many go against 'official guidance' by sucking the ball because they like how the malt dissolves in their mouth (27%) or they want to prolong the experience (23%).

The experts contend that this approach will cover the largest surface area of the taste palette, providing a multi-sensory experience, stimulating both taste receptors and auditory senses through the distribution of flavour and sound of the crunch.

Meanwhile, the apparent best time to enjoy the treat, according to the nation, is between 7-9pm, (22%), where Brits are most likely enjoying them in front of the TV (57%) or as an after-dinner treat (20%).

And, while more than half (53%) insist room temperature is best, around a third who were surveyed (31%) prefer them chilled straight from the fridge.

Other methods noted by Malteser lovers include the 'nibble and chew', which involves meticulously nibbling off the chocolate coat before chewing the centre -- the top pick for 26% of the public.