For artist Louise Coutinho, it was a "big surprise" to win a competition to invent a Christmas-themed chocolate bar.

The Hornsey-based 27-year-old submitted her 'figs in blankets' idea to a judging panel, including Levi Roots of Reggae Reggae Sauce fame and chocolatier James Cadbury.

The bar - which has one unusual ingredient - went on sale today (December 4) with e-commerce giant Amazon, which jointly ran the 'Raising The (Chocolate) Bar' contest with The King's Trust.

Louise won the competition with her 'Figs in Blankets' idea for an oat milk chocolate bar which includes vegan bacon flavouring.Louise won the competition with her 'Figs in Blankets' idea for an oat milk chocolate bar which includes vegan bacon flavouring. (Image: PinPep)

"I am a visual artist and I am not in the food industry so a chocolate competition was out of my comfort zone," said Louise.

"I was very surprised when they went for my idea which was kind of out of the box -  but they embraced it.

"Then they had to figure out how to bring it to reality."

The bar has been made by James Cadbury's Islington-based firm H!P and includes figs, oat milk chocolate - and salty vegan bacon seasoning.

Louise with Reggae Reggae sauce creator Levi Roots who as a judge of the competition.Louise with Reggae Reggae sauce creator Levi Roots, who was a judge of the competition. (Image: James McCauley/PinPep)

"I wanted to come up with a Christmassy flavour, something fun and creative, the crazier the better," adds the Brazilian artist.

"I thought about Christmas in the UK and pigs in blankets came to mind - I was drawn to it because it has a little character. I love characters and could see the opportunity for the visual element of packaging the products.

"Because it is a plant-based brand it was nice to give them the challenge of creating a savoury element - vegan bacon flavouring - there's something intriguing about it."

A percentage of profits from the £3.50 bar will go to the King's Trust, which helps young people start careers and launch businesses.

James Cadbury said: “While the prospect of mixing figs with plant-based bacon flavouring raised a few eyebrows initially, it was clear after the first taste-test that we’d hit the sweet spot. I can’t wait to hear people’s reactions to the flavour-combo."

And Levi Roots added: "As a lover of bold flavours, I was really impressed by the unique pairing of the salty bacon style flavouring with sweet, fragrant figs.

“I’ve been a proud supporter of The King’s Trust, so I took great pride in joining the judging panel - it combines my love of food with supporting young people; two things very close to my heart.”

Louise spent two years on the King's Trust's enterprise programme and is now forging a career illustrating for publications, and designing her posters at louisecoutinho.com.

Louise, who has co-designed the wrapper for the new bar, said: "It was lovely that they added little faces on the packages which is my signature.

"My style is to create upbeat themes and visuals about the things that make us happy and bring joy, best friends, pets, little characters."

Louise, who loves living near Alexandra Palace, is delighted her bar will support fellow "young entrepreneurs."

She was working part time in a cafe while trying to start her career, but says joining The King's Trust really helped.

"Before joining, I tried freelancing without understanding the business of having a business. I found it hard to define and sell myself to potential clients, but the King's Trust changed my perspective and helped me progress with my career.

"I wouldn't be where I am without it."