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We Brits love a good biscuit. Whether it's a dunk in a steaming cuppa or a cheeky mid-afternoon treat, these humble snacks are a staple of our daily lives. But with so many options, which biscuit reigns supreme?
To settle the debate once and for all, we gathered a a mountain of biscuits to put these beloved treats through their paces.
Here's what our taste test involved.
We took our biscuit tasting seriously. To get the right balance we tried two of each. One was enjoyed straight from the packet, and the other was given the classic tea dunk. All tasting was done in a single sitting to keep our palates consistent.
In our quest for the perfect biscuit, we meticulously evaluated each variety, paying close attention to its crunch, the nuances of its initial taste and aftertaste and their sweetness. We also wanted to see how they stood up to a proper tea dunk. Did they fall apart? Did the flavour change for the better?
When it comes to choosing which biscuits to test, we asked our Saga Facebook followers to share their favourite biscuits and we were overwhelmed with the sheer variety.
We compiled a list of the most popular suggestions, ensuring we had a true representation of beloved biscuits, from timeless classics to modern favourites.
As well as testing their taste, we chatted to Anna Mapson, registered nutritional therapist and host of the podcast Inside Knowledge, about which of our biscuits could be a slightly healthier choice.
“You don’t really eat biscuits for health reasons, they are for taste and enjoyment, so it’s hard to pick the best and worst,” she said. “But if I had to pick one with the ‘least worst’ nutrition profile it would probably be McVities Hobnobs.”
And what about the worse? “The biscuits with the highest sugar are the fig rolls, but since most of that is coming from dried figs I’d say the worst is the Maryland Cookies. Two small cookies is 11% of your saturated fat limit, and 7% of the sugar limit for one day.”
We all need a treat now and then, but Anna says it’s important to think about portions, especially as biscuits can be so moreish!
"One biscuit is normally a portion in terms of the nutritional recommendations on the pack (only the Maryland Cookies are two),” she says. The main nutrients to watch for are fat and sugars as these can be too high in many diets in the UK.”
She continues: “You don’t need to give up biscuits completely to be healthy. Something I recommend to clients is adding to your snack rather than giving up the thing you crave. Try adding something with added nutrients such as an apple alongside your biscuits.”
With that in mind, here’s the biscuits ranked in order of deliciousness (and health!).
Best overall biscuit for taste and dunking
RRP: 32p (for 200g)
There's something truly special about custard creams – their classic taste is pure comfort in a biscuit. Even with the cream filling, they manage to stay just right on the sweetness scale. I was impressed by how generously filled these Sainsbury’s ones were - that creamy vanilla centre hits the perfect balance of flavours and makes each bite a real joy. Fair warning though - these are dangerously moreish.
The biggest problem? It's practically impossible to stop at just one. Before you know it, half the pack might mysteriously disappear!
Dunkability: These are my absolute favourite for dunking. They're champions in tea or coffee, holding up through several dips without falling apart. And the taste? Even better once they've had a quick swim. The biscuit soaks up just enough liquid to create that perfect soft-but-not-mushy texture that makes dunking so satisfying.
Runner up for dunking
RRP: 57p (for 300g)
Classic for a reason, this is one biscuit that everyone in my household loves. Let’s call it an intergenerational favourite. I’m usually a McVitie's fan but the ASDA version didn’t disappoint. It had the same crisp crunch and that 'just right' sweetness – not too overpowering, but enough to satisfy – and the aftertaste was lovely.
There's a hint of maltiness, a touch of milkiness and it all blends together beautifully. And while they're a tad smaller than the branded version (not a bad thing for the waistline), they're also over half the price, which is always a bonus!
Dunkability: These biscuits are perfect for dunking in your tea; it really brings out their flavour. But a word of warning: don't overdo it. While they seem to be a bit more robust than McVitie's, too much dunking can lead to a soggy bottom (and nobody wants that!).
Runner up for taste
RRP: £1.70 (16x248g)
When it comes to crunch, Lotus Biscoff takes the crown! There's something incredibly satisfying about that perfect snap when you bite into them. The caramelised flavour is truly unique - slightly spiced, wonderfully rich and unlike anything else in the biscuit aisle.
One thing I really like is that despite their caramel notes, they're not overly sweet. This perfect balance makes it dangerously easy to reach for another - and another! It's no wonder they package these in pairs…
At £1.70 for the pack, they do sit on the pricier end of the biscuit spectrum. I'd consider these more of a special treat than an everyday cupboard staple. That said, they absolutely live up to all the hype surrounding them.
Dunkability: These are good dunkers, holding their own in your tea. However, I did miss that signature crunch after a dip, so you might want to enjoy at least one from the pack 'au naturel'.
RRP: 49p (for 200g)
These ASDA Malted Milk biscuits were a tasty surprise and now I'm wondering why I don't eat these more often. They're wonderfully simple, with a satisfying crunch and a delicious malty flavour. The sweetness is perfectly balanced – they're not overly sweet, so you avoid that overwhelming sugar rush that can sometimes happen with other biscuits.
They're just a lovely, uncomplicated treat that hits the spot. If you're looking for a classic biscuit with a comforting flavour, give these a try.
Dunkability: While they do take a dip in your tea quite well, be warned: these are not for the long-dunk lovers. A quick in-and-out is all you can manage before they risk crumbling into your cuppa.
RRP: £1.50 for 160g
Rich, buttery, and beautifully crumbly – shortbread is an enduring favourite. The lovely aftertaste of these shortbread biscuits lingers, though they did feel a touch dry, almost begging for a dunk in tea. The butter's richness is definitely the star, balanced by a subtle sweetness, however, it's buttery deliciousness also means it's one to avoid if you're trying to be healthy.
"As these are high in butter there is 3g saturated fat per biscuit which is 15% of your daily limit," advises Anna.
These shortbread fingers were also a good size – it genuinely feels like you're having a proper little treat. While delicious, I felt it needed a little something extra to truly shine.
Dunkability: If you're a serious dunker, these biscuits are your friend. They're nice and sturdy, so you can leave them in your tea for a good while. Though they hold up well, the dunking mostly just makes them a bit softer, not tastier.
RRP: 62p (for 300g)
These bourbon biscuits certainly tick all the boxes at first glance: crunchy, creamy, chocolatey – what's not to love? And that initial aroma is truly tempting. However, while they smelled gorgeous, the flavour didn't quite live up to expectations.
The biscuit itself was a tad bland, but thankfully the sweet creamy filling helped to elevate the overall taste. Still, they're an undeniably indulgent treat, and the generous 300g pack for 62p offers fantastic value.
Dunkability: Thanks to their sturdy double-decker design, these Bourbons can handle a dunk and a half. Even an accidentally long dip won't lead to disaster and that cream filling is even more delicious when it's slightly melted.
RRP: 55p (200g)
Fig rolls truly exist in that curious middle ground between cake and biscuit. Personally, I find the soft, chewy outer layer a bit unexpected when I'm craving a crunchy biscuit, but the fig filling is undeniably delicious - sweet, sticky and full of that distinctive flavour.
One big advantage these have over regular biscuits is how satisfying they are. They've got substance to them, meaning you don't end up mindlessly working your way through half a packet before you realize what's happened! One or two can actually curb those sweet cravings.
Dunkability: While some might enjoy a soggy fig roll, I think dunking completely ruins them. They're best enjoyed straight from the packet.
Healthiest biscuit choice
RRP: £1.60 (for 255g)
The unique texture of a Hobnob with little pieces of oat and wheat mixed throughout might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it actually made me feel like I was having something slightly healthier than your average biscuit.
It's a properly satisfying oaty treat that feels more substantial than many other options out there. Sweetness-wise, they've got it just right - they strike just the right balance of sweetness without being overly sugary.
The downside? They're definitely on the pricier side at £1.60 for a 255g pack. Your wallet might feel the difference compared to some other biscuit options.
Dunkability: Hobnobs are fantastic dunkers. Those oats give them real stability in your tea, and honestly, they taste even better after a quick dip.
RRP: 40p (for 300g)
After a 14-year hiatus (thanks to them being my morning sickness remedy during pregnancy), I finally reunited with ginger nuts. These ones from Lidl reminded me why they're such a classic.
They deliver that perfect combination of satisfying crunch, sweetness and that distinctive ginger kick that warms your taste buds. The sweetness is just right, balanced perfectly by the spice. And at just 40p for a 300g pack, they're an absolute steal (and about a quarter of the price of branded McVitie’s biscuits).
Dunkability: While these do welcome a good dunk in your tea or coffee, they transform rather quickly! Keep a close eye on your timing - leave them in too long and you'll be fishing biscuit remnants from the bottom of your mug. A quick dip is all you need to soften them just right while maintaining some of that signature crunch.
RRP: £1.35 (for 200g)
I love the aftertaste of these biscuits – a lovely buttery richness that lingers after each bite. They also have just the right proportion of raisins and biscuit. The balance is spot on - enough fruity bits to make them interesting without overwhelming the biscuit base.
For me, a biscuit needs a good snap and these were a bit soft, which means I did mark them down a bit. That satisfying crunch was missing, leaving them feeling slightly underwhelming in the texture department. If they had just a touch more crispness, they'd be nearly perfect.
Dunkability: I wouldn't recommend dunking these. The texture becomes quite strange, and it detracts from the overall flavour.They're definitely best enjoyed as they are.
RRP: £2.25 for 266g
While I'm not usually drawn to plain chocolate biscuits, these were a popular choice among our Facebook fans. The crumbly biscuit base is a lovely contrast to the dark chocolate topping, and they hold up well in tea. The aftertaste is definitely dark chocolate, which, as I'm not a fan, wasn't ideal for me.
But if you are a dark chocolate enthusiast, I can see why these would be so addictive. Although they might not be my personal favourite, I can see the appeal and I can imagine I'd find the milk chocolate ones much more to my liking.
Dunkability: I did find that dunking them in tea significantly improved the flavour for me. These are sturdy dunkers, able to hold their own in a hot cuppa. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you'll risk losing that chocolatey goodness to the depths of your tea.
RRP: £1.50 (for 200g)
If you're usually drawn to larger, softer cookies like me, Maryland Cookies offer a different experience. I found the flavour a bit bland and lacking in that chocolatey punch you get from the larger cookies. The chocolate chips could be more generous and intense.
While enjoyable, they lack a certain excitement factor that would make them truly satisfying. That said, the portion size is perfect when you want just a little something sweet without committing to a massive biscuit.
Dunkability: These cookies hold up well in tea, but I didn't find that dunking added much to the overall flavour experience. They're perfectly fine dunked, but you're not missing out if you enjoy them straight from the pack.
RRP: £1.55 (for 300g)
These sugar-free biscuits are definitely... different. If you're expecting the familiar sweetness of a regular digestive, you're in for a surprise. The flavour is, shall we say, understated. In fact, "cardboard" might be a bit harsh, but it's not far off. They do have a decent amount of fibre, but personally, I'd rather get my fibre from vegetables.
Anna says that while these biscuits are higher in protein and fibre, they are sweetened with sugar alcohols. "These are technically sugar free, but can cause bloating and gas when eaten to excess. The overall calorie is similar to other biscuits."
These might serve a purpose for those with strict dietary needs, but for everyone else, regular digestives are worth the extra sugar.
Dunkability: Dunking in tea definitely makes them more palatable. I think if I could only eat these due to dietary restrictions though, I’d ditch the biscuits and get my sweet kick from some fruit instead!
RRP: 75p (for 200g)
Lemon Puffs are definitely one of those nostalgic treats. My lemon-enthusiast husband counts himself among their dedicated fans, but I have to admit I'm struggling to understand the appeal.
They have that old-fashioned sandwich style with two layers of biscuit wrapped around a lemon filling. Unfortunately, the biscuit part tends to be quite crumbly and noticeably dry. As for the lemon cream filling, it's got a bright yellow colour that promises zingy citrus flavour, but the reality is somewhat disappointing.
The taste comes across as artificial - there's a distinctly synthetic quality that reminds me more of cleaning products than actual lemons!
Dunkability: A dunk in your tea is a must for these. The tea softens the biscuit and mellows out the lemon flavour, making for a much more enjoyable experience overall.
We tested the most popular mainstream biscuits and many of them are suitable for vegans, including Biscoff, ginger nuts and Hobnobs (but not the milk chocolate ones). But do check the label of your chosen brand before buying.
If you are gluten intolerant, the Nairn's Blueberry and Raspberry Chunky Oat Biscuits are a popular and tasty choice.
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