Celebrating National Biscuit Day: A Nation of Dunkers

National Biscuit Day is the perfect excuse to pause, put the kettle on, and celebrate one of Britain’s most enduring culinary companions: the humble biscuit.

Biscuits hold a quietly distinguished place in British life. From school staffrooms to building site brew breaks, they are more than just a mid-morning snack — they’re a shared ritual, a source of comfort, and a familiar companion to conversation. On National Biscuit Day, we take the opportunity to reflect on their enduring appeal — from beloved classics to the more curious varieties tucked into tins across the country.

Why We Love National Biscuit Day

Ask ten people their favourite biscuit, and you’ll likely receive ten fiercely defended answers. Some swear by the time-honoured custard cream, while others champion the chocolaty resilience of the bourbon. The rich tea has its loyalists, and the hobnob — a hearty, oaty affair — remains a staple of any respectable biscuit barrel.

And then there are the more divisive entries: the garibaldi (a historical curiosity or underrated gem?), the pink wafer (nostalgic or questionable?), and the perennial debate surrounding the Jaffa Cake (say no more).

The Etiquette of Dunking

Dunking, though widespread, remains an art. It is a matter of timing, temperature, and technique. Dunk too briefly and the result is dry and underwhelming. Hold on too long and risk total collapse, with disastrous consequences for both mug and morale.

Certain biscuits — the digestive, the ginger nut, the aforementioned hobnob — rise to the challenge admirably. Others, it must be said, were never meant for such pressure.

A Culinary Loophole

It’s also worth noting that broken biscuits contain no calories. This is not strictly supported by science, but it remains one of the most enduring beliefs of the biscuit community. Crumbs, too, are considered nutritionally void. It’s best not to question these truths — they are passed down, not proven.

Marking National Biscuit Day in Your Own Way

However you choose to celebrate — whether with a fresh pot of tea, a classic tin of favourites, or a homemade batch shared among colleagues — National Biscuit Day is the perfect excuse to indulge. Share your favourites, reminisce about forgotten varieties, or simply take five minutes to savour something sweet.

In a fast-paced world, the biscuit remains a small pleasure — familiar, dependable, and quietly comforting. And on National Biscuit Day, that feels worth acknowledging. After all, as the saying goes, a drink’s too wet without one. So, what’s your favourite?