These humble biscuits were called “digestives” for a reason—they packed a decent amount of sodium bicarbonate, which supposedly helped with digestion.
Fast-forward to today, and some boxes come with a cheeky disclaimer: they no longer have any of those digestion-aiding perks. The marketing department must’ve been heartbroken, but the name still lives on.
What Makes Digestives Different from Other Biscuits?
In a word: fiber. Lots of it. Digestives use wholemeal flour, making them a little healthier (ish) than your average biscuit jar residents.
If you were wondering what’s inside, here’s the rundown: flour, oil, wholemeal flour, sugar, raising agents (like sodium bicarbonate), and salt. Sometimes, the fancy ones add milk powder, butter, liquid glucose, malt extract, or “permitted food flavors”—whatever that means.
Why the Name?
With a name like “digestive,” you might think these biscuits belong in a health aisle or in the hands of someone battling, well, digestive issues. And you wouldn’t be entirely wrong.
Back in the 19th century, two doctors came up with them as a “digestive aid.” Turns out, they were early pioneers of clever food branding. Nowadays, they’re less about health benefits and more about… taste.
What Do Digestive Biscuits Actually Taste Like?
Let’s start with: How do they taste? Well, imagine the driest thing you’ve ever had, and then somehow dryer. On the flip side, a drink without one? Far too wet.
They are slightly sweet, with a wholemeal flavor that’s… subtle. Very subtle. Digestives are not here to overwhelm anyone taste-wise; they’re here for quiet contemplation and a mild sugar hit.
How to Eat Digestive Biscuits Like a Pro
The best way to enjoy them? Take a bite, lean back, and let the biscuit dissolve in your mouth. Perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want a lot of sugar, as you can get in other biscuit varieties like bourbon, shortcake, nice, and so on.
Plain digestives? A bit bland if we’re being honest. But try the chocolate-coated ones, especially dark chocolate—game changer. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, and you’ve unlocked heaven on Earth.
For more fancy, top plain digestives with slices of extra mature cheese. Think of them as a budget-friendly cheese-and-cracker duo.
Tea dunking with digestives is a British rite of passage. But beware: these biscuits are softer than they look. Dunk too long, and you’ll end up fishing soggy remnants in the bottom mug.
Pro tip: quick dunks are key. If you mess this up, well, that’s on you—sounds like a dunking skill issue to me.
Also, you can take two digestives and sandwich them together with butter. Congratulations, you’ve just created a digestive double-decker. It’s genius, indulgent, and highly underrated.
Final Thoughts: Why Digestives Reign Supreme
In the grand hierarchy of biscuits, digestives may not scream “luxury,” but they are the most iconic. Need a tea companion? Digestives. Want a snack that won’t overwhelm you with a sugar coma? Digestives.
Need a base for cheesecake? You guessed it—digestives. You know the truth: digestives aren’t just biscuits—they’re a lifestyle. They are like the “healthier variety of biscuits”—low sugar and high fiber in a phrase. Which is what Weetabix describes itself as
