Why We Love Biscuits and the Best UK Biscuit Brands

Who doesn't love biscuits? Biscuits are a delicious and beloved treat across the United Kingdom, and for good reason. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and flavours, meaning there's something for everyone! In this blog post, we'll explore why we love biscuits, as well as the best UK biscuit brands that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So let's dive into the wonderful world of biscuits!

The History of Biscuits

Biscuits have been a beloved treat for centuries. Biscuits are believed to have originated from the Roman Empire, where a kind of biscuit was eaten as a snack or side dish to accompany meals. Biscuits were originally hard, unleavened bread-like items that were commonly made with just water and flour.
The word “biscuit” was derived from the Latin words “bis cotus” which translates to “twice-cooked”, which is an apt description of the original biscuits. As time went on, biscuits became softer and sweeter, and various ingredients such as sugar, butter, eggs and spices were added to the recipes to create unique flavours and textures.
By the 18th century, biscuits were being made in bakeries around Europe and they became popular among all classes of society. One of the most notable kinds of biscuits from this time period were called “Rich Tea” biscuits which were a type of sweetened, flaky pastry.
During the 19th century, biscuits continued to become more popular, particularly in the United Kingdom. In 1868, Joseph Huntley & Sons opened the first British biscuit factory in Reading, England and began making shortbreads, digestives and other types of biscuits for mass production. This helped make biscuits accessible to everyone, and it also meant that the variety of biscuit recipes increased dramatically.
Today, there are an endless array of biscuit varieties available in the UK. From traditional favourites like digestives and rich tea biscuits to gourmet creations with creative flavours, there is truly something for everyone. Biscuits continue to be enjoyed by people around the world and their popularity shows no sign of waning anytime soon.

How to Make the Perfect Biscuit

Nothing quite beats the smell of freshly baked biscuits. While it might seem daunting, making your own homemade biscuits is actually quite easy and rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up delicious biscuits in no time.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3⁄4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk or sour cream (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add in the dry ingredients and mix until everything is incorporated. If using buttermilk or sour cream, add it in now and mix until combined.
5. Place spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them apart as the dough will spread out during baking.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges. Let cool before serving. Enjoy! Making homemade biscuits doesn’t have to be hard. By following these simple steps, you can create delicious homemade biscuits that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having friends over for tea or making breakfast in bed, these biscuits are sure to please.

The Best UK Biscuit Brands

When it comes to the best biscuit brands in the UK, you cannot go wrong with these classic favourites. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, indulgent, or something new and exciting, there’s a biscuit for everyone. Here are just some of the best biscuit brands you can find in the UK:
Cadbury – As one of the world’s most recognisable brands, it’s no surprise that Cadbury makes some of the most delicious biscuits around. From their classic Dairy Milk chocolate-covered Hobnobs to the more exotic flavours such as Ginger Biscuits, you can’t go wrong with a Cadbury treat.
Fox's – Fox's has been around since 1853 and offers some of the most well-known biscuits in the UK. Their selection includes classic treats such as Rich Tea, Chocolatey Rings and Party Rings. They also offer some more contemporary flavours such as Macadamia & White Chocolate Biscuits.
McVities – McVities has been around since 1892 and has become one of the most iconic biscuit brands in the UK. The selection features everything from classic Digestives to Choco Leibniz and Ginger Nuts. Their biscuit selection is renowned for its classic taste and quality ingredients.
Nairn’s – Founded in 1896, Nairn’s is another classic UK biscuit brand. Their selection includes an array of healthy oat-based treats such as Oaties, Granola Biscuits, Dark Chocolate Oatcakes and Fruit & Nut Oaty Bars. Walkers – Walkers was founded in 1898 and specialises in shortbread biscuits. From traditional flavours such as Shortbread Fingers and Milk Chocolate Shortbread to more contemporary recipes such as Belgian Chocolate Caramel Rounds, there is something for everyone.
These are just some of the best biscuit brands you can find in the UK. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or indulgent, there’s a delicious treat out there for you. Don’t forget to try some of the more obscure brands too – you never know what tasty surprises await!

Our Favourite Biscuits

Biscuits are one of the most beloved treats in the United Kingdom, and many people have their favourite biscuit that they can’t get enough of. From chocolate digestives to custard creams, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite biscuit varieties that you can find in the UK.
Chocolate Digestives: Chocolate digestives are a classic biscuit and a staple in many homes across the country. Combining a crunchy biscuit base with a layer of creamy milk chocolate, they’re the perfect snack or dessert.
Custard Creams: Custard creams are one of the nation’s favourite biscuits, thanks to their creamy centre and crispy shell. The combination of flavours is hard to beat and makes for an indulgent treat.
Jammie Dodgers: Jammie Dodgers are a classic children’s biscuit and often feature in lunch boxes. With their sweet jammy centre and two crunchy cookies either side, it’s no wonder why these little treats are so popular. Ginger Nuts: Ginger nuts are full of spicy flavour thanks to the generous amount of ginger used to make them. They’re a classic biscuit that goes perfectly with a cup of tea.
Hobnobs: Hobnobs are a classic oat biscuit that is loved by all ages. With their crunchy texture and subtle sweetness, they’re perfect for dunking in tea or eating on their own.
Shortbread: Shortbread is an indulgent biscuit that is popular all year round. Made with butter, flour, and sugar, it’s an incredibly simple biscuit that is incredibly delicious.
McVitie’s Digestives: McVitie’s Digestives have been around since 1892 and are a staple in British homes. With their crunchy texture and mild sweetness, they are perfect for snacking on or dunking into tea or coffee.
The UK has no shortage of delicious biscuits, so there’s sure to be something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Whether you’re after something sweet or something savoury, there’s sure to be a biscuit that takes your fancy.

How to Store Biscuits

Properly storing your biscuits is essential if you want to enjoy them at their best. Biscuits are most enjoyable when they are fresh and crisp, so if you want to keep your treats in perfect condition, you need to store them correctly.
If you buy a packet of store-bought biscuits, the best way to store them is to put them in an airtight container. This will help to keep the biscuits from going stale or absorbing moisture from the air. You should also check the packaging for storage instructions as this will provide guidance on how to best preserve the biscuits.
Homemade biscuits can also be stored for longer periods of time. To store homemade biscuits, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or food bag. Be sure that the container or bag is dry, as moisture will spoil the biscuits quickly. Homemade biscuits can usually be stored for up to a week in a sealed container.
For even longer storage, you can also freeze biscuits. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until they are frozen. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and they should last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw the biscuit and warm in the oven or microwave before enjoying.
No matter how you choose to store your biscuits, it’s important to remember that proper storage is key if you want to make sure that they taste as good as possible. When stored correctly, your favourite biscuits will stay crunchy and delicious for days or even weeks!