Digestive biscuits are a popular type of biscuit in British culture, made with wholemeal flour, sugar, baking soda, oil, salt, and sometimes milk. They were invented by Alexander Grant in the 1800s and marketed as a health food. They are commonly dunked in tea or coffee and can be used for cheesecake crusts. McVitie’s is a large producer, but other companies also make them.
A digestive biscuit is a type of biscuit, or biscuit as they are called in British English, made with coarse wheat flour, ground wholemeal flour, a slight amount of sugar and a raising agent such as baking soda, together with oil, salt and sometimes even milk. The result is a lightly salted cookie with a crumbly texture and simple flavor that some people find quite appealing. Digestives are closely linked to British culture and continue to become popular in the UK well over 100 years after their development.
Credit for the invention of the digestive biscuit is generally attributed to Alexander Grant, an employee of McVitie & Price’s, a Scottish firm. Grant developed the digestive biscuit in the 1800s, and the biscuit was initially marketed as a health food, due to the antacid properties of baking soda. Subsequent tests of digestive biscuits put that claim to rest, although digestifs may be a healthier choice than other biscuits, thanks to the whole grains involved in their manufacture.
A classic digestive biscuit closely resembles a graham cracker. It has a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness from the included sugar. Digestives are also extremely friable. Digestifs can also come in chocolate-coated varieties, and McVitie’s has also branched out considerably with flavors and additives.
Some people like to dunk digestive biscuits into tea or coffee to soften them slightly before consuming, and digestives are commonly offered with drinks in Britain. They can also be crushed to make cracker crusts for things like cheesecakes, or they can be enjoyed on their own. Some pets also enjoy digestive biscuits, but it is important to consult a veterinarian before giving digestive biscuits to any animal.
McVitie’s continues to be a large producer of British digestive biscuits, although many other companies make them. They are often available in markets selling British foods and can also be ordered through specialist importers or directly from the parent company. When buying a packet of digestive biscuits, be sure to give it a gentle shake; if the package rattles, it is a sign that there are broken biscuits inside.
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