Digestive Biscuits: Natural Laxative?

Digestive biscuits were first developed in 1839 by two Scottish doctors to aid digestion. The biscuits contain sodium bicarbonate, which is a laxative, and historically, some producers used diastatic malt extract to digest starch in flour before baking. However, according to a dietician, the ingredients in digestive biscuits are unlikely to have a laxative effect, but the bicarbonate could act as an antacid for those with heartburn. The only ingredient that may aid digestion is whole wheat flour, as it contains fibre, which contributes to a healthy gut microbiome and helps keep people regular.

Digestive biscuits were first developed in 1839 by two Scottish doctors to aid digestion

The original recipe for digestive biscuits included wholewheat flour, which is known to contain fibre and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. This ingredient may have been included to help with digestion and keep people regular. However, it is unclear how much sodium bicarbonate and whole wheat flour were included in the original recipe.

Digestive biscuits are semi-sweet and are commonly consumed in the UK with tea or cheese. They are made with brown wheat flour, sugar, malt extract, vegetable oil, wholemeal, a raising agent, and salt, and are only 70 calories. While they may not have a significant impact on digestion, they are not considered harmful to health when consumed in moderation.

The first-ever digestive biscuits were developed by these Scottish doctors, but the popular recipe associated with the brand McVities was not created until 1892. The biscuits were patented in 1890, three years before McVities introduced their version.

The biscuits contain sodium bicarbonate, which is a laxative

Digestive biscuits were developed by two Scottish doctors in 1839 to aid digestion. The biscuits contain sodium bicarbonate, which is a laxative.

Scottish comedian Gary Meikle recently shared a video on TikTok revealing his surprise at discovering the meaning behind the name of the popular biscuits. In the video, he explains that he had never thought about why they were called 'digestives' until his American girlfriend pointed it out and asked him to look at the ingredients.

Meikle's video prompted a wave of reactions from fellow British users, with many expressing similar surprise and feelings of being 'violated'. However, a dietician has claimed that the amount of bicarbonate in the biscuits is unknown and that it is unlikely to have a noticeable laxative effect. The only ingredient that could potentially aid digestion is whole wheat flour, due to its fibre content.

While the presence of sodium bicarbonate in digestive biscuits may not have the intended effect, it is interesting to note that the original intention behind the creation of these biscuits was to help with digestion. This insight into the history of the biscuits has certainly left many people feeling surprised and amused.

A dietician claims the biscuits are unlikely to have a laxative effect

Digestive biscuits were first developed in 1839 by two Scottish doctors to aid digestion. The term "digestive" is derived from the belief that they had antacid properties due to the use of sodium bicarbonate as an ingredient. However, according to registered dietician Catherine Brennan, the ingredients in digestive biscuits are unlikely to have a laxative effect.

Brennan claims that the only ingredient in digestive biscuits that could possibly aid digestion is wholewheat flour, as it contains fibre, which contributes to a healthy gut microbiome and helps keep people regular. While the amount of bicarbonate in these biscuits is unknown, it could technically act as an antacid for those experiencing heartburn.

Brennan summarises that while digestive biscuits are not harmful to health if consumed in moderation, they "won't miraculously improve your digestion".

The biscuits are frequently eaten with tea or coffee and are popular for dunking

Digestive biscuits are a popular snack in the UK and are frequently eaten with tea or coffee. They are also a favourite for dunking, with McVitie's chocolate digestive being named the most popular biscuit for dunking in 2009. The chocolate variant from McVitie's is also routinely ranked the UK's favourite snack.

The biscuits were first developed in 1839 by two Scottish doctors to aid digestion, hence the name. They contain sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a laxative, as well as coarse brown wheat flour, sugar, malt extract, vegetable oil, wholemeal, raising agents, and salt.

While the biscuits were intended to help with digestion, a dietician has claimed that they are unlikely to have a significant impact in that regard. However, the bicarbonate could act as an antacid for those suffering from heartburn.

Digestives are also used as a cracker with cheese and in food preparation

Digestive biscuits are a versatile snack with a variety of uses beyond being a simple biscuit. One of their most popular uses is as a cracker to accompany cheese. The semi-sweet flavour of the digestive biscuit pairs extremely well with creamy goat cheeses, as the piquancy of the cheese complements the sweetness of the biscuit. The classic digestive biscuits used for this purpose are McVities or Hovis, but other brands such as Doves Farm also offer award-winning digestives made with 100% wholemeal flour and malt for added richness.

Digestive biscuits are also commonly included in "cracker selection" packets, showcasing their popularity as a cheese companion. They are often paired with mature cheddar, providing a crunchy base that allows the flavour of the cheese to shine through. The versatility of digestive biscuits in terms of flavour and texture makes them a popular choice for cheese pairings.

In addition to being a tasty snack on their own or with cheese, digestive biscuits are also used in food preparation. They are particularly well-suited for making into bases for cheesecakes and similar desserts. The coarse brown wheat flour used in digestives gives them a distinctive texture and flavour that can enhance the taste and presentation of various sweet dishes.

The versatility of digestive biscuits doesn't end there; they are also a popular choice for "dunking" into tea or coffee. The biscuit tends to disintegrate when wet, so it is often eaten quickly after being dunked. This practice is so common that digestive biscuits are ranked among the top 10 biscuits in the UK for dunking in tea. The chocolate-coated variant of digestive biscuits, introduced by McVitie's in 1925, is routinely ranked as the UK's favourite snack and has been described as "a British masterpiece" by American travel writer Bill Bryson.

Frequently asked questions