Experts from Buzz Bingo recently conducted a durability test on 10 popular biscuits to see which could withstand being dunked in tea. The results identified shortbread as the most resilient option, while Gingernuts failed the fastest.

Shortbread's 5-minute and 30-second reign

Buzz Bingo experts found that shortbread is the gold standard for tea dunking due to its superior structural integrity. According to the report, the shortbread biscuit maintained its form for 4 minutes 56 seconds when paired with semi-skimmed cow's milk, and an impressive 5 minutes 30 seconds in oat milk.

This level of endurance suggests a density that resists liquid penetration far more effectively than other common treats. For the consumer, this means a significantly longer window to enjoy the biscuit before it collapses into the cup.

The 34-second collapse of the Gingernut

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Gingernut proved to be the most fragile of the group. As the Buzz Bingo study reported, Gingernuts diisintegrated in just 34 seconds, regardless of whether semi-skimmed cow's milk or oat milk was used in the tea.

The study also flagged Custard Creams and Chocolate Digestives as poor performers in terms of durability. These popular treats failed to impress the experts, ranking far below the shortbread in the race against saturation.

How oat milk adds 45 seconds of durability

The choice of milk appears to be a critical variable in the physics of the dunk. The Buzz Bingo analysis indicates that using oat milk extends the average life of a biscuit by 45 seconds compared to semi-skimmed cow's milk.

Certain biscuits benefited more than others from this plant-based alternative.. Specifically, Pink Wafers and Chocolate Malted Milks showed a marked increase in durability when dunked into tea made with oat milk, suggesting a chemical or textural interaction that slows the breakdown of the biscuit.

Oxford University's 'oral-somatosensory' flip for Chocolate Digestives

While Buzz Bingo focused on durability, scientists from Oxford University have focused on the sensory experience of eating. These experts suggest that the ideal way to consume a Chocolate Digestive is to hold the biscuit with the chocolate side facing up, but flip it over immediately before taking a bite.

This specific movement allows the brain to first register the chocolate coating before the chocolate hits the tongue directly.. According to the Oxford University researchers, this maximizes the 'oral-somatosensory experience' of the chocolate melting, provided the biscuit is kept at room temperature and chewed slowly.

The missing data on tea temperature and brew strength

Despite the precise timings provided by Buzz Bingo, the report leaves several critical variables unexplained.. it remains unclear what the exact temperature of the tea was during the tests or if the strength of the brew varied between the 10 different biscuits.

Furthermore, the study does not specify if the biscuits were fully submerged or merely dipped. because the 34-second failure rate of the Gingernut is so stark, knowing the exact depth of the dunk is essential for anyone attempting to replicate these results at home.

This focus on the "science of the snack" reflects a broader trend of gamifying domestic habits. By applying rigorous testing to a daily ritual, companies like Buzz Bingo engage consumers through low-stakes, relatable debate, turning a simple tea break into a data-driven competition.