Taking the biscuit: for 100 years we've been eating chocolate digestives all wrong
Whether dunking, nibbling or even gobbling up a chocolate digestive, it seems common sense to keep the biscuity side down.
But we are getting it all wrong, according to Anthony Coulson, general manager of the McVitie's factory in Stockport. He insists that instead the chocolate should be on the bottom and the biscuit on top.
'One of the very first things I learned when I got to join McVitie's was chocolate side down to eat the digestive,' he told the BBC. 'Up until then, I'd always eaten it the other way round.'
The reasoning is obvious – the tongue gets the chocolate hit straight away, explained Coulson. 'It starts to melt, starts to get the flavour and away you go. It makes sense, right?'
Chocolate digestives are celebrating their centenary, having been made by McVitie's since 1925. They were a follow-up to the plain digestive, first manufactured in 1892 but conceived much earlier by two Scottish doctors who believed the sodium bicarbonate in them would aid digestion
They now regularly come top of Britain's favourite biscuit lists and were followed in a 2020 poll by shortbread, chocolate fingers, jaffa cakes (not a biscuit) and chocolate hobnobs. Chocolate digestives were also named as the best dunker in 2009.
In his travel book, Notes From a Small Island, Bill Bryson asked: 'What other nation in the world could possibly have given us William Shakespeare, pork pies, Christopher Wren, Windsor Great Park, the Open University, Gardeners' Question Time, and the chocolate digestive biscuit? None, of course.'
The centenary has led to McVitie's launching one of its biggest ever marketing campaigns, which includes a pop-up chocolate digestive store in Piccadilly Circus, London, from 2-5 May.
It is not known whether the store will tell people how to eat their biscuits but, even for factory boss Coulson, old habits die hard.
'I still do [eat it chocolate side up] if I'm totally honest,' he admitted.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick sensationally SUSPENDED by BBC for using sick disabled slur on Strictly set
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly. The actor 30, apologised for 'any offence and upset' after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Jamie Borthwick was dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a sickening disabled slur on the Strictly set Credit: BBC 5 EastEnders star Borthwick issued a grovelling apology after his offensive comment emerged on a video Credit: BBC 5 The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were 'ignorant and hurtful', adding: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.' The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term 'm********s' to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed. Blackpool Council's Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: 'Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.' And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.' The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders. Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show. He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said 'Oh my God' on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie's. Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. Strictly's Jamie Borthwick cheated on me during the show and then used co-star to try and smooth it over, ex tells pals 'That is on me completely. 'Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. 'It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. 'Again, that is no excuse. 'But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. 'The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. 'I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. 'I am truly sorry.' The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour - which was staged nationwide earlier this year. Jamie, laughing, says on the video: 'Blackpool by the way. 'Absolute m********s'.' The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16. This latest shock comes after opera singer Wynne was booted off the Strictly tour in January accused of making an inappropriate sexual comment, and later told his BBC Radio Wales contract is not being renewed following a four-month investigation. 5 Borthwick pictured with dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas on Strictly Credit: PA 5 The comments sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool Credit: Alamy And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham - which happened before the latter's suspension. Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video. It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool. Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. 'It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. 'Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street. It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street Warren Kirwan, Scope 'Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. 'We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives.' Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council's Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick's comments. He said: 'Blackpool's best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town. 'Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.' Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the 'jewel in the crown' of the Strictly series - with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there. The source added: 'This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show's very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.'
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick sensationally SUSPENDED by BBC for using sick disabled slur on Strictly set
EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick has been dramatically suspended by the BBC for using a vile disabled slur on the set of Strictly. The actor 30, apologised for 'any offence and upset' after aiming the sick jibe at Blackpool locals. 5 5 5 Disability equality charity Scope said the remarks were 'ignorant and hurtful', adding: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable.' The EastEnders star was suspended by the BBC after a video emerged of him on the Strictly set using the term 'm********s' to describe the people of Blackpool, the seaside town where the show was being filmed. Blackpool Council's Tory group leader Paul Galley blasted: 'Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.' And the BBC told The Sun on Sunday: 'This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.' The Sun on Sunday understands Jamie has been suspended by the BBC from his role playing Jay Slater on EastEnders. Jamie made the offensive remark on a mobile phone video while the Strictly cast and crew were at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November for the flagship BBC1 series live show. He was backstage during rehearsals with his Strictly co-star Wynne Evans who said 'Oh my God' on the footage sent to a pal of Jamie's. Jamie, who has been on EastEnders since 2006, said in a statement to The Sun on Sunday: 'I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. 'That is on me completely. 'Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. 'It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. 'Again, that is no excuse. 'But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. 'The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. 'I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. 'I am truly sorry.' The actor and Wynne were sharing their excitement after being told they were selected for the lucrative Strictly tour - which was staged nationwide earlier this year. Jamie, laughing, says on the video: 'Blackpool by the way. 'Absolute m********s'.' The soap star and his professional dance partner Michelle Tsiakkas were lauded in Blackpool after dancing the Jive to The Ketchup Song by Las Ketchup in the live show on November 16. This latest shock comes after opera singer Wynne was booted off the Strictly tour in January accused of making an inappropriate sexual comment, and later told his BBC Radio Wales contract is not being renewed following a four-month investigation. 5 5 And it follows The Sun on Sunday revealing in April how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a joke over a sex toy video backstage at the Strictly tour in Birmingham - which happened before the latter's suspension. Now Jamie is at the centre of a new storm after The Sun on Sunday alerted his team and the BBC to the latest video. It sparked an angry reaction from disability campaigners and the people of Blackpool. Warren Kirwan, Media Manager at disability equality charity Scope said: 'Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. 'It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. 'Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street. It's not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences. Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life from getting a job to shopping on the high street Warren Kirwan, Scope 'Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. 'We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives.' Councillor Paul Galley, Blackpool Council's Conservative group leader, condemned Jamie Borthwick's comments. He said: 'Blackpool's best asset is its amazing people, along with the millions of people from around the UK who genuinely love the town. 'Everyone will be shocked at such a horrible comment and I join them in condemning it.' Meanwhile, a source explained how the Blackpool show is the 'jewel in the crown' of the Strictly series - with celebs and pro dancers often saying how much they enjoy performing there. The source added: 'This will be considered a real blow and hugely embarrassing to the BBC and the show's very warm relationship with the people of Blackpool and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.'
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Iain Stirling's home that's worlds away from Love Island villa
Love Island's Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling lead a relatively private life when it comes to their family, but they have shared some glimpses of their quirky London home Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling have become one of the UK's most prominent and successful power couples in showbiz since their romance blossomed back in 2017. The Irish presenter Laura, 40, and her Scottish partner Iain, 37, have become household names across Ireland and the UK due to their joint hosting and narrating roles on the popular ITV2 dating show, Love Island. The couple tied the knot in 2020 after three years of dating, and a few short months later, they welcomed their first child together - a daughter named Stevie Rae. Despite both Laura and Iain, who is putting his knowledge to the test of The 1% Club for Soccer Aid, being well-known figures in the public eye, they maintain a relatively private life when it comes to their small family. However, former MTV presenter Laura has given fans and followers a sneak peek into their quirky North London home via social media, much to their delight. Always fashionable, Laura seems to have added several touches of her personal style to the décor of her North London home which she shares with husband Iain. Their stunning property exudes a bright and airy feel, with the stylish couple adding lots of unique designs, funky patterns, and vibrant colours to inject personality into their space. Laura and Iain previously gave a glimpse of their incredible back garden which features their very own pub. Named The Snug, the pub is equipped with a bar, shelves filled with alcohol and glasses, a couple of bar stools and Guinness on tap. The couple have also set up a delightful outdoor seating area on their decking, perfect for those idyllic summer days or when playing host to friends. Back in 2020, Laura gave her followers a sneak peek into their personal pub on Instagram, sharing: "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came... The Snug EST 2020." During the lockdown, fans got a glimpse of the interior of their main house as Laura and Iain snuggled on their comfy sofa while featuring on Celebrity Gogglebox, giving viewers a peek at their life off-screen. Their opulent L-shaped sofa is ideal for relaxing evenings, complemented by eclectic wall art and a rug that adds a chic bohemian touch to the room. The dining area in Laura and Iain's home exudes a casual yet inviting atmosphere, with trendy low-hanging lights providing a contemporary edge. At the heart of their dining space stands an elegant wooden table, while a charming portrait of Laura's dog Mick adorns the wall, adding a personal touch. Leading from this area is a spacious open-plan kitchen, boasting pristine white cupboards, vintage-inspired tiles, and cheerful sunflowers by the sink, creating a homely vibe. The beloved pair first offered a glimpse inside their new home in 2019, with Iain capturing a moment of Laura across the table as they enjoyed their first meal of fish and chips in their new digs, fondly referred to as "The First Supper."
