What’s The UK’s Favourite Biscuit?
When it comes to the great British brew, no cup of tea is truly complete without a trusty biscuit. But which crumbly companion reigns supreme across the nation? A new study by premium appliance brand AEG has revealed the UK’s top biscuit obsessions, and let’s just say, our tastes are as rich and varied as the biscuit tin itself.
At the top of the list? The iconic shortbread biscuit. With its buttery simplicity and Scottish roots, shortbread isn’t just a festive favourite—it’s a year-round national treasure. Brits are so smitten that it racked up the most Google searches every month, comfortably taking the crown as the UK’s most beloved biscuit. It came out on top in every single city analysed, proving that sometimes, simple really is best.
UK’s Best Biscuits Ranked — Is Your Favourite on the List?
| Rank | Biscuit |
| 1 | Shortbread Biscuit |
| 2 | Gingerbread |
| 3 | Biscoff |
| 4 | Oreo |
| 5 | Jaffa Cake |
| 6 | Tea Cakes |
| 7 | Biscotti |
| 8 | Digestive Biscuit |
| 9 | Custard Cream |
| 10 | Garibaldi |
Coming in second is the spiced and nostalgic gingerbread. This old-school treat has clearly earned a permanent spot in our hearts (and browsers). Once a seasonal staple, gingerbread has become a year-round go-to, and not just in festive December.
The ever-trendy Biscoff secured third place. Known for its deep caramelised crunch and often spotted perched on the side of posh lattes, this Belgian biscuit has skyrocketed in popularity—particularly in big cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow.
Meanwhile, the classic Oreo, a bold American export, took fourth. With its chocolate sandwich design and cream filling, it seems to have carved out a solid fanbase across the UK—especially in cities like Birmingham and Belfast.
And in fifth? The ever-controversial Jaffa Cake. Technically a cake, legally a biscuit (depending on the argument), this tangy, chocolate-topped treat still holds a beloved place in British culture, despite decades of debate.
Other favourites rounding out the top 10 include Tea Cakes, Biscotti, Digestives, Custard Creams, and the underrated yet enduring Garibaldi.
But the data doesn’t just reveal what we’re searching for—it shows where our cravings are strongest. Oxford tops the list as the UK’s most biscuit-obsessed city, with locals logging more biscuit-related searches per person than anywhere else. Edinburgh follows close behind—no doubt driven by fierce shortbread pride—while Birmingham secures third place with a strong appetite for gingerbread and Oreos.
Interestingly, Cambridge, Oxford’s academic rival, came in last, with biscuit-related searches more than 85% lower than its counterpart. It seems the battle of the university cities now includes a biscuit divide.
Yorkshire cities also revealed a distinctive twist in taste: from Leeds to Huddersfield, Tea Cakes enjoyed unexpected popularity, adding a sweet regional quirk to the mix.
So, whether you’re a shortbread purist, a gingerbread enthusiast, or a Biscoff loyalist, one thing’s clear: the UK takes its biscuits very seriously. The kettle’s on—what’s your pick from the tin?
* Data collated using search volume data via Google Keyword Planner
Top photo by Adam Bartoszewicz on Unsplash
