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National Biscuit Day 2026
May 29
What is National Biscuit Day?
National Biscuit Day is celebrated on 29 May each year and is a day dedicated to one of the nation’s most beloved snacks — the biscuit. From Digestives and Rich Teas to Custard Creams and Bourbons, the humble biscuit holds a cherished place in British culture, and this day is the perfect excuse to put the kettle on and reach for the biscuit tin.
Britain is one of the world’s most enthusiastic biscuit-consuming nations. The average Briton purchases around 500 biscuits per year, and the UK biscuit market is worth billions of pounds annually. National Biscuit Day celebrates this love affair with the biscuit in all its forms — whether dunked in tea, enjoyed with coffee, or simply eaten on its own.
When is National Biscuit Day?
National Biscuit Day takes place on 29 May each year.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 29 May | Wednesday |
| 2025 | 29 May | Thursday |
| 2026 | 29 May | Friday |
| 2027 | 29 May | Saturday |
| 2028 | 29 May | Monday |
Why National Biscuit Day Matters
The biscuit is more than just a snack — it is a cornerstone of British culture. The ritual of tea and biscuits is woven into the fabric of daily life, from office tea rounds and mid-morning breaks to afternoon catch-ups and late-night treats. For many people, a cup of tea simply is not complete without a biscuit alongside it.
National Biscuit Day also celebrates the incredible variety of biscuits available. The UK is home to some of the most iconic biscuit brands in the world, including McVitie’s, which produces the nation’s best-selling Digestive, and Huntley and Palmers, which helped establish the modern biscuit industry. From the simple Rich Tea to the indulgent Chocolate Hobnob, there is a biscuit for every taste and occasion.
The day is also an opportunity to support the British biscuit industry, which employs thousands of people and has a rich manufacturing heritage stretching back centuries. Many beloved biscuit recipes have remained largely unchanged for generations, a testament to the enduring appeal of these simple yet satisfying treats.
How to Get Involved
National Biscuit Day is one of the easiest awareness days to participate in:
- Host a biscuit tasting — Gather a selection of different biscuits and host a tasting session with friends, family, or colleagues. Rank them, debate the merits of each, and settle the age-old question of which biscuit is the best dunker.
- Bake your own — Try your hand at homemade biscuits. From classic shortbread to ginger snaps and chocolate chip cookies, baking biscuits is a rewarding and accessible activity for all ages.
- Perfect your dunking technique — The art of dunking a biscuit in tea without it collapsing is a skill that takes practice. Use the day to refine your technique and find your ideal biscuit-to-tea ratio.
- Share on social media — Post a photo of your favourite biscuit, share your biscuit hot takes, or start a debate about the most controversial biscuit opinions using the hashtag #NationalBiscuitDay.
- Explore new varieties — Step outside your comfort zone and try a biscuit you have never had before. The UK produces hundreds of different varieties, so there is always something new to discover.
History
The word “biscuit” derives from the Latin “panis biscotus,” meaning “twice-cooked bread.” This reflects the original method of making biscuits, which involved baking bread dough twice to create a hard, long-lasting product. In their earliest form, biscuits were not the sweet treats we know today but were hard, dry provisions designed to sustain sailors and soldiers on long journeys.
The British biscuit industry began to take its modern form in the 19th century. In 1831, Huntley and Palmers invented the decorative biscuit tin, which not only preserved biscuits but also made them an attractive gift. By 1900, Huntley and Palmers biscuits had been sold in 172 countries. McVitie’s introduced the Digestive biscuit in 1892, which remains the UK’s best-selling biscuit to this day.
The 20th century saw the introduction of many now-iconic biscuits, including the Bourbon (1910), the Custard Cream (1908), and the Hobnob (1985). Today, the UK biscuit market continues to evolve with new flavours, healthier options, and premium ranges, but the classics remain as popular as ever.
National Biscuit Day was established to give this beloved snack the recognition it deserves, providing a moment each year for the nation to come together over a shared love of biscuits.
Hashtags: #NationalBiscuitDay #BiscuitDay #Biscuits #DunkYourBiscuit #TeaAndBiscuits
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