Drinking tea with biscuits remains a popular habit among many, yet medical professionals warn that this combination may cause harmful health effects.
Research suggested that it raises blood sugar levels, stimulates addiction pathways in the brain, and contributes to weight gain and digestive discomfort.
Biscuits contain refined flour and unhealthy fats, making them a high-calorie food. A plain biscuit contains approximately 40 calories. Cream-filled or chocolate-coated varieties may contain between 100 and 150 calories each. In most cases, one biscuit does not suffice, leading to overconsumption.
Tea, among the most widely consumed beverages globally, holds recognised health benefits when consumed without additives. However, according to The Telegraph, experts advise against pairing it with biscuits or sugary foods. The combination may provoke a sharp increase in blood sugar followed by a crash, affecting energy and mood.
The ritual of dipping a biscuit into a warm cup of tea may feel comforting. However, the temporary rush of sugar triggers a rapid insulin response. As the body works to regulate the sudden spike in glucose, individuals often experience a drop in energy and an increased desire for more sugar.
This cycle may explain why people tend to consume multiple biscuits in one sitting. Repeated behaviour of this kind may develop into a habit with long-term consequences, including poor glycaemic control and digestive disturbances such as acidity and constipation.
Experts list milk and sugar among the additions best avoided in tea. While tea is often recommended as a source of caffeine and antioxidants, adding sugar or milk transforms it into a high-calorie beverage, further exacerbating its impact on blood sugar levels.
Although the combination of tea and biscuits remains a daily ritual for some, steps may reduce its potential harm:
Avoid consuming tea and biscuits first thing in the morning or on an empty stomach. Doing so may raise insulin levels unnecessarily. Instead, have them as a small midday snack.
Prepare homemade biscuits when possible. These often contain fewer additives and less processed sugar than commercial alternatives.
Choose whole-grain varieties and avoid products made with refined flour and white sugar.
If consuming sugary biscuits, omit sugar from tea. When using milk, opt for a fat-free version.
In moderation, both tea and biscuits may be enjoyed without severe consequences. However, awareness of their combined effect on the body is essential to prevent long-term health complications.