digestives

Digestives are a type of semi-sweet biscuit that originated in Britain. They are named for a historical claim that their bicarbonate-containing recipe aided digestion, and they are typically made with wholemeal flour. The biscuits have a firm, crumbly texture and a light sweetness, and they are commonly enjoyed with tea.

Digestives were developed in the late 19th century by the British confectionery company McVitie's. The original formula included sodium bicarbonate as a leavening agent, which contributed to the idea that the biscuit could aid digestion. Over time, numerous variants were introduced, most notably chocolate-coated digestives, which became widely popular in the mid-20th century and remain common today.

The standard version is made from flour (often wholemeal or a blend), sugar, vegetable oil or butter, and leavening agents. Some versions include added salt or flavorings. They are baked until firm and slightly dry, producing a biscuit that breaks with a crumbly snap.

Digestives are used as a snack on their own and are also widely eaten with tea or coffee. In some cuisines they serve as a crust or base for cheesecake and other desserts. They are marketed under a number of brands beyond McVitie's, and are known by the term digestive biscuits in British English and by similar names in other markets.

Variations exist worldwide, including chocolate-coated iterations in many markets. Despite changing consumer preferences, digestives remain a staple of classic British biscuit culture.