While sipping tea with biscuits is a cherished ritual for millions, health experts are raising red flags about the impact of this comforting combo. Recent studies and expert opinions suggest that regularly pairing tea with biscuits may lead to elevated blood sugar levels, weight gain, and digestive issues.

Biscuits, often made from refined flour, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, are deceptively calorie-dense. A plain biscuit contains about 40 calories, but cream-filled or chocolate-coated options can easily pack 100 to 150 calories each. And rarely does anyone stop at just one. This habit of mindless snacking adds up quickly, both in terms of calories and long-term health risks.

Tea, on its own, is generally considered a healthy beverage. Rich in antioxidants and low in calories when consumed plain, it has been associated with various health benefits. However, pairing it with sweet treats like biscuits can significantly reduce its health value. According to health experts cited by The Telegraph, consuming sugary snacks with tea can trigger rapid spikes in blood glucose followed by energy crashes, leaving individuals fatigued and craving more sugar.

The warm ritual of dipping a biscuit in tea offers short-lived satisfaction, but it also activates the brain’s reward system in ways that may reinforce unhealthy eating patterns. Repeated over time, this behavior can disrupt glycaemic control and lead to digestive issues like acidity, bloating, and constipation.

Another concern lies in how people prepare their tea. Adding milk and sugar—a common practice—transforms a low-calorie drink into a sugar-laden beverage. Combined with biscuits, the cumulative calorie load and glycaemic impact can be significant.

Healthier Habits to Consider

Experts aren’t calling for the end of tea-time, but they recommend simple adjustments to reduce the health risks:

• Avoid biscuits and tea first thing in the morning, especially on an empty stomach, when insulin sensitivity is high. Instead, consider a balanced breakfast and save tea and biscuits for a mid-day treat.
• Bake your own biscuits at home using whole grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners for a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.
• Choose whole-wheat or low-sugar biscuits when buying packaged snacks, and check labels for refined flour and trans fats.
• Skip the sugar in your tea if you’re having it with sweet biscuits, and opt for low-fat or non-dairy milk if you use milk.

In moderation, enjoying tea with a biscuit can still be part of a healthy lifestyle. But understanding the metabolic and nutritional impact of this daily habit is key to avoiding its hidden health pitfalls. Small, mindful changes can make a big difference.