Jaffa Cakes wins UK's favourite biscuit - but expert points out major problem
Is there anything more British than a classic cup of tea and a biscuit? Whether you're unwinding after a long day or taking a quick break from working, as a nation we drink over 100 million cups of tea daily, and 29% of Brits indulge in a biscuit alongside their drink.
It has been revealed that the nation's favourite is a Jaffa Cake. The UK loves the orange flavoured delight, but experts have spotted one major problem - they're not actually biscuits.
Beating some hard competition such as a beloved digestive or a hobnob, Google searches for topics related to whether Jaffa Cakes 'are a biscuit or cake' has had a 5000% search increases on the controversial debate and if you're still left wondering, the experts at Britsuperstore have provided their input to clarify the status of Jaffa Cakes.
They claimed: "Legally, Jaffa Cakes are considered cakes in the UK. This clarification came from a legal debate in 1991, in which McVities, the company that has been making Jaffa Cakes since 1997, was challenged for branding them as cakes for tax purposes.
"Cakes were regarded as a staple food and were therefore exempt from VAT. However, Customs and Excise ruled Jaffa Cakes to be biscuits, partly covered in chocolate, and considered eligible for VAT.
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"McVities appealed against this decision and the appeal went to court, where the cake manufacturers ultimately won the case by highlighting that Jaffa Cakes, like regular cakes, harden when they go stale, while biscuits soften.
"During the court battle, McVities even went so far as to bake a giant Jaffa Cake to further prove their argument, ultimately winning the case. The main reason that people continue to argue that Jaffa Cakes could be biscuits is that they are small and a circular shape, similar to a biscuit."
As well as their appealing look, it's easy to brand them as biscuits due to their packaging, it's not your average cake packaging and often placed on shelves in supermarkets in the biscuit aisle, leading to people believing that Jaffa Cakes are a unique take on biscuits.
They added: "In the court battle, it was also put forward that Jaffa Cakes are eaten as a snack, with your fingers, in contrast to a cake which is often eaten at events, sometimes with a fork. Hence, why people continue to refer to Jaffa Cakes as biscuits to this day.
"While there was a legal ruling on what Jaffa Cakes are, this was done simply for determining their tax status. Ultimately, whether they are cakes or biscuits, the most important thing is that people are able to enjoy a delicious combination of sponge, orange jam, and chocolate!"
Either way, sitting down with a pack of Jaffa Cakes and a cup of tea is definitely one of life's simple pleasures.
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