A contestant on The Great British Bake Off has sparked debate after describing biscuits as “an old person thing”. During a preview for the next episode, host Noel Fielding asked 21-year-old baker Mo if he eats biscuits, and he replied: “Not really, they’re an old person thing.”
Gen Z views on biscuits
Speaking to Metro, several young people shared their views. Shannon, 29, from Plymouth, said: “Certain biscuits are for old people. I’m not touching a malted milk, but give me a packet of custard creams, and you won’t get it back.” An A-Level student from South London said she wouldn’t be caught dead eating a rich tea biscuit, adding: “I’ve only ever seen them being consumed by people over 50.”
Rich tea biscuits are also a no-no for 23-year-old Amiya, who said her generation views them as “an old person choice” because they’re “too bland and plain”. Shortbread, ginger nuts, and Jaffa Cakes have also been placed in the “old person snack” column by Gen Z.
Chocolate biscuits get the thumbs up
Anything with chocolate is deemed acceptable. Amiya added: “Chocolate digestives are the obvious choice, and I LOVE the white chocolate ones too.” Sam, 19, from Norfolk, said he was partial to a chocolate digestive and “loved” an Oreo, while Chelcie, 29, declared chocolate chip cookies her biscuit of choice, especially if they’re from M&S.
M&S relaunches The Big Six
Food industry experts say biscuits are about to have a “big comeback”, and one of the places fuelling this is Marks & Spencer. Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, M&S has made cookies a cult foodie item that shoppers of all ages rush to buy whenever a new flavour drops. The retailer is also known for its custard cream selection, which includes extra creamy custard creams, chocolate-covered ones, a custard cream doughnut, and a custard cream spread.
M&S has just launched a new biscuit product called The Big Six. It dates back to the 1950s and was a biscuit assortment box featuring teacakes, chocolate sandwich biscuits, and jaffa eclairs. The product development team has revisited the heritage product and reimagined it, filling the box with 21 biscuits across six customer-favourite varieties. The new line-up includes Milk Chocolate Fudge Creams, Milk Chocolate Sandwich Fingers, Outrageously Chocolatey Marbled Whirls, All Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies, and Outrageously Chocolatey Milk Chocolate Shortcakes.
