Chai Loves Biscuits, But Your Body Might Not

A Daily Ritual Across Homes

For many Indian families, tea is rarely served without a small crunchy sidekick. From glucose rounds and Marie-style dunkers to cream-filled cookies and spiced jeera biscuits, these snacks have become an inseparable part of the evening chai ritual. Sweet or savory, light or indulgent—biscuits are so commonplace that they are often eaten without a second thought.

The Expanding Biscuit Shelf

Over the years, supermarket shelves have broadened to showcase “lite,” “diet,” and “digestive” variants, alongside oat and multigrain blends. Despite the packaging promises, most still depend heavily on refined flour, added sugars, and processed oils to retain taste and long shelf life. As India faces rising concerns over obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, the humble biscuit is no longer escaping scrutiny.

Warnings at Snack Counters

In a new step toward healthier public habits, the government has introduced awareness boards at AIIMS Nagpur, similar to cigarette-style warnings. Placed near food stalls selling popular treats—such as samosas, jalebis, pakoras, and even chai biscuits—the signs caution citizens about excessive oil, sugar, and trans-fat content. The campaign doesn’t seek to outlaw these foods but nudges people to pause and reconsider their snacking choices.

Empty Calories in Disguise

Nutrition experts highlight that most tea-time biscuits, including glucose and Marie types, are essentially made of refined flour and low-quality fats. The energy they supply is short-lived, with almost no fibre, protein, or valuable nutrition to back it up. This makes them calorie-dense yet nutritionally poor—a combination that can be damaging if eaten daily. Plain biscuits, though perceived as “better” than cream-filled ones, are still far from healthy for metabolic balance.

Impact on Metabolic Health

Frequent biscuit consumption has been linked with weight gain, elevated cholesterol, and unstable blood sugar. These effects contribute to long-term risks such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular problems. The real danger lies not in an occasional indulgence but in repeated daily consumption, often with multiple servings alongside tea. High carbohydrates, trans fats, and simple sugars combine to put strain on the body’s ability to regulate key health markers.

Choosing Smarter Options

Finding healthier alternatives is possible but requires conscious effort. Checking labels is a key step—if the first three ingredients include refined flour, hydrogenated oils, or sugar, that’s a signal to put the pack back. Whole-grain, high-fiber, or reduced-sugar options are relatively better, though still best consumed in moderation. Pairing tea with fruits, nuts, or roasted snacks could serve as more nourishing replacements.

A Step Toward Preventive Awareness

The government’s decision to install warnings at food counters signals a shift in how everyday eating habits are addressed. While the measure might appear symbolic, it represents an important push toward preventive healthcare. Expanding such initiatives to schools, colleges, and workplaces, along with encouraging production of healthier snack alternatives, can drive lasting changes in dietary behavior.

A Balanced Tea Break

Biscuits need not be completely off the table. The real risk lies less in a one-off indulgence and more in making it a daily ritual, morning and evening. With a bit of mindfulness and better choices, tea time can still remain comforting—just with a healthier crunch on the side.