Tea Blog

Just as you might draw conclusions about someone based on how they eat an Oreo, it’s also possible to form opinions based on whether—or how—they prefer dipping or dunking things in tea, coffee, milk, or other beverages.

I’ll say right from the outset that I am not a dipper. While I may have experimented with it at some point, it’s not something I typically do now. Dunking biscuits or cookies into tea simply isn’t part of my routine, although it clearly has its fans. As always, personal preference plays a big role in how people enjoy tea.

If you’re curious about the science behind dunking, celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal explored the topic in one of his television programs. As discussed in this NPR article examining whether dunking enhances flavor perception, experiments suggested that dipping a biscuit into hot tea can actually amplify flavor.

While the testing methods may sound a bit unconventional, there is scientific reasoning behind it. Researchers at the University of Nottingham developed a device known as the MS-Nose instrument used to measure aroma release during eating and drinking, which analyzes the aromas released in the mouth as food is consumed. This collaboration between researchers and chefs helped quantify how dunking affects taste.

Of course, for those who already appreciate tea—particularly strong black tea—such findings may not come as much of a surprise. Tea has a way of enhancing flavors on its own, whether paired with biscuits or enjoyed by itself.

Still, whether you embrace dunking or prefer to keep your tea and snacks separate, the choice ultimately comes down to individual taste and habit.

If you’d like to explore this topic further, see this look at the playful and competitive side of tea dunking traditions.

See more of William I. Lengeman’s articles in this archive of tea-related writing by the author.

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