Almost a third of people in Scotland have dunked in someone else’s cuppa

Great British Bake Off stars Giuseppe Dell’Anno and Lizzie Acker are supporting a new cookie campaign from charity Mary’s Meals 

A survey by school feeding charity Mary’s Meals has revealed that around one in three people in Scotland have dunked a biscuit in someone else’s cuppa. 

Giuseppe Dell’Anno and Lizzie Acker, stars of Great British Bake Off, have spoken out on the controversial poll – with 2021 winner Giuseppe saying: “I would never dunk my biscuit in someone else’s cuppa – and I won’t be held responsible for my actions if anyone dares dunk their biscuit in mine!”  

The survey of 2,000 people across the UK, held to launch the charity’s Raise Some Dough campaign, also revealed that in Scotland: 

• Almost a third of people in Scotland have dunked their biscuit in someone else’s cuppa (31%) 
• 30% of respondents said they don’t eat biscuits, with 13% saying they don’t dunk biscuits 
• The digestive is the nation’s favourite biscuit to dunk (14%), while a party ring, fig roll and Oreo came out as the least popular biscuits for dunking (1%) 
• Almost a tenth of people (9%) eat biscuits in bed  
• And 6% of people eat biscuits in the bath 

Giuseppe says: “The traditional Italian breakfast is caffè latte and biscuits, rigorously dunked.

“So, I love to dunk! But, while I love to share the experience of eating together, I don’t like sharing food – so I would NEVER dunk my biscuit in someone else’s cuppa!”  

Lizzie – who reached the quarter finals of Great British Bake Off in 2021 – takes a different view: “I’m not a dunker, I love the crunch of a freshly baked biscuit. A soggy biscuit is as bad as a soggy bottom, in my opinion!” 

This winter, Mary’s Meals is asking people across Scotland to take part in its new baking fundraiser, Raise Some Dough. 

The charity serves nutritious school meals in 20 of the world’s poorest countries, many of which are impacted by conflict and natural disasters. The promise of food attracts hungry children into the classroom where they can gain an education and hope for the future. 

It costs just £15.90 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals every school day for a year. 

Dan McNally, head of grassroots engagement at Mary’s Meals, says: “Whether you dunk in your own cuppa, dunk in someone else’s, or don’t dunk at all, everyone can enjoy a biscuit while ‘raising some dough’ to raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals. 

“We’re so grateful to Giuseppe and Lizzie for their support – and we hope they inspire people across the UK to get baking!” 

Giuseppe adds: “Mary’s Meals is a wonderful charity that serves nutritious school meals in some of the world’s poorest, and often most difficult, locations. 

“Whether you’re a brilliant baker or a budding baker, please do what you can to support its important work. Your kindness will transform lives!” 

Giuseppe and Lizzie are just two of the famous faces supporting Mary’s Meals. Strictly Come Dancing star Ellie Taylor, and actors Joanna Lumley and Tamzin Outhwaite have all shared their favourite biscuit recipes in the charity’s free fundraising pack – which includes a mug-shaped cookie cutter.

It is available online from marysmeals.org.uk/raise 

Donations made to Mary’s Meals until 31 January 2023 will be doubled by a generous group of supporters, up to £1.5 million, with the charity’s Double The Love campaign.