One of the most debated topics in the UK is whether Jaffa Cakes are biscuits or not. For those who don't know, Jaffa Cakes are a popular snack that consists of a soft sponge base, a layer of orange jelly, and a coating of chocolate. They are often found in the biscuit aisle of the supermarket, which has led many to believe that they are indeed biscuits. However, others argue that they are cakes. So, what is the truth? Let's find out.
The Legal Battle
In 1991, a legal battle ensued between McVitie's, the company that produces Jaffa Cakes, and the UK government over whether they should be classified as a cake or a biscuit. This was a significant case because cakes and biscuits are subject to different tax rates in the UK. Cakes are considered a staple food and are therefore exempt from VAT, while biscuits are subject to a 20% tax rate. So, it was a matter of considerable financial importance.
The argument put forward by McVitie's was that Jaffa Cakes are cakes because they have a higher moisture content than biscuits and they go hard when stale, whereas biscuits go soft. They also argued that Jaffa Cakes are typically served as a dessert, just like cakes. The government, however, argued that Jaffa Cakes are biscuits because they are small and can be eaten in one or two bites, just like biscuits. They also argued that Jaffa Cakes are often eaten with tea, just like biscuits.
After much debate, the case was eventually settled in favour of McVitie's, and Jaffa Cakes were officially classified as cakes. This was because when Jaffa Cakes go stale, they become hard, just like cakes, and not soft, like biscuits.
The Science Behind It
So, now that we know that Jaffa Cakes are cakes, let's explore the science behind it. Cakes and biscuits are both baked goods, but they have different ingredients and cooking methods. Cakes are typically made with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, while biscuits are made with flour, sugar, and fat. Cakes are also baked at a lower temperature for a longer time, while biscuits are baked at a higher temperature for a shorter time.
When it comes to Jaffa Cakes, the sponge base is made using a cake recipe, which includes eggs and butter. This gives the sponge a light and fluffy texture, just like a cake. The layer of orange jelly also adds moisture to the Jaffa Cake, which is another characteristic of cakes. Finally, the chocolate coating on a Jaffa Cake is similar to the icing on a cake.
The Verdict
So, in conclusion, Jaffa Cakes are cakes, not biscuits. This has been legally established and scientifically proven. However, they are often found in the biscuit aisle of the supermarket because they are a snack that is typically eaten with tea or coffee, just like biscuits. So, the next time someone asks you whether Jaffa Cakes are biscuits, you can confidently tell them that they are not.