This is the correct way to eat a Jaffa Cake, according to science

Full moon, half moon, total eclipse…
Alice Howarth5 March 2018

Aside from deciding whether you think a Jaffa Cake is a biscuit or a cake (let’s not go there), there’s something else to think about when enjoying one - what is the best way to eat it?

Thankfully the makers of Jaffa Cakes have stepped up to settle the debate once and for all. To answer the question, McVitie’s partnered with food science expert, Dr Stuart Farrimond, to put the age-old debate to bed by discovering the optimum ratio of chocolate, zesty orange and sponge, which in scientific terms, is called the ‘hedonic breakpoint’.

The ‘McVitie’s Zest Report’, which uses four scientific research methods, hundreds of Jaffa Cakes and a panel of Jaffa Cakes fans to assess the ratio of the three layers, including analysis of the flavour, texture and overall appeal, has now conclusively found the best way to eat the citrusy treat.

After hours of scoffing, it was found ‘The All Rounder’ - the technique of nibbling around the edge first, before enjoying the middle portion - came up trumps. Science concludes that this eating technique gives the ‘almost perfectly optimised balance of zesty orange, slightly bitter chocolate and sweet airy sponge’.

Baking essentials - in pictures

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The four runners up were The Half Mooner – full moon, half moon, total eclipse – enjoyed in two bites is the technique preferred by 35% of Brits. The All Rounder – nibble around the edge, saving the best for last, was chosen by 28%. The Scoffer – down all in one - came third at 20% and The Jelly Lover – head straight for the orange jelly - came last with only 6% of people stating it as their preference.

We’re so thrilled this debate is finally settled.

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