The nation is divided

After years when dunking biscuits in tea publicly would have been frowned upon, results from a new survey reveal that nearly half (48%) of the UK population admits to dunking on a weekly basis, or more often. Dunking seems to be particularly appealing to young people with 22% dunking at least two to three times a week.

Anti-dunking lobby

Etiquette expert and owner of the Tea Cosy in Brighton, David Daly: “Dunking, especially the unsavoury habit of dunking biscuits is strictly prohibited in my tea room and results in immediate rejection.

"Biscuit dunking is an activity enjoyed by the lower classes in society and not an activity our lady customers would wish to indulge in or witness while drinking tea at the Tea Cosy.”

Pro-dunking lobby

Lembit Öpik, President of the MND Association: “I believe that everyone has a favourite dunk, it just depends who’s watching.

"Personally I’m partial to dunking a herring roll mop in taramasalata the morning after the night before’s curry festivities.

"However, I make all attempts not to inflict this abomination on surrounding dunkers, who may prefer a ginger nut in earl grey tea.”

Medieval food historian Caroline Yeldham: “Dipping and dunking food goes back throughout English history.

"During medieval times it was very popular to dip food into saucers containing spicy sauces. There is nothing inelegant about dipping and dunking.”