Biscuits are more than just snacks in India — they are a part of our memories, our daily routines, and our tea-time rituals. From the humble Parle-G to the creamy indulgence of Jim Jam, Indian biscuits have carved a unique identity that blends affordability with flavor. This blog post is a tribute to those timeless cookies and crunchy delights that have accompanied us in lunchboxes, chai breaks, and late-night cravings.
Let’s take a delicious journey through some of the most iconic biscuits in India.
☕ 1. Parle-G: The OG Biscuit of India
No biscuit defines India’s tea culture like Parle-G. Launched by Parle Products in 1939, Parle-G became the lifeline snack of middle-class households across the country. With its distinct rectangular shape and the iconic girl on the wrapper, this glucose biscuit is more than a treat — it’s a piece of history.
Whether dunked in tea or eaten plain, Parle-G’s sweet simplicity remains unmatched. It is not just affordable but emotionally resonant, having been a constant in our lives from school days to college hostels.
🍫 2. Bourbon: Creamy, Chocolaty Indulgence
The Bourbon biscuit — a chocolate-flavored sandwich with a sugar-sprinkled top — is every sweet lover’s dream. Available from brands like Britannia and others, Bourbon is that special treat saved for weekends or shared with friends during recess.
It’s not as everyday as Parle-G, but its presence marks an occasion. Creamy, sweet, and crunchy, Bourbon remains a symbol of low-key celebration.
🌼 3. Marie Gold: The Light and Mild One
Britannia Marie Gold is the biscuit of choice for those who like something light and not-too-sweet with their tea. Popular among the health-conscious, Marie Gold is made with wheat and provides a subtle taste that complements the flavor of chai without overpowering it.
In many Indian homes, Marie Gold is served to guests as a polite, inoffensive snack — classy and understated.
🍓 4. Jim Jam: Childhood in a Bite
Who could forget Jim Jam? That cream-filled biscuit with a sugary jelly center was practically a reward for good behavior in childhood. With its vibrant colors and soft filling, Jim Jam felt like the candy world met the biscuit world.
Even now, biting into one brings back memories of birthday parties, school snack boxes, and youthful sugar highs.
🍼 5. Milk Bikis: Biscuits for Growing Kids
Designed with children in mind, Milk Bikis from Britannia is a milk-based biscuit packed with nutrients. Its slightly sweet and milky flavor makes it ideal for breakfast or an evening snack.
Often advertised as energy boosters for school-going kids, Milk Bikis are a favorite among parents looking for nutritious snack options.
🌴 6. Coconut Crunch: Tropical Flavors in Every Bite
Coconut Crunch biscuits offer a delicious escape with the flavor of coconut flakes baked into each bite. Crunchy and mildly sweet, these biscuits pair well with tea or can be enjoyed as a standalone snack.
Several local bakeries and brands offer their own versions, but the appeal remains the same — tropical, toasty, and satisfying.
🍘 7. Jeera Biscuit: A Savory Sensation
For those who prefer salty over sweet, Jeera (cumin) Biscuits are the answer. Infused with roasted cumin seeds, these savory treats are a staple in Indian bakeries. Perfect with masala chai or buttermilk, jeera biscuits cater to a more mature palette.
Fun fact: Some even use them as a base for chaat-style snacks!
🥥 8. Nice Time: A Sugar-Sprinkled Delight
With its coconut flavor and sugar crystal topping, Nice Time biscuits are simple yet irresistible. It’s one of those biscuits that doesn’t try too hard — yet finds a way into every biscuit tin.
Whether it’s tea time or a post-dinner craving, Nice Time always delivers a sugary crunch with a nostalgic twist.
🍪 9. Oreo: The Global Star in Indian Kitchens
Oreo might be an American original, but its impact on the Indian biscuit market is undeniable. With its dark chocolate biscuits and sweet vanilla cream, Oreo found a strong foothold in urban households and among kids.
It’s often featured in desserts, milkshakes, and even homemade cakes — proving that biscuits can go beyond the teacup.
🍞 10. Elaichi Rusk: For the Crunch-Lovers
A close cousin to toast, Elaichi Rusk is a dried, twice-baked bread often flavored with cardamom. Dunk it in hot milk or masala tea, and it soaks just enough to melt in your mouth. Popular across Indian households, it’s also offered in temples and gurudwaras.
The cardamom (elaichi) adds a traditional flair to a crunchy favorite.
🧈 11. Khari Biscuit: The Flaky, Buttery Marvel
Khari biscuits are not biscuits in the conventional sense — they’re puff pastry snacks, light and airy with a salty, buttery flavor. Common in bakeries across India, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Khari is often enjoyed with strong tea.
They’re messy, flaky, and utterly delicious — a treat for those who like savory with their sip.
🍮 12. Nankhatai: The Desi Shortbread
The ultimate Indian cookie, Nankhatai is rich, crumbly, and loaded with ghee. Made with a mix of flour, semolina, and chickpea flour, it’s a traditional sweet biscuit baked fresh in local bakeries and home kitchens.
It’s often garnished with cardamom, nuts, or saffron — and is as festive as it is comforting.
🌾 13. Digestive Biscuits: Healthy but Tasty
Brands like McVitie’s, Britannia, and NutriChoice have made digestive biscuits a household staple. Often marketed as healthier alternatives, they are high in fiber and made from whole wheat flour.
While they might not be as indulgent as cream biscuits, their subtle sweetness and hearty crunch make them ideal for health-conscious snackers.
🧂 14. Digestive Bergeler: A Curious Name
While not as commonly known, Digestive Bergeler seems to be a variation or brand-specific name — possibly a misprint or regional branding of standard digestive biscuits. If you’ve come across this label, it’s likely tied to the healthy biscuit segment.
(If you meant something else by this name, do drop a comment!)
🫖 Why We Love Our Biscuits
The magic of Indian biscuits lies not just in taste, but in the memories they stir. They remind us of after-school snacks, train journeys, roadside chai stalls, and family get-togethers. They’re accessible, affordable, and endlessly diverse.
From creamy to crumbly, sweet to salty — there’s a biscuit for every mood in India. And whether you call them cookies, rusks, or biskoot, they’re part of our identity.
📦 The Biscuit Box of India: Ever-Evolving
With global brands entering the Indian market and startups bringing innovative flavors, the Indian biscuit scene is constantly evolving. Yet, the old favorites still hold their ground. Local bakeries continue baking jeera biscuits and nankhatai the old-fashioned way. Supermarkets stock Bourbon and Parle-G right next to imported Oreos.
In a way, our biscuit choices tell our personal stories — of change, nostalgia, and simple joys.
📝 What’s Your Favorite Biscuit?
Are you team Parle-G or Jim Jam? Do you prefer Khari with your tea or a glass of milk with Milk Bikis?
Drop a comment and tell us your biscuit story. Because in India, every cup of tea comes with a tale — and usually, a biscuit on the side.