Made in Scotland series – Part 2:
When it comes to iconic Scottish treats, few inspire the level of loyalty, nostalgia, and cheeky indulgence as a red-and-gold wrapped Tunnock’s Tea Cake or the layered glory of a Caramel Wafer.
Whether you first tried them at school, during tea with gran, or at a community event, Tunnock’s confections are more than just snacks. These are a shared cultural experience in Scotland.
🏭 A Family Brand with Deep Roots
Tunnock’s has been a household name since 1890, when Thomas Tunnock opened a bakery in Uddingston, a small town near Glasgow. Over 130 years later, the fourth generation of the Tunnock family is still running the show and their products have reached iconic status not just in Scotland, but across the UK and beyond. Explore their full range of products and history on the official Tunnock’s website.
🍥 What Is a Tunnock’s Tea Cake?
A light biscuit base, topped with a dome of fluffy Italian mallow, all coated in a layer of silky milk chocolate. It’s soft, gooey, and messy in the best way.
Fun Fact: It’s not actually a cake. It’s more of a biscuit but try arguing that in a Scottish tea room.
🧇 The Caramel Wafer
Thin layers of crispy wafer with chewy caramel in between, all covered in chocolate. It’s the ultimate lunchbox classic and still one of the best-selling biscuits in Scotland.
Over 5 million are made every week at the Uddingston factory!
Desi families in Scotland quickly adopted Tunnock’s into everyday life. Whether it’s tea at a temple, a cultural festival, or a kids’ birthday party, you’ll often find a plate of Tea Cakes right next to the samosas.
There’s something about the balance of sweetness and texture that fits well with Indian and Pakistani chai culture.
check out IRN-BRU: The Soft Drink That Outsold Coca-Cola in Scotland for another taste of Scottish obsession.
🌍 Global Fame, Local Pride
From being served in British Embassies to making appearances in viral memes, Tunnock’s has become a symbol of both Scottish identity and cross-cultural delight.And if you’re curious about other traditional Scottish snacks, check out Scotland.org’s guide to iconic treats.
In fact, the red-and-gold foil has even inspired fashion prints, Christmas decorations, and art installations.
You can find Tea Cakes and Caramel Wafers in nearly every major supermarket in Scotland:
- Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons
- Desi convenience stores like Costcutter and Best-One (see our Grocery Directory for more!)
Planning to send some to loved ones abroad? They travel well, just wrap them tight.
☕️ How to Enjoy Them – Desi Style
- Chai + Tea Cake: Let the mallow melt on your tongue between sips of masala chai
- Caramel Wafer Sundae: Chop it up over kulfi or vanilla ice cream
- Tea Cake S’mores: Lightly toast and sandwich between Marie biscuits
Tunnock’s is more than a sweet treat. It’s a taste of Scottish heritage with global appeal. If you haven’t had one yet, grab a pack, pour yourself some chai, and see what the obsession is all about.
