Love to dunk?

Are you a dunker? If so, you're not alone!

November 28, 2024

According to AAK’s recent study, 64% of adults globally regularly dunk biscuits or cookies in their drinks.*

Our study identified dunking preferences in eleven countries, found out which baked goods and drinks are favourites for dunking and discovered what makes or breaks the enjoyment of dunking. Then, we asked our scientists to experiment to find out how oils and fats can enhance the dunking experience. So, now we can help you develop products that will delight dunkers wherever they maybe.

Dunking heroes

Plain biscuit or cookie? Chocolate coated, filled or finger? Which baked goods are most popular for dunking worldwide?

Hot drink or cold drink? Milk, chocolate, coffee or tea?

The AAK Dunking Fiesta Baked Goods Global Study, May 2024, reveals all:

Top dunkers

Online consumer interest in dunking-related topics is evident, especially in the US, UK and India. As you would probably expect, in the US consumers are most interested in dunking cookies or oreos in coffee or milk, whereas in the UK and India they are more into dipping biscuits in tea or chocolate.

Overall, however, the top biscuit dunking countries are – drum roll - India, Turkey and Mexico.

What makes dunking so great?

  • 74% of respondents told us that what makes a dunking experience great for them is a taste that pairs well with the taste of their drink. For 73% it is meltiness absorbance as their dunk absorbs the taste of the drink.
  • Texture was also important. 73% like a biscuit, cookie or pastry that does not crumble when dunked and that does not disintegrate easily in the drink. 70% want a crisp and firm texture. 67% do not want their dunk to become too soggy and 61% want a dunk that softens from the outside, but stays firm inside.
  • Besides taste, meltiness, aborbance, and texture, it also seems that healthier dunking options are important to cosnumers globally. 74% of the respondents find the idea of lower saturated fat levels, encouraging healthier dunking habits, appealing.

Don’t lose your biscuit!

It has happened to us all. It all goes wrong and our biscuit or cookie plops to the bottom of our drink only to be rescued with a spoon.

For 64% of those we surveyed, the biggest frustration when dunking is losing their biscuit when it becomes too soggy, potentially spoiling their drink.

Overall, consumers prefer hard texture before dunking, which softens outside and inside and becomes slightly soggy after dunking, but doesn’t break off into their cup.

How can you provide the ideal dunking experience?

  • Well, oils and fats influence the biscuit behaviour when dunked.
  • Oils and fats can produce a biscuit that does not dissolve too quickly when dunked in a hot beverage - a biscuit that is firm before being dunked.
  • At AAK we have studied the effect of oils and fats on the dunkability of biscuits and cookies. So, we have solutions to meet consumer dunking expectations.

Tap into our expertise

Let us help you make the most of the opportunity with our oil and fat solutions.

If you’d like our help to meet the consumer expectations revealed by our study, get in touch today.

Let us work with you as your co-development partner to review your fats and oils to help you win over the dunkers.

Get in touch with your Co-Development partner

*AAK Dunking Fiesta Baked Goods Global Study, 11 countries, May 24.

Biscuits and Cookies

Our vegetable oils for biscuits and cookies let you get a perfect result with every batch.
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Cakes, Muffins, and Doughnuts

Get perfectly baked goods every time with AAK’s speciality fats, butter blends, and premium butter alternatives. Our release agents give damage-free release, help shape products, and improve finish.