Digestive biscuits are the easiest all-round substitute for graham crackers when making s’mores in the UK. They are sturdy, widely available and have a lightly sweet flavour that works well with toasted marshmallow and chocolate.
That does not mean there is only one good choice. Graham crackers create the most traditional American-style result, while rich tea biscuits make a lighter s’more and oat biscuits add extra texture. The best biscuit depends on whether you value authenticity, strength, sweetness or crunch.
Best biscuits for s’mores at a glance
| Biscuit | Best for | Texture | Things to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graham crackers | Traditional American-style s’mores | Crisp and lightly crumbly | Less common in UK supermarkets |
| Digestive biscuits | Best all-round UK substitute | Sturdy and buttery | Richer than a graham cracker |
| Rich tea biscuits | A lighter, less rich s’more | Thin and crisp | Can crack if pressed too firmly |
| Oat biscuits | Extra crunch and flavour | Coarse and substantial | Choose a shape that is easy to sandwich |
| Chocolate digestives | A quick chocolate-and-biscuit shortcut | Rich and sturdy | Reduce the extra chocolate if the result becomes too sweet |
1. Graham crackers: the traditional choice
The classic American s’more uses graham crackers, chocolate and a toasted marshmallow. Graham crackers have a dry, lightly sweet character that balances the rich filling without dominating it.
If authenticity is your priority, they are worth seeking out. Their rectangular shape also makes it easy to portion chocolate and build an even sandwich.
2. Digestives: the best everyday UK option
Plain digestive biscuits are the most practical British alternative. They are easy to find, strong enough to hold a soft marshmallow and large enough to create a generous s’more.
Digestives are more buttery and crumbly than graham crackers, so the finished result tastes richer. Press the top biscuit gently rather than squeezing hard, particularly when the marshmallow is very soft.
3. Rich tea: lighter and crisp
Rich tea biscuits work when you want the marshmallow and chocolate to provide most of the sweetness. Their thinner shape makes a neater, lighter sandwich, although they are less forgiving than digestives.
Place the biscuit on a flat surface while assembling and avoid using an oversized marshmallow that puts too much pressure on the centre.
4. Oat biscuits: extra flavour and crunch
A firm oat biscuit gives a more substantial texture and a slightly toasted flavour. It is a good match for dark chocolate or salted-caramel flavours.
Check the shape and thickness before serving a crowd. Very thick or uneven biscuits can make the finished s’more awkward to bite.
How to choose the right biscuit
- For the most traditional result: choose graham crackers.
- For easy UK shopping: choose plain digestives.
- For a lighter result: choose rich tea.
- For more crunch: choose a firm oat biscuit.
- For dietary requirements: use a clearly labelled suitable biscuit and check every component separately.
A simple biscuit comparison at home
Prepare the same marshmallow and chocolate portion for each biscuit. Compare how easily each one can be held, how well it survives a gentle press and whether its flavour balances the filling. This gives you a useful answer for your own guests rather than relying only on tradition.
Allergen note: biscuit recipes vary. Check the current packaging for gluten, milk, nuts and other allergens, even if you have used the same brand before.
Plan the rest of your s’mores
Use Annie’s s’mores party calculator to estimate quantities, or follow our complete UK s’mores recipe. For a gift-ready option, explore our s’mores kits.
UK s’mores biscuit FAQs
Are digestives the same as graham crackers?
No. They fill a similar role in a s’more, but digestives are usually richer and more buttery. Graham crackers have their own flavour and texture.
Can I use chocolate digestives?
Yes. They provide both a biscuit and a layer of chocolate, although you may still want a small extra chocolate portion for a softer centre.
Which biscuits are strongest for children to assemble?
Plain digestives are generally easy to handle, but an adult should still supervise the warm marshmallow, equipment and eating.
