Tunnock’s Tea Cakes Safe for Flights After RAF Tests

In a recent development, the long-held myth surrounding the safety of Tunnock’s Tea Cakes during flight has been debunked. The RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine conducted experiments to determine the validity of an alleged incident from the 1960s, where it was claimed that these beloved Scottish treats had exploded in the cockpit of a nuclear bomber.

The tests involved taking the tea cakes to an altitude of 8000 feet within a controlled environment typically used for training new jet pilots. The results revealed that while the chocolate casing did crack under rapid decompression, there was no explosion as previously rumoured. Subsequently, the marshmallow filling escaped its casing, but the treats posed no risk to in-flight safety.

Dr Oliver Bird, a medical officer instructor at the RAF, assured that there are no reasons to prohibit Tunnock’s products on flights. He advised that the cakes should be kept frozen and in their foil wrappings until they are ready to be consumed, ensuring minimal mess upon ingestion.

The myth of Tunnock’s exploding tea cakes originally stemmed from an incident in 1965 involving a captain who allegedly experienced a mishap with these snacks, leading to their ban from RAF cockpits. While the RAF maintained that there was no official list of banned items, the trials aim to clarify any misconceptions about these treats.

The ongoing popularity of Tunnock’s Tea Cakes has not waned, with the family-run business continuing to thrive since its establishment in 1890. The company employs over 600 individuals and exports to more than 30 countries, rejecting the trend of reducing product size in response to financial pressures.

This recent scientific inquiry might be crucial for both aviation safety and the continued enjoyment of Tunnock’s iconic snacks at altitude. It appears that consumers can relax when packing their favourite treats for flights, as definitive evidence suggests that Tunnock’s Tea Cakes are safe to fly with.