A ‘shivery bite’ could be the thing to cure our impending winter blues

| Lifestyle Reporter Published September 21, 2026 7:14am Updated September 21, 2026 7:14am Nothing quite beats a chocolate biscuit and hot mug of tea after a cold dip in the sea (Picture: Getty Images) What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘a shivery bite’? If you’re anything like me, you might have presumed it was some kind vampire-inspired kink — perhaps a new sex trend. But in reality, the expression has a much more wholesome origin, rooted in Scottish tradition. If you’ve ever spotted a group of friends, huddled together on a windy beach, indulging in a post-swim chocolate digestive or Twirl, you’ve witnessed a shivery bite in action. The seaside ritual is simple. After a dip in the freezing cold sea, one must immediately have a sweet treat. I don’t make the rules! The ‘shivery bite’ has been (Picture: Getty Images) What is the history behind a ‘shivery bite’? The lore behind this light-hearted tradition dates back over 100 years. One of the first Scottish texts that references the ritual was actually published in 1890, when author Andrew J. Armstrong wrote: ‘shiverin’-bites-a-dinin’ in his book Ingleside Musings: Tales Told in Rhyme. And, over the years, the phrase has retained the same meaning. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. A ‘shivery bite’ is a mouthful of food taken after a cold bath or dip in the sea to help minimise any chilly shivers. And with Scottish sea temperatures typically sat at around 12°C, it’s pretty impossible to emerge from the water without shivering. One of the first times a Scot might enjoy a ‘shivery bite’ is on The Loony Dock — a cherished annual tradition that happens each year on January 1, where our neighbours up north plunge into freezing cold water in celebration of the New Year. Outside of this annual festival, cold water swimming has also become a part of many Brits’ daily routines, fuelled by the nation’s booming interest in wellness. According to Swim England, over a million people regularly swim outdoors, with enthusiasts evidently willing to sacrifice feeling in their fingers in the hope of reaping a range of physical benefits. These are said to include improved circulation, a strengthened immune response and reduced inflammation in the muscles and joints. I will say, if I knew there was a packet of Jaffa Cakes waiting for me on the shore, it might make walking into the bitterly cold English Channel that bit less traumatising. Could this be the perfect post-swim ritual? (Picture: Getty Images) What is the perfect ‘shivery bite’? According to research by Walker’s Shortbread, while over a third of Brits love going for a 20-30 minute paddle at the beach, hardly anybody has ever heard of this wholesome Scottish tradition. So, now that the secret is officially out, the question is: what would be on your menu? What would be your ‘shivery bite’ of choice? (Picture: Getty Images/Westend61) Personally, I’m only interested in being greeted on the shore by a chocolate bar, specifically I’d quite happily run into the arms of Toblerone’s Biscoff Diamond Truffle bar. But, the point of a ‘shivery bite’ is it can be anything you like: a packet of crisps, some Haribo, or even a pot of premium M&S olives — the world’s your oyster. Arrow MORE: The UK has over 850 saunas, but this one has the best views Arrow MORE: ‘Floaters’ are ruining UK swimming pools for everyone — but it’s not what you think Arrow MORE: Famous US dessert chain with ‘best doughnuts’ is finally coming to the UK