A Dietitian's Guide to Finding What is the Lowest Calorie Biscuit?

October 31, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that some biscuits contain less than 30 calories? When you're managing your diet, finding what is the lowest calorie biscuit can make a big difference in satisfying cravings without derailing your goals.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the lowest calorie biscuit options, comparing popular store-bought choices and healthier alternatives. It provides expert tips on reading labels and choosing smart snacks to support weight management goals.

Key Points

Party Rings are Low Calorie: At approximately 28 kcal per biscuit, Party Rings are one of the lowest-calorie store-bought options available.
Oreo Thins are a Slimmer Treat: Offering about 29 calories each, Oreo Thins provide a lower-calorie alternative for those who enjoy chocolate biscuits.
Look Beyond Calories: The healthiest biscuits contain whole grains and fiber, which promote fullness, as seen in options like oat and multigrain biscuits.
Homemade Biscuits Offer Control: Baking your own biscuits allows you to control ingredients and avoid excessive sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats.
Portion Control is Key: Even low-calorie biscuits can contribute to weight gain if over-consumed; mindful eating is crucial for managing your intake effectively.
Explore Nutritious Alternatives: For truly healthy snacking, consider nutrient-dense alternatives like rice cakes, roasted chickpeas, or nuts instead of processed biscuits.

Understanding Calorie Content in Biscuits

For many, a biscuit with a cup of tea is a staple of daily life. However, for those monitoring their calorie intake, it is crucial to understand the nutritional differences across various types. Not all biscuits are created equal, and some seemingly healthy options can still pack a significant calorie punch. By understanding what to look for and which varieties are naturally lower in calories, you can indulge in moderation without guilt.

The Lowest Calorie Options: A Closer Look

Several store-bought biscuits are noted for their relatively low-calorie count, making them a better choice for a diet. Party Rings, for instance, are highlighted for their low calorie count of 28 kcal per biscuit. Oreo Thins are another contender, with approximately 29 calories per biscuit. McVitie's Rich Tea, a UK classic, is famously low in calories and saturated fat, with around 38 kcal per biscuit. Threptin Diskettes, a high-protein biscuit often used for dietary supplements, have been reported to contain as few as 22 calories per small 6g biscuit. However, its purpose differs from a standard snack biscuit.

Comparing Popular Low-Calorie Biscuits

When selecting a low-calorie biscuit, it's essential to look beyond just the calorie count and consider the nutritional value, including fiber, fat, and sugar content. Whole grain biscuits, such as oat or whole wheat varieties, are generally a better choice as their higher fiber content helps you feel fuller for longer.

Popular Low-Calorie Biscuit Comparison


Biscuit Type	Calories (per biscuit)	Notes	References
Party Rings	~28 kcal	One of the lowest calorie biscuits, low in saturated fat.
Oreo Thins	~29 kcal	Low-calorie alternative to the original, but higher in sugar than plainer options.
McVitie's Digestive Thins	~31 kcal	A lower-calorie, whole wheat option with fewer calories than a standard digestive biscuit.
Threptin Diskettes	~22 kcal	High in protein; a very low-calorie option, though often used as a supplement.
McVitie's Rich Tea	~38 kcal	Classic low-fat, low-calorie choice; low in saturated fat.
Tesco Malted Milk Biscuits	~43 kcal	Noted for their low sugar and saturated fat content.
Homemade Oat Biscuits	~55 kcal (estimate)	Calorie count is controllable based on ingredients; high in fiber.

How to Choose a Healthy Biscuit

When standing in the biscuit aisle, follow these tips to make an informed and healthier decision:

Prioritize Whole Grains: Opt for biscuits made with whole grains like oats, whole wheat, or ragi. These offer more fiber and nutrients than those made with refined white flour, promoting better digestion and satiety.
Read the Ingredients List: Check the first few ingredients. Healthy options will list whole grains or oats prominently, while less healthy ones will start with refined flour and high amounts of sugar. Some brands specifically use less processed ingredients.
Beware of "Sugar-Free" Claims: While sugar-free biscuits are available, check the nutritional information. They may contain artificial sweeteners and still be high in fats, particularly saturated fats.
Consider Homemade Options: Making your own biscuits allows for complete control over ingredients, enabling you to use healthier flours, natural sweeteners (like dates or honey), and healthy fats.
Watch the Portion Size: Even the lowest calorie biscuit will contribute to your daily intake. Practicing mindful eating and sticking to one or two biscuits can prevent overconsumption.

Healthier Alternatives Beyond Biscuits

For those seeking even more nutritious snacks, several alternatives can satisfy cravings without the typical pitfalls of processed biscuits. Rice cakes, for example, offer a very low-calorie and customizable base for various toppings like avocado or cottage cheese. Roasted makhanas (foxnuts) or chickpeas provide a high-fiber, protein-rich, and low-calorie crunch. Homemade options like banana and oat cookies or cheese and seed crackers are easy to make and offer better nutritional value.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Snacking Decisions

While a definitive single biscuit with the absolute lowest calorie count can be debated due to variations in size and brand, popular store-bought contenders like Party Rings, Oreo Thins, and McVitie's Digestive Thins are excellent options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific dietary needs and preferences. Focusing on options made with whole grains, lower sugar, and healthier fats will lead to smarter snacking. And, of course, remembering the golden rule of nutrition—moderation—is key. A low-calorie biscuit can fit perfectly into a balanced diet when chosen wisely and enjoyed mindfully.

For more information on the nutritional content of common foods, consult reputable sources like the one cited here.(https://www.goodto.com/wellbeing/healthiest-biscuits-best-to-worst-revealed-41310)

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard digestive biscuits, like McVitie's, contain around 71-83 calories each, which is higher than options like Rich Tea. However, 'thin' versions or those made with whole grains are often lower in calories and higher in fiber.

Rich Tea biscuits are typically lower in both calories and saturated fat than standard digestive biscuits. However, digestive biscuits often contain more fiber, especially if they are whole wheat, so the 'healthier' option depends on your priorities.

No, sugar-free biscuits can sometimes be high in unhealthy fats and still contain a similar calorie count to regular biscuits. It's important to check the full nutritional panel rather than relying solely on the 'sugar-free' label.

Homemade oat biscuits can be very low in calories, with some recipes yielding around 55 calories per biscuit. They are often high in fiber, and you can control the type of fat and sugar used, making them a very healthy choice.

For a savory crunch, Ryvita Thins are a low-calorie, high-fiber option that can be topped with healthy ingredients like hummus or avocado. Similarly, whole wheat crackers are a good alternative.

No, biscuits can be included in a weight loss diet as long as they are consumed in moderation and you practice portion control. Choosing low-calorie, high-fiber options can help satisfy cravings while staying within your calorie goals.

It is best to avoid biscuits that list refined flour, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, and excessive added sugars as their primary ingredients. Look for products with shorter, more recognizable ingredient lists.