Are biscuits high in calories? A detailed nutritional breakdown

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

A single digestive biscuit contains approximately 70-80 calories, with other types like shortbread often containing significantly more per serving. This raises the important question: are biscuits high in calories, and how does this affect your dietary goals and daily energy intake?

Quick Summary

Biscuits often possess a high calorie density primarily due to their fat, sugar, and refined carbohydrate content, though this varies by type. Enjoying them in moderation is key, while choosing healthier varieties or alternatives can mitigate the impact on your diet and calorie goals.

Key Points

High Calorie Density: Biscuits are calorie-dense due to a high proportion of fat and sugar, providing many calories in a small package.
Ingredient Impact: Fats (9 kcal/g) and refined carbohydrates are the primary calorie contributors, with fat being particularly impactful.
Variety Matters: Calorie content varies significantly; a Rich Tea is much lower in calories than a shortbread or chocolate biscuit.
Moderation is Essential: Enjoying biscuits in small, controlled portions is crucial for preventing excessive calorie intake and managing weight.
Nutritional Trade-offs: Many biscuits offer little nutritional value beyond energy, lacking substantial fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Healthier Alternatives: Homemade versions with whole grains and less sugar, or snacks like fruits, nuts, and yogurt, offer more nutritional benefits.

The Primary Calorie Culprits in Biscuits

To understand if biscuits are high in calories, one must first examine their core ingredients. The reason many are calorie-dense lies in their nutritional composition, which typically features high amounts of fats, sugars, and refined flour. These ingredients offer a quick energy boost but provide minimal nutritional value, leading to what are often called 'empty calories'.

Fat: The Major Energy Source

Fat is the most calorie-dense macronutrient, providing 9 calories per gram compared to the 4 calories per gram found in carbohydrates and protein. Many biscuit recipes use a large amount of butter or other fats to achieve their desired texture and taste. For example, shortbread biscuits are notoriously high in fat, and their calorie content reflects this. A single shortbread finger can contain over 100 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat. It's also worth noting that many biscuits contain unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which contribute to a high-calorie count and can have negative health implications.

Sugar and Refined Flour: Empty Calories and Rapid Digestion

While less calorific per gram than fat, sugar and refined flour contribute substantially to the total calorie count of a biscuit. Many biscuits contain significant amounts of added sugars, which not only increase the calorie load but can also lead to blood sugar spikes. Refined flour, a staple in many biscuit recipes, is a processed carbohydrate stripped of its fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This lack of fiber means the biscuits are digested quickly, providing a rapid but short-lived burst of energy that can leave you feeling hungry again soon after.

Calorie Comparison: A Look at Popular Biscuit Varieties

The calorie content of a biscuit varies dramatically depending on the type. Some are designed to be lighter, while others are deliberately rich and indulgent. The following table provides a comparison of the approximate calorie content of popular biscuit types based on serving sizes and available nutritional data.


Biscuit Type	Serving Size	Approx. Calories	Approx. Fat (g)	Approx. Sugar (g)
Rich Tea	1 biscuit (8.3g)	38 kcal	1.3g	1.5g
Digestive	1 biscuit (15g)	71 kcal	3.2g	2.5g
Bourbon	1 biscuit	67 kcal	3g	-
Shortbread Finger	1 biscuit (17g)	86-106 kcal	4.5-5.7g	3.3g
Chocolate Chip Cookie	1 biscuit	55 kcal	2.6g	-
Jammie Dodgers	1 biscuit	83 kcal	3g	-

Navigating Biscuits on a Diet

It is possible to enjoy biscuits as part of a balanced diet, but it requires mindful consumption. Moderation is key to prevent excessive calorie intake. A handful of biscuits can easily add several hundred calories to your day, which could hinder weight management goals if not accounted for. Strategies for managing consumption include:

Portion Control: Stick to one or two biscuits as a single serving rather than eating directly from the packet.
Pairing for Satiety: Enhance a biscuit's nutritional value by pairing it with a healthier food, such as a piece of fruit or a yogurt, to increase fiber and protein and promote a feeling of fullness.
Timing Your Treats: Consciously decide when to have a biscuit, perhaps as a reward after a long day, rather than mindlessly snacking throughout the afternoon.

Healthier Biscuit Choices and DIY Options

For those who love biscuits but are watching their calorie intake, certain varieties offer a better nutritional profile. Digestive biscuits, for example, often contain whole wheat flour and more fiber than their sweeter counterparts. However, they can still be high in sugar and fat, so checking the nutritional label is crucial.

Making your own biscuits at home provides the most control over ingredients. You can experiment with healthier alternatives:

Swap refined flour for whole wheat flour or almond meal.
Reduce sugar content or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup.
Use healthy fats like coconut oil or olive oil.
Incorporate extra fiber and protein with ingredients like oats, nuts, or seeds.

Healthy Alternatives to Biscuits

If you're seeking a lower-calorie or more nutrient-dense snack, many alternatives can satisfy a craving for something crunchy or sweet:

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: These offer fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness without the high calories of biscuits.
Nuts and Seeds: A handful of unsalted nuts or seeds provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber, promoting sustained energy.
Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt can be a high-protein, low-sugar alternative. Add a few berries for sweetness.
Wholegrain Crackers: Paired with hummus or avocado, these can be a savory, fiber-rich snack.
Homemade Granola Bars: Control the sugar and fat content while packing in fiber and protein.
Roasted Chickpeas: A savory, crunchy, and high-protein snack. You can find detailed nutritional information on resources like Verywell Fit.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In conclusion, yes, biscuits are generally high in calories, particularly when consumed in larger quantities. Their caloric density is a direct result of their high fat, sugar, and refined flour content. However, this doesn't mean they must be eliminated from your diet entirely. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, practicing moderation, and exploring healthier alternatives like homemade versions or other nutrient-dense snacks, you can still enjoy biscuits without derailing your health and weight management goals. The key is balance and making informed choices about what and how much you eat.

Learn more about biscuit nutrition and health benefits here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Biscuits are high in calories primarily due to the large amount of fat and sugar used in their recipes. Ingredients like butter, refined flour, and added sugars contribute to a high energy density, offering a significant number of calories in a small, low-nutrient package.

Yes, you can still eat biscuits while on a diet, but moderation is key. The high calorie content means consuming them in limited, controlled portions is crucial to fitting them within your daily calorie goals.

Biscuits like Rich Tea and plain Digestives are generally lower in calories per biscuit than more indulgent varieties like shortbread or chocolate-covered biscuits. Always check the nutritional information, as calories can differ between brands.

While often perceived as healthier because they contain whole wheat, digestive biscuits can still be high in sugar and fat, offering between 70-80 calories per biscuit. They are a better choice than highly processed, sweeter biscuits, but should still be eaten in moderation.

Homemade biscuits give you full control over ingredients, allowing you to reduce the fat and sugar content. You can use whole grain flours and healthier fats, significantly improving the nutritional profile compared to many processed, store-bought options.

A single biscuit generally contains more calories than a slice of plain bread. Bread is typically lower in fat and sugar, especially whole grain varieties, making it a more nutritionally sound choice per serving.

For a lower-calorie snack, consider fresh fruits, vegetables, a handful of unsalted nuts, or plain Greek yogurt. These alternatives offer more fiber, vitamins, and protein, providing greater satiety.