Are Ginger Biscuits Good for Diabetics? A Nutritional Guide

December 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Recent research suggests that ginger can help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, the high sugar and refined flour content found in many commercially produced ginger biscuits means they may not be a suitable choice for everyone with diabetes.

Quick Summary

Evaluating the suitability of ginger biscuits for diabetics requires considering ginger's potential benefits alongside the nutritional composition of the biscuit. Store-bought biscuits generally contain high amounts of sugar and refined flour, which can lead to blood sugar level spikes, while homemade versions can be a healthier option.

Key Points

Ginger can help with blood sugar: Studies show ginger may lower fasting blood sugar and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes.
Commercial biscuits often contain problematic ingredients: Store-bought ginger biscuits typically have high sugar and refined flour content, which can cause blood glucose spikes.
Homemade biscuits offer more control: Preparing biscuits at home with whole-grain flour and natural sweeteners allows for healthier ingredients.
Portion control is crucial: Even with healthier versions, moderation is key for managing diabetes effectively.
Read labels carefully: Look for sugar-free and high-fiber alternatives, but always check the label for hidden carbs.
Consult healthcare professionals: Discuss any significant dietary changes with a healthcare provider or dietitian to create a personalized diabetes management plan.

Ginger Biscuits and Diabetes: Making Informed Choices

For individuals with diabetes, deciding whether ginger biscuits are a safe treat involves understanding the impact of both ginger and the other ingredients in the biscuits. Ginger itself may offer certain health advantages. However, it's crucial to assess the overall nutritional profile of a ginger biscuit to determine its suitability for those managing their blood sugar levels.

The Health Benefits of Ginger

Ginger contains compounds, such as gingerols, that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have indicated that ginger might:

Improve Insulin Sensitivity: Ginger may help the body respond better to insulin, which is essential for managing type 2 diabetes.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels: Evidence suggests that regular ginger consumption can lead to lower fasting blood sugar levels and improve long-term glucose control, as measured by HbA1c.
Reduce Inflammation: Ginger's anti-inflammatory effects can be beneficial because chronic inflammation is often linked to diabetes and its complications.

Nutritional Drawbacks of Commercial Ginger Biscuits

Despite the benefits of ginger, many store-bought ginger biscuits are not considered healthy choices. Key concerns include:

High Sugar Content: Commercial recipes often contain significant amounts of added sugar, which can cause rapid increases in blood glucose. Managing sugar intake is a priority for people with diabetes, and biscuits can contribute substantially to their daily sugar limit.
Refined Carbohydrates: Many biscuits are made with refined white flour. This is a simple carbohydrate that the body processes quickly, and when combined with high sugar content, it can cause an unfavorable glycemic response.
Excessive Fat and Calories: Biscuits may have high levels of unhealthy fats from ingredients such as butter or palm oil, contributing to a high calorie count. This can lead to weight gain, which is a significant risk factor for the development and progression of type 2 diabetes.

Making Diabetic-Friendly Ginger Biscuits at Home

The best way for a person with diabetes to enjoy ginger biscuits is by preparing them at home. This allows control over the ingredients, reducing or eliminating less healthy components. Here are some guidelines:

Choose Alternative Flours: Replace refined white flour with whole-wheat, almond meal, or oat flour. These have higher fiber content and a lower impact on blood sugar.
Use Natural Sweeteners: Swap sugar for natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener.
Increase Fiber: Add ingredients like flaxseed meal or whole grains to increase fiber content, which helps slow down sugar absorption.
Experiment with Spices: Enhance flavor with spices like cinnamon, which has also been linked to blood sugar control.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade Ginger Biscuits


Feature	Store-Bought Ginger Biscuit	Homemade Diabetic-Friendly Biscuit
Sugar Content	High in added sugars, causes blood glucose spikes.	Sugar-free or very low sugar, using natural sweeteners.
Flour Type	Refined white flour, low in fiber.	Whole-wheat, almond, or oat flour, high in fiber.
Glycemic Impact	Likely high GI, due to simple carbs and sugar.	Low GI due to fiber and low-impact sweeteners.
Fat & Calories	High in unhealthy fats and overall calories.	Controlled fat and calorie count.
Ingredient Control	Little to no control over ingredients.	Full control over every ingredient.

Making an Informed Choice

Whether ginger biscuits are suitable depends on the biscuit itself. While the ginger may provide benefits, commercial versions should be approached cautiously or avoided. For individuals with diabetes, the best approach is to enjoy homemade versions made with alternative flours and natural sweeteners.

Even with healthier versions, portion control is vital. Consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making dietary changes is recommended. For more information on how ginger affects diabetes, see this guide: Is ginger safe for people with diabetes?.

Conclusion: Prioritize Balanced Nutrition

In summary, the health benefits of ginger for managing blood sugar are well-documented. However, these benefits can be compromised by the ingredients in many store-bought ginger biscuits. For people with diabetes, making a controlled, homemade version using healthier ingredients is often the best approach. By focusing on whole grains, natural sweeteners, and mindful portion sizes, ginger biscuits can be a safe treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

People with diabetes should be cautious when eating store-bought ginger biscuits due to their high sugar and refined carbohydrate content, which can cause blood glucose spikes. Homemade, diabetic-friendly versions made with healthier ingredients are generally a better choice.

Yes, evidence suggests that ginger can help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. However, this applies to ginger itself, not necessarily to high-sugar biscuits.

Standard ginger biscuits made with refined flour and sugar likely have a high glycemic index (GI), as they contain simple carbohydrates that are quickly absorbed by the body. Homemade versions using alternative flours typically have a lower GI.

Diabetic-friendly alternatives include making your own biscuits with almond or oat flour and natural sweeteners like stevia, or selecting store-bought 'no added sugar' options, while carefully checking the label for other carbohydrates. Ginger chews can also be good choices.

While ginger supplements have shown potential for managing blood sugar, you should consult a doctor before starting them, as high doses can interact with medications. Supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet.

Not necessarily. While they lack added sugar, they may still contain refined flour and other high-carbohydrate ingredients that can affect blood sugar. Always review the nutritional information and ingredients list and consume them in moderation.

To make healthy ginger biscuits, use whole-grain, oat, or almond flour instead of white flour. Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener like stevia. Consider adding fiber-rich ingredients like flaxseed and enhancing the flavor with extra ginger or cinnamon.