Are Plain Biscuits Good for an Upset Stomach?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, nausea is a surprisingly common ailment, with up to 50% of adults experiencing it annually. In response, many turn to simple foods like plain biscuits to settle their stomachs and alleviate discomfort. But are plain biscuits good for an upset stomach, and what is the science behind this common practice?

Quick Summary

This guide explores the use of plain biscuits for soothing an upset stomach. It details why bland, low-fat foods can help ease nausea and digestive issues, compares biscuits to other stomach-friendly options, and outlines what to eat and avoid for optimal gut recovery.

Key Points

Plain and Dry: Plain, dry biscuits can help absorb excess stomach acid and soothe an upset stomach due to their simple starch content.
Moderate Intake: They are best consumed in small quantities to avoid irritating a sensitive digestive system with excessive fat or refined carbohydrates.
Ginger for Nausea: Ginger biscuits can be particularly effective for relieving nausea, but watch the sugar content.
Part of a Bland Diet: Plain biscuits are a component of a bland diet, which is designed to be easy to digest when the stomach is sensitive.
Better Options Exist: For electrolyte restoration, items from the BRAT diet (like bananas or rice) or electrolyte drinks are more beneficial than biscuits alone.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of biscuits with high sugar, fat, or whole grains, and avoid spicy, greasy, and acidic foods while recovering.

The Science Behind Bland Foods for an Upset Stomach

When your stomach is upset due to nausea, indigestion, or a stomach virus, the digestive system is highly sensitive. The conventional wisdom of eating bland foods, like plain biscuits, is based on a few simple principles that help reduce irritation and provide easily digestible nutrients.

How Bland and Starchy Foods Provide Relief

Bland, dry, and starchy foods, such as crackers, toast, rice, and plain biscuits, can help by absorbing excess stomach acid and settling the stomach lining. Unlike spicy, fatty, or highly processed foods, they do not trigger further irritation or require strenuous digestive effort. For those with nausea, a key benefit is the lack of strong odors or flavors that can worsen queasiness. Eating small, frequent portions of these foods can also prevent the emptiness that can exacerbate nausea.

Easy Digestion: Refined white flour, a common ingredient in plain biscuits, breaks down quickly, making it gentle on a compromised digestive system.
Acids Absorption: The starchy nature of biscuits helps soak up stomach acids, which can alleviate the burning sensation often associated with indigestion or acid reflux.
Sustained Energy: Plain biscuits provide a quick and simple source of carbohydrates, giving the body some energy when a larger meal is out of the question.

The Role of Ginger Biscuits

For those specifically experiencing nausea, ginger biscuits are often cited as a more potent remedy. Ginger has long been recognized for its anti-nausea properties, with studies showing its effectiveness against morning sickness and general queasiness.

Why Ginger Helps

The compounds in ginger, such as gingerol, help relieve nausea by stimulating stomach contractions and promoting faster gastric emptying. The key, however, is moderation, as too much sugar in some commercially available ginger biscuits can counteract the benefits. Choosing a low-sugar or homemade option is best.

A Comparison: Plain Biscuits vs. Other Remedies


Remedy	Key Benefit	Considerations	Best For
Plain Biscuits/Crackers	Neutralizes stomach acid, easy to digest.	Can be high in refined carbs and sodium.	General nausea, indigestion.
Ginger Biscuits	Anti-nausea properties of ginger.	Sugar content can be counterproductive if excessive.	Nausea, morning sickness.
Bananas	Binds stool, restores potassium.	High in natural sugars, but a good option in moderation.	Diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance.
Rice (White)	Binds stool, low fiber, easily digestible.	Can be constipating for some individuals.	Diarrhea, gastrointestinal distress.
Electrolyte Drinks	Prevents dehydration, restores lost minerals.	Often high in sugar; choose low-sugar options.	Vomiting, diarrhea.

Potential Downsides and Cautions

While plain biscuits can be beneficial, they are not a cure-all. Some biscuits contain high levels of sugar, fat, or refined flour, which can irritate a sensitive stomach. Modern ultra-processed biscuits often include a blend of sugar, salt, and fat engineered for flavor, not digestion. It is crucial to read the ingredients list and opt for the simplest varieties. Digestive biscuits, despite their name, can contain high levels of sugar, fat, and fiber that can worsen symptoms for some people. Those with gluten sensitivities or wheat allergies should also proceed with caution.

What to Eat and Avoid During a Stomach Upset

Foods to Consider

BRAT Diet: A classic approach including Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast, which are all bland and easy on the stomach.
Clear Liquids: Broth, weak tea, or flat soda can help maintain hydration without overwhelming the stomach.
Plain Noodles or Potatoes: Cooked simply without heavy sauces or fats, these provide energy without irritation.

Foods to Avoid

Dairy Products: Except for some probiotics like yogurt or kefir, dairy can be difficult to digest during an upset stomach.
Spicy, Fatty, or Fried Foods: These are highly irritating to the digestive tract and can cause further discomfort.
High-Fiber Foods: While healthy otherwise, high-fiber options like whole grains and raw vegetables can strain a sensitive system.
Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can dehydrate the body and increase stomach acid production.

Conclusion: A Gentle Step, Not a Guaranteed Fix

Ultimately, the question, "are plain biscuits good for an upset stomach?" has a nuanced answer. Yes, in moderation, a simple, low-fat plain biscuit can serve as a gentle, digestible snack that helps settle a queasy stomach by absorbing acid and preventing an empty gut. However, they are not a medical treatment. For severe or persistent symptoms, it is always best to consult a doctor. The key is to choose the plainest variety and consume it alongside other stomach-friendly foods and fluids to aid recovery. A good reminder is to follow your body's signals and opt for what is most comforting and least irritating.

Practical Tips for Soothing an Upset Stomach

Start with Small Amounts: Eat small, frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your stomach. Begin with just a single biscuit or a few crackers.
Hydrate Slowly: Sip clear fluids like water or broth throughout the day to prevent dehydration, especially after vomiting.
Consider Ginger: For nausea, ginger in any form—biscuits, tea, or candies—can be effective due to its proven anti-nausea properties.
Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. If something makes you feel worse, stop eating it immediately.
Gradual Reintroduction: As you start to feel better, slowly reintroduce a more varied diet, starting with other bland foods before moving back to your normal routine.
Avoid Triggers: During your recovery period, steer clear of known irritants like dairy, caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods.
Rest and Relax: Stress can impact digestive health, so giving your body plenty of rest is crucial for recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain, dry biscuits are often recommended for nausea because their bland, odorless nature is less likely to trigger queasiness. They can also help settle an empty stomach, which sometimes makes nausea worse.

Bland foods are recommended because they are easy to digest and do not irritate a sensitive digestive system. Their starchy quality can also help absorb excess stomach acid, providing relief.

Despite their name, many modern digestive biscuits contain high levels of sugar, fat, or fiber that can actually worsen symptoms for some people. It is better to stick to genuinely plain, low-fat options.

Plain biscuits and saltine crackers serve a similar purpose; they are both bland, easy-to-digest starches. Crackers are often slightly saltier, which can help replenish lost electrolytes, while some plain biscuits might contain more sugar.

Other good foods include items from the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast), as well as clear broth, boiled potatoes, and plain noodles. These provide nutrients without irritating the stomach.

You should avoid fatty or fried foods, spicy foods, high-fiber whole grains, citrus fruits, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can all aggravate your symptoms.

After vomiting stops, it is best to give your stomach a brief rest, typically an hour or two. You can then try sipping clear liquids, and if those are tolerated, move to small amounts of bland solids like plain biscuits.