Are Thin Arrowroot Biscuits Truly Good for Your Health?

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite arrowroot's reputation as a nutritious and easily digestible food source that dates back 7,000 years, modern thin arrowroot biscuit products often contain ingredients that compromise this natural goodness. This reality challenges the perception that all thin arrowroot biscuits are inherently healthy.

Quick Summary

Commercial thin arrowroot biscuits often contain refined flour, added sugar, and unhealthy fats, largely nullifying the benefits of pure arrowroot starch. Truly healthy options depend heavily on ingredients, making homemade versions a superior choice.

Key Points

Ingredient Matters: The healthiness of thin arrowroot biscuits depends entirely on the ingredients, with store-bought versions often containing refined flour and excessive sugar, unlike the nutritious pure arrowroot starch.
Pure Arrowroot Benefits: The natural arrowroot root provides resistant starch for digestive health, is rich in nutrients like folate, and is a safe, gluten-free option for sensitive stomachs.
Commercial Concerns: Many factory-made 'thin arrowroot biscuits' are a processed snack, prioritizing refined wheat flour, cheap fats like palm oil, and preservatives over the natural goodness of the arrowroot plant.
Homemade is Healthier: The most reliable way to get a healthy arrowroot snack is to bake it at home, using whole grain flours, natural sweeteners, and healthier fats to control nutritional content.
Check the Label: To avoid unhealthy additives, consumers should read the nutrition label carefully, looking for whole ingredients and minimal added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Digestion vs. Processing: While pure arrowroot is easily digestible and helps gut health, processed biscuits can cause digestive issues due to lack of fiber and unhealthy additives.

The Allure of Arrowroot: Understanding the Core Ingredient

Arrowroot itself, a starch derived from the tropical Maranta arundinacea plant, is celebrated for a number of positive attributes. The raw tuber and its pure starch are a world apart from the heavily processed biscuit versions found in supermarkets. The inherent qualities of pure arrowroot include:

Resistant Starch for Digestive Health

Arrowroot powder contains a significant amount of resistant starch, a type of carbohydrate that is not fully broken down in the gut and acts like soluble fiber. This resistant starch provides fuel for healthy gut bacteria, promoting balanced intestinal flora. This can help regulate bowel movements and may even aid in managing conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.

Rich in Essential Nutrients

In its natural state, arrowroot is a good source of important micronutrients. It contains folate (vitamin B9), which is crucial for cell growth and DNA formation, especially during pregnancy. It also offers minerals like potassium, iron, and phosphorus, contributing to overall health.

A Naturally Gluten-Free and Gentle Option

As a naturally gluten-free starch, arrowroot powder is an excellent alternative to wheat flour for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Its easy digestibility makes it a gentle option for children, the elderly, or those with sensitive stomachs.

The Problem with Processed Thin Arrowroot Biscuits

The perception that all thin arrowroot biscuits are healthy is often based on the benefits of the raw ingredient, not the final product. Unfortunately, commercial manufacturing processes and ingredient choices can strip away the nutritional value and introduce unhealthy components.

Refining Away the Goodness

Instead of being made predominantly from whole arrowroot, many store-bought biscuits use a base of refined wheat flour, also known as maida. This refining process removes the fiber and most of the nutrients, leaving behind empty carbohydrates. Any arrowroot powder added is often in a minimal amount, purely for marketing purposes.

The Impact of Added Sugars and Unhealthy Fats

Processed arrowroot biscuits are frequently loaded with added sugars to enhance flavor. This contributes to a high calorie count and can lead to blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. Many commercial brands also use cheap, unhealthy fats like refined palm oil, which is high in saturated fat and can negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Chemical Additives

To extend shelf life and improve texture, processed biscuits often contain a cocktail of chemical preservatives, artificial flavors, and emulsifiers. Some of these additives have been linked to potential health issues, with certain preservatives even banned in some countries for use in children's food due to health concerns.

Comparison: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Arrowroot Biscuits


Feature	Homemade Arrowroot Biscuits	Store-Bought Thin Arrowroot Biscuits
Core Ingredients	Arrowroot flour, whole grain flour, natural sweeteners (e.g., honey), healthy fats (e.g., coconut oil, butter).	Refined wheat flour (maida), added sugars, refined palm oil, emulsifiers, and preservatives.
Nutritional Profile	Higher in fiber and protein, lower in sugar and unhealthy fats. Can be rich in nutrients depending on the recipe.	Low in fiber and essential nutrients. High in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fat.
Health Benefits	Promotes good digestion and provides sustained energy due to higher fiber content.	Offers minimal health benefits; potentially contributes to weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations due to refined ingredients.
Transparency	Complete control over ingredients, allowing for a truly healthy snack tailored to dietary needs.	Ingredients are standardized by the manufacturer, often prioritizing cost and shelf-life over nutritional value.

Making a Healthier Choice

To make arrowroot biscuits a truly healthy option, consider these steps:

Read the Label: Pay close attention to the ingredients list. Look for whole grain flours, minimal and natural sweeteners, and healthy fats. A long list of unpronounceable additives is a red flag.
Embrace Homemade: Baking your own arrowroot biscuits is the most reliable way to ensure a nutritious snack. Use genuine arrowroot flour, whole wheat flour, and natural ingredients. Here is a basic recipe idea: Arrowroot-Whole Wheat Biscuits.
Seek Out True Alternatives: There are other genuinely healthy biscuit options available. Look for biscuits made with 75% or more whole wheat flour and higher fiber content.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is a thin arrowroot biscuit good for your health? The answer is not a simple yes or no. While the pure arrowroot starch offers notable benefits like gluten-free digestibility, immune support, and resistant starch, the term has been co-opted by manufacturers to market highly processed, low-nutrient biscuits. The healthiness of your biscuit depends entirely on its ingredient list. By choosing homemade versions or carefully scrutinizing store-bought products, you can ensure that you are enjoying a genuinely wholesome snack rather than just a cleverly marketed one.

Know Your Ingredients: The real nutritional value lies in what's added to the arrowroot, not just the presence of the root itself. Focus on whole ingredients and minimal processing.
Prioritize Homemade: The most control and best health benefits come from baking your own treats, allowing you to avoid unhealthy fats and sugars.
Moderation is Key: As with any snack, even healthier versions should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial biscuits often contain a high proportion of refined ingredients like white wheat flour, added sugars, and cheap processed fats (such as palm oil) instead of a significant amount of pure, nutritious arrowroot.

Yes, pure arrowroot starch is easily digestible and contains resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to feed healthy gut bacteria. It has traditionally been used to aid with diarrhea and soothe digestive issues.

Homemade arrowroot biscuits are generally much healthier, as you can control the ingredients, opting for whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and healthier oils while avoiding preservatives and high sugar content.

Pure arrowroot powder contains resistant starch that can promote feelings of fullness, which may aid in weight loss. However, processed arrowroot biscuits are often high in calories, sugar, and refined carbs, which can contribute to weight gain.

No. While pure arrowroot starch is naturally gluten-free, many commercial 'arrowroot biscuits' use refined wheat flour as their primary ingredient. Always check the label to confirm they are explicitly certified gluten-free.

Look for a short ingredient list with whole grain flour, genuine arrowroot powder, and natural sweeteners. Avoid products with refined flour, palm oil, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial additives.

Consider alternatives like homemade whole wheat biscuits, oat biscuits, cauliflower biscuits, or snacks made from whole grains and natural ingredients.