A low fibre diet is a temporary eating plan often prescribed for specific medical reasons, such as managing symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), preparing for a colonoscopy, or recovering from abdominal surgery. Unlike the general recommendation for most healthy adults to increase fibre intake, this diet aims to reduce the amount of indigestible food passing through the gut, which in turn minimises gut activity and helps manage conditions like diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain.
Low fibre biscuits: What to look for
When a biscuit is made primarily from refined white flour and contains no fibrous additives, it can be considered a low-fibre option. The refining process removes the high-fibre bran and germ from the grain, resulting in a product that is easier for the digestive system to process.
Here are some examples of low-fibre biscuits that are generally permitted:
- Plain biscuits: Simple varieties like Rich Tea, Marie, or Arrowroot biscuits are low in fibre content.
- Shortbread: The buttery, refined flour-based recipe makes plain shortbread a safe choice.
- Plain crackers: Water biscuits or plain crackers made from white flour are also suitable options.
- Plain wafers: These thin, often creamy-filled biscuits are typically very low in fibre.
- Plain cookies: Simple sugar cookies or butter cookies without added nuts or oats can be included.
It is crucial to read the ingredient list to ensure no wholemeal flour, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit have been added, as these will significantly increase the fibre content.
Biscuits to avoid on a low fibre diet
High-fibre biscuits can exacerbate symptoms for individuals on a low-fibre diet. They add bulk to stools and can increase gas and bloating. Avoid these types of biscuits:
- Whole-grain or wholemeal biscuits: These are made with whole-grain flour, which is intentionally high in fibre.
- Digestive biscuits: The name can be misleading. Digestive biscuits contain wholemeal flour and wheat bran, making them a high-fibre product meant to aid digestion in healthy individuals.
- Oatmeal biscuits: Oats are a significant source of fibre and are not suitable for this diet.
- Biscuits with added ingredients: Any biscuit containing seeds, nuts, dried fruit, or coconut should be avoided. Examples include fig rolls, fruit shortcakes, and flapjacks.
How to choose the right biscuits for a low fibre diet
Choosing the correct biscuits requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to make a safe choice:
Read the nutrition label
Check the nutritional information panel on the packaging. A good rule of thumb is to look for biscuits that have less than 3g of fibre per 100g. The list of ingredients should also be a key consideration.
Look for white, refined ingredients
Ensure the main ingredient is white flour, refined wheat flour, or a similar non-whole-grain equivalent. Avoid terms like 'wholemeal,' 'whole grain,' 'oats,' 'bran,' and 'high fibre' in the description.
Simple is best
The plainer the biscuit, the better. Biscuits with a long list of ingredients or added textures, like crunchiness from nuts or fruit bits, are often higher in fibre.
Comparison of low fibre vs. high fibre biscuits
| Feature | Low Fibre Biscuits | High Fibre Biscuits (to Avoid) |
|---|---|---|
| Flour Type | Refined white flour | Whole-grain, wholemeal, or oat flour |
| Added Ingredients | None (plain varieties) | Seeds, nuts, dried fruit, bran, coconut |
| Fibre Content | Typically under 3g per 100g | Often over 6g per 100g, or labelled 'high fibre' |
| Examples | Rich Tea, Marie, Plain Shortbread | Digestive, Oatmeal, Fig Rolls, Fruit Shortcakes |
| Effect on Gut | Less bulk, easier to digest | Increases bulk, can worsen symptoms |
Important considerations beyond the biscuit
While choosing the right biscuit is a key step, it's vital to remember that biscuits are a processed snack and should be eaten in moderation, even on a low fibre diet. For overall digestive comfort, it's also important to:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Fibre, even in low amounts, needs fluid to move through the digestive system smoothly. Dehydration can lead to constipation, which can occur even on a low fibre diet.
- Monitor portions: Biscuits are often high in sugar and fat. Managing portion sizes helps control calorie intake and prevents overindulgence.
- Eat mindfully: Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods. If a specific biscuit causes discomfort, it's best to avoid it.
- Homemade options: For maximum control over ingredients, you can bake your own plain biscuits using white flour and avoiding fibrous additions.
Healthy low-fibre snack alternatives
If you prefer to avoid biscuits altogether or want more nutritious options, there are several alternatives that align with a low fibre diet:
- Peeled fruit: Ripe bananas, peeled pears, or tinned fruits in natural juice are excellent choices.
- Plain dairy: Smooth yoghurt, custard, or plain ice cream are good options if tolerated.
- Plain rice cakes: These can provide a satisfying crunch without added fibre.
- Pretzels or crisps: Plain varieties are generally low fibre.
For more comprehensive information on safe low-fibre eating, consult the official guidelines from reputable sources like the NHS: Low fibre diet | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Conclusion
Yes, you can include certain biscuits in a low fibre diet, but careful selection is essential. The key takeaway is to choose plain biscuits made with refined white flour and avoid any containing whole grains, bran, nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. Always check the nutrition label for fibre content and remember to enjoy them in moderation. For those needing a temporary low-fibre plan for medical reasons, a mindful approach to snacking ensures both digestive comfort and satisfaction. If you are unsure about the safety of a particular biscuit, or if you have any concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider or a dietitian.
