Decoding the Label: Do Digestive Biscuits Have a Lot of Sugar?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Originally developed in the 19th century as a functional food to aid digestion, modern digestive biscuits often fall short of their 'healthy' reputation. With varying ingredients and nutritional profiles across brands, many consumers are left wondering: do digestive biscuits have a lot of sugar?

Quick Summary

Digestive biscuits contain notable amounts of added sugar, saturated fat, and refined flour, contradicting their traditional healthy image. Understanding ingredients and practicing portion control are crucial for mindful consumption.

Key Points

Not a Health Food: Despite their name, modern digestive biscuits are processed foods often high in sugar, saturated fat, and refined flour, not the digestive aid they were originally intended to be.
Significant Added Sugar: A serving of plain digestive biscuits typically contains over 5 grams of added sugar, while chocolate-coated versions can have nearly 10 grams for two biscuits.
Misleading Marketing: The 'digestive' name is a marketing holdover from the 19th century and has no bearing on the biscuit's modern nutritional value or gut health benefits.
High Glycemic Impact: Their medium-to-high Glycemic Index means digestive biscuits can cause blood sugar spikes, making them unsuitable for regular consumption by people with diabetes.
Moderation is Crucial: Due to their calorie and sugar content, digestive biscuits should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular snack.
Better Alternatives Exist: Healthier alternatives include fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole-grain crackers, which offer more nutrients and less added sugar.

The History Behind the 'Healthy' Myth

First produced in Scotland during the 1830s, digestive biscuits were originally formulated to aid digestion. The original recipe included sodium bicarbonate, an antacid. However, this historical context has led to the common but often mistaken belief that they are a genuinely healthy food item. Modern digestive biscuits offer negligible digestive benefits and have a nutritional profile similar to standard sweet biscuits.

Deconstructing the Ingredients List

Examining the ingredients is key to understanding the sugar content. While some whole wheat flour is used, it's often not the main ingredient. Key components contributing to their less-than-healthy profile include:

Flour: Many commercial biscuits mix refined and wholemeal wheat flour, often with more processed flour.
Sugars: Plain digestive biscuits contain various sugars, like granulated sugar and partially inverted sugar syrup. Chocolate versions add more sugar.
Fats: Vegetable oils, such as palm oil, are used for texture and contribute saturated fat.
Additives: Preservatives and leavening agents are common for shelf life.

How Much Sugar is Really in a Digestive Biscuit?

Sugar content varies by brand and type. The American Heart Association recommends daily added sugar limits of 25g for women and 36g for men.

Plain Digestive Biscuits A single plain digestive biscuit can have about 2.2 to 5 grams of sugar. A typical two-biscuit serving contains around 5 grams or more, which adds up quickly when factoring in daily limits.

Chocolate Digestive Biscuits Chocolate-covered varieties, like McVitie's Milk Chocolate Digestives, have higher sugar due to the chocolate layer. A single chocolate digestive can contain around 4.8 grams of sugar, nearly double some plain versions. Two chocolate digestives can contribute almost 10 grams of sugar.

The Health Impact of Added Sugar and High GI

Digestive biscuits' medium-to-high Glycemic Index means their carbohydrates are absorbed quickly, causing blood sugar spikes. This is a concern for individuals with diabetes. The combination of added sugar, saturated fat, and processed flour provides 'empty calories' that can lead to weight gain without significant nutrients.

Comparing Digestive Biscuits to Other Snacks

To see how digestive biscuits compare, consider this table:


Snack Type	Sugars (per serving)*	Saturated Fat (per serving)*	Added Fibre	Nutritional Value	Considerations
Plain Digestive Biscuit (2 biscuits)	~5g	~3g	Low (~1g)	Moderate calories, some wholemeal flour	High GI, can still contribute significant sugar intake.
Chocolate Digestive Biscuit (2 biscuits)	~9.6g	Higher	Low	Higher calories, less nutritious than plain	Significant sugar and saturated fat content.
Apple & Handful of Almonds	Low	Low	High	High (vitamins, minerals, fibre)	Nutrient-dense, provides sustained energy.
Wholegrain Crackers	Minimal	Low	Medium	Good source of complex carbs	Excellent base for healthier toppings like hummus or cheese.

*Serving sizes may vary between sources; figures are for comparison based on available data.

Making Healthier Choices

Replacing digestive biscuits with healthier snacks can improve nutrient intake and manage sugar. Consider these swaps:

Nuts and Seeds: A small handful provides healthy fats, protein, and fibre for satiety.
Fresh Fruit: Offers vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre, leading to a slower rise in blood sugar.
Whole Grains: Wholegrain crackers with healthy toppings provide more fibre and less sugar.
Homemade Biscuits: Making your own allows control over ingredients, using less sugar and healthier fats.

Conclusion: Moderation and Awareness are Key

So, do digestive biscuits have a lot of sugar? They contain significant added sugar and fat, making them less healthy than whole-food options. Despite their name, they are a processed treat for occasional enjoyment in a balanced diet.

Reading nutritional labels and understanding ingredients are crucial for making healthier choices. Enjoy biscuits in moderation and choose nutrient-dense alternatives to better manage sugar intake and support your health.

For more information on managing dietary sugar, visit resources like Diabetes UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite their name, modern digestive biscuits offer minimal to no digestive benefits. The original recipe's use of sodium bicarbonate, a weak antacid, has little effect on digestion in the context of a baked, processed biscuit.

The sugar content can vary by brand, but a single plain digestive biscuit can contain approximately 2.2 to 5 grams of sugar. A typical two-biscuit serving often contains around 5 grams or more.

For most people with diabetes, digestive biscuits are not recommended in large quantities due to their medium-to-high Glycemic Index and significant carbohydrate content, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Special sugar-free versions exist, but labels should be checked carefully.

Yes, a plain digestive biscuit generally contains less sugar and saturated fat than a chocolate-covered one. However, both should be consumed in moderation, as they are still processed foods with added sugars.

Digestive biscuits are typically classified as having a medium-to-high Glycemic Index, with values often around 70. This causes blood sugar to rise relatively quickly after consumption.

Healthier alternatives include fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, wholegrain crackers, or homemade low-sugar biscuits. These options offer more fibre, vitamins, and healthy fats.

No, sugar content varies across brands. It is essential to read the nutrition label of a specific product to see its exact sugar, fat, and refined flour content, as some brands may use more refined ingredients or sugar than others.