Does a Scone Have a Lot of Sugar? An In-Depth Nutritional Look

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a Food Standards Agency survey, the average scone sold in coffee shops contained around 20g of sugar, equivalent to five sugar cubes. So, does a scone have a lot of sugar? The answer depends heavily on the size, ingredients, and whether it's homemade or store-bought.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in a scone is highly variable, ranging from minimal in plain, homemade versions to very high in large, luxury, or fruit-laden commercial varieties. Portion size and toppings dramatically impact overall sugar intake, making context key to understanding the nutritional value.

Key Points

Significant Variation: A scone's sugar content varies greatly, from low in homemade versions to high in large commercial ones.
Portion Size is Key: Larger scones, especially those from cafes, have significantly more sugar and calories than smaller ones.
Type Matters: Fruit and 'luxury' scones often contain substantially more sugar than plain or savory varieties.
Control with Homemade: Baking at home gives complete control over ingredients, allowing for significant sugar reduction.
Toppings Add Up: Additional toppings like jam and cream drastically increase the overall sugar and calorie count.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Savory scones or low-sugar recipes using natural sweeteners offer a healthier way to enjoy scones.

The Surprising Truth About Scone Sugar Content

Many people consider a scone a simple, relatively low-sugar baked good, especially when compared to a heavily frosted cupcake or a rich brownie. However, a closer look at the nutritional data reveals a more complex picture. The seemingly innocent scone can contain a significant amount of sugar, with the figure fluctuating wildly based on its type and origin. A study by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland highlighted this variability, finding a range of sugar from just over 3 grams in some smaller scones to nearly 40 grams in the largest, fruit-filled examples.

Factors Influencing a Scone's Sugar Level

Several key factors determine just how much sugar is in a scone. Understanding these can help you make more informed choices.

Scone Type: Plain scones contain the least amount of sugar, but the addition of dried fruit, chocolate chips, or sweet glazes significantly increases the sugar content. Luxury scones, with multiple sweet additions, are often the most sugar-laden option.
Portion Size: This is arguably the most significant factor. A small, homemade scone will have far less sugar than a large, oversized cafe version. The larger the portion, the more ingredients, including sugar, are used.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Commercial bakeries often use more sugar to ensure a longer shelf life and to appeal to a broader audience. Homemade recipes, conversely, give the baker full control over the ingredients, allowing for a drastic reduction in sugar.
Added Toppings: What you put on the scone can sometimes be more sugary than the scone itself. The classic additions of jam and clotted cream add substantial amounts of sugar and calories, pushing the treat into a much more indulgent category.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Sugar Comparison

This table illustrates the general differences in sugar content between homemade scones and their commercial counterparts. Note that values can vary based on specific recipes and brands.


Feature	Homemade Plain Scone	Store-Bought Plain Scone	Store-Bought Luxury Scone
Average Weight (g)	~70-100 g	~120 g	~137 g
Average Sugar (g)	~5-10 g	~14-17 g	~21-22 g
Control over Ingredients	High	Low	Low
Sweetness	Mild, customizable	Often sweeter	Very sweet

Strategies for Enjoying Lower-Sugar Scones

If you want to enjoy a scone without the high sugar levels, there are several simple strategies you can employ.

Bake at Home: Making your own scones allows you to control the sugar content entirely. Many recipes, like those focusing on savory versions, omit sugar entirely, using cheese and herbs for flavor instead.
Reduce Portion Size: A smaller scone means less flour, less butter, and less sugar. The Food Standards Agency has noted that smaller portion sizes correlate directly with lower sugar and calorie counts.
Choose Healthier Sweeteners: If you prefer a sweet scone, consider using natural sweeteners in moderation, such as unsweetened applesauce or a touch of honey.
Rethink Toppings: Instead of high-sugar jams, opt for a small amount of low-sugar fruit compote or simply enjoy the scone with a light spread of butter or cream cheese. Fresh berries can also add sweetness without excess sugar.
Go Savory: Savory scones made with cheese, herbs, and vegetables offer a filling and flavorful alternative with no added sugar.

How to Bake Your Own Low-Sugar Scones

Here is a simple and effective list of tips for baking delicious, low-sugar scones at home:

Reduce the Recipe Sugar: Start by halving the sugar in your favorite scone recipe. For savory versions, omit it completely.
Embrace Flavorful Add-ins: Use flavor-rich ingredients like citrus zest, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), or extracts (vanilla, almond) to compensate for the reduction in sugar.
Choose Whole Grains: Use whole wheat or oat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour. This increases fiber content and adds a nutty flavor.
Use Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat Greek yogurt or buttermilk can replace some of the butter and provide moisture and richness, resulting in a tender scone without excessive fat.
Don't Overwork the Dough: Handling the dough minimally is key to a light, tender texture. This prevents the gluten from developing too much, which can lead to a tough scone.

Conclusion: Does a scone have a lot of sugar? It's all about context.

Ultimately, whether a scone has a lot of sugar is not a simple yes or no question. The amount of sugar can range from minimal to excessive, depending on the scone's size, ingredients, and source. While large, commercially produced fruit or luxury scones can be genuine sugar bombs, traditional homemade recipes contain significantly less sugar. By being mindful of portion sizes, considering healthier additions, and exploring homemade or savory recipes, you can enjoy this classic treat with better control over your sugar intake. Instead of viewing all scones as unhealthy, view them as a customizable treat where you can make mindful adjustments to align with your dietary goals. For further reading on nutritional content, the Food Standards Agency in the UK has a comprehensive Nutritional Content of Scones report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While traditional scones are often less sweet than many muffins, the high sugar, fat, and large portion sizes of commercial versions can make them nutritionally comparable or even worse. The healthiness depends on the specific recipe and size.

A Food Standards Agency survey found that the average scone contained around 20g of sugar. However, this average includes a wide range, with values varying significantly based on the scone's type and size.

Yes, you can make delicious scones without sugar, especially savory ones. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning, but many recipes successfully omit it entirely by incorporating flavorful savory ingredients like cheese, herbs, or vegetables.

The highest sugar content found in a survey by the Food Standards Agency was in a large fruit scone, which contained 39.2g of sugar. This is nearly the equivalent of a can of cola.

Plain scones generally have the lowest sugar content among common varieties, but the amount still depends on whether it's homemade or commercially produced and its portion size. Homemade recipes often contain less than half the sugar of store-bought versions.

To reduce sugar in homemade scones, you can simply decrease the amount of sugar in the recipe or replace it with natural sweeteners like unsweetened applesauce. You can also boost flavor with spices or citrus zest to compensate for the lost sweetness.

When consumed in large, cafe-sized portions with sugary toppings like jam and clotted cream, scones can be very high in calories, fat, and sugar. Regular consumption of these indulgent versions can certainly contribute to weight gain and is discouraged by health officials for weight management.