How many calories are in 1 grand biscuit?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to several food and nutrition databases, a single Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle Original biscuit contains approximately 170 to 180 calories, though this can vary slightly by flavor and preparation. This article breaks down the caloric and nutritional information for various grand biscuit types, helping you make informed decisions about your diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for one grand biscuit, like those from Pillsbury, is typically between 170 and 180, depending on the specific flavor and whether it's homestyle or flaky layered. Macronutrient content includes significant carbohydrates and fats, with lower protein. This guide details the nutritional breakdown and how it compares to other biscuits.

Key Points

Calorie Count: One grand biscuit typically contains between 170 and 180 calories, varying by flavor and brand.
Macronutrient Breakdown: The majority of calories come from carbohydrates (approx. 25-27g) and fats (approx. 7-8g).
Comparison to Regular Biscuits: Grand biscuits are generally larger and higher in calories, fat, and sodium than a standard-sized biscuit.
Consider the Toppings: Additions like butter, honey, or gravy can significantly increase the total calories of the meal.
Control Your Portions: To manage calorie intake, practice portion control or choose smaller biscuit alternatives.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making biscuits at home gives you more control over ingredients, potentially leading to a healthier end product.
Check the Label: Always review the specific nutritional information on the packaging, as it may differ based on the product line.

A grand biscuit, a popular choice for breakfast and dinner, is a food item with a significant calorie count due to its preparation. The most common variety, the Pillsbury Grands!, provides a clear benchmark for nutritional content. Understanding the calorie and macronutrient breakdown is key for anyone monitoring their intake. The numbers can shift based on whether the biscuit is a standard original homestyle, a buttermilk version, or a special flaky-layer variant.

Caloric Breakdown of a Grand Biscuit

To understand the total calories, it's important to look at the macronutrient distribution. The calories in a grand biscuit are not just from one source but are a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Fat content, especially saturated fat, is a major contributor to the overall calorie count. The high level of refined carbohydrates from enriched flour and added sugars also adds a substantial amount of energy.

Deconstructing the Calories

Carbohydrates: A single grand biscuit contains approximately 25-27 grams of total carbohydrates, which provides a quick energy source. This includes a few grams of sugar, but most is from enriched flour.
Fats: The fat content is often around 7-8 grams, with a notable portion being saturated fat. This comes from the palm and soybean oils used in the dough.
Protein: Each biscuit provides a smaller amount of protein, typically around 3-4 grams. This adds a small contribution to the total energy but is not a significant source.

Calorie and Nutrition Comparison: Grand Biscuits vs. Other Varieties

Here is a comparison of the approximate nutritional values for different types of biscuits. Note that values can vary based on specific products and brands.


Feature	Pillsbury Grands! (Original)	Standard Store-Bought Biscuit	Homemade Buttermilk Biscuit
Approx. Calories	170-180	~80-100	~140-160
Total Fat (g)	7-8	3-5	6-8
Saturated Fat (g)	4-4.5	1.5-2.5	3-4
Sodium (mg)	470-490	~250-350	~250-300
Carbohydrates (g)	25-27	10-15	17-20
Protein (g)	3-4	2-3	3-4

This table illustrates that grand biscuits are significantly larger and, consequently, contain more calories, fat, and sodium than standard-sized biscuits or a typical homemade version. The convenience of pre-packaged dough comes with a trade-off in nutritional density.

Making Healthier Biscuit Choices

Portion Control: The most direct way to manage calorie intake from grand biscuits is to simply eat fewer. A single grand biscuit is a substantial serving, and splitting it or pairing it with lower-calorie foods can help.
Pair with Nutrients: Balance the biscuit's fat and carb content by serving it with protein-rich foods like eggs or lean sausage. Add fiber with fruit or a side salad to create a more balanced meal.
Explore Alternatives: Consider smaller, traditional biscuits or making your own at home using healthier ingredients. Homemade biscuits allow you to control the type and amount of fat, sodium, and sugar.
Ingredient Awareness: Read the nutritional label carefully, as different flavors or 'style' varieties of grand biscuits can have different nutrient profiles.

Factors Influencing a Grand Biscuit's Calories

Multiple factors can cause the calorie count to fluctuate. The specific Pillsbury Grands! flavor, such as buttermilk, original, or flaky layers, has slightly different ingredient ratios. Any additions, like butter, gravy, or honey, will significantly increase the final calorie and fat content. For example, smothering a biscuit in sausage gravy can easily double the total calories of a meal. Frozen biscuits may also differ slightly from refrigerated varieties.

Conclusion

In summary, a single grand biscuit contains approximately 170 to 180 calories, with a high proportion coming from fat and carbohydrates. This makes it a high-calorie food item, especially when compared to smaller, traditional biscuits. While delicious and convenient, it is important for those watching their diet to be mindful of portion sizes and the additional calories added by toppings. Making a conscious effort to balance your meal with other nutrients or considering homemade alternatives can allow for enjoyment without completely derailing your dietary goals. For more detailed information on Pillsbury products, you can visit their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while most fall in the 170-180 calorie range, there can be slight variations. For example, flaky-layer versions can have a slightly different count than homestyle or buttermilk types, so it is always best to check the specific product's nutrition label.

A homemade buttermilk biscuit often contains fewer calories than a pre-packaged grand biscuit, typically in the 140-160 calorie range, depending on the recipe. The convenience of store-bought grands is balanced by a higher calorie, fat, and sodium content.

The primary contributors to a grand biscuit's calorie count are the fats (oils) and refined carbohydrates in the dough. However, toppings and spreads like butter, jam, or sausage gravy can add a significant amount of additional calories, often more than the biscuit itself.

A grand biscuit is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium for its size, so it may not be the healthiest daily breakfast option. For a balanced diet, it should be consumed in moderation and ideally paired with lean protein and fiber-rich foods like eggs and fruit.

The calories in a grand biscuit primarily come from carbohydrates and fats. Enriched flour accounts for the carbohydrates, while palm and soybean oils are the main source of fat.

Yes, some frozen varieties can have a slightly different nutritional profile compared to their refrigerated counterparts. It is important to check the specific packaging for accurate calorie and macronutrient information.

Yes, but with careful planning. Due to its high calorie density, it requires mindful portion control. To fit a grand biscuit into a low-calorie diet, you might need to adjust other meals during the day and be cautious with toppings.