How many calories are in 3 digestives?

November 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturer data, a single McVitie's Original Digestive biscuit contains approximately 71 calories. This means that three standard digestives can add up to a significant portion of a daily snack allowance, impacting your overall calorie intake for weight management.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the total calorie count for three digestive biscuits, examines the complete nutritional profile, and compares it to other popular snack choices for better dietary planning.

Key Points

Calorie Count: Three standard digestives (e.g., McVitie's) contain approximately 213 calories, based on 71 kcal per biscuit.
Varies by Brand: The exact calorie total can differ slightly depending on the brand, biscuit size, and whether it's an original, light, or chocolate variety.
Not a Digestive Aid: Despite the name, modern digestives are not a medical aid for digestion, and the original purpose of baking soda is no longer relevant.
Moderate Fibre: Digestives do contain some dietary fibre from wholemeal flour, but not enough to be a primary source for digestive health.
Sugar and Fat: Consumption should be moderate, as most varieties contain processed sugars and fats that can contribute to weight gain if overindulged.
Portion Control is Key: To manage calorie intake, it is best to limit consumption to one or two biscuits, rather than three or more.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For better digestive health and lower calorie intake, consider alternatives like fruit, yogurt, or whole-grain crackers.

The Calorie Breakdown of Three Digestive Biscuits

Knowing the calorie content of your snacks is crucial for managing your weight and maintaining a healthy diet. A standard McVitie's Original Digestive biscuit contains roughly 71 kcal. Therefore, three of these biscuits would contain approximately 213 kcal. This figure can vary slightly depending on the brand and specific recipe, but it provides a reliable estimate for most mainstream varieties.

How Different Brands Compare

While McVitie's is the most recognized brand, other manufacturers offer their own versions. For instance, some sources suggest a serving of three McVitie's biscuits might contain around 240 calories, while other brands could differ due to ingredients and biscuit size. Some lighter or sugar-free versions will naturally contain fewer calories.

Comprehensive Nutritional Profile

Beyond just calories, it's important to look at the macronutrient breakdown. The typical composition of three original digestive biscuits includes:

Carbohydrates: Approximately 33g, including sugars
Fat: Approximately 12g, with a notable amount of saturated fat
Protein: Approximately 3g
Fibre: Approximately 3g

List of Macronutrients per 3 McVitie's Original Digestives

Energy: ~213 kcal (894 kJ)
Carbohydrates: ~27.9g
Sugars: ~6.6g
Fat: ~9.3g
Saturates: ~4.5g
Fibre: ~1.5g
Protein: ~3.0g
Salt: ~0.6g

Digestives vs. Other Snacks: A Comparison

To put the calorie count of three digestive biscuits into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other common snacks. This comparison highlights whether your digestive snack is a lighter option or a more calorie-dense treat.


Snack Item	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Key Nutrients
3 Digestive Biscuits	45g	213 kcal	Moderate carbs, fat, and sugar with some fibre.
Medium Banana	118g	105 kcal	Low fat, high in potassium and vitamins, good fibre.
Handful of Almonds	28g	164 kcal	Healthy fats, protein, fibre, magnesium, and Vitamin E.
Greek Yogurt	170g (plain)	100 kcal	High protein, low fat (depending on type), and low sugar.
Chocolate Digestive	3 biscuits	~240-270 kcal	Higher sugar and fat content due to chocolate layer.
Apple Slices & Peanut Butter	1 medium apple & 1 tbsp PB	~180 kcal	Vitamins, fibre, healthy fats, and protein.

Are Digestive Biscuits Really Good for Digestion?

Despite their name, modern digestive biscuits are not a medical aid for digestion. The name stems from their historical origins in the 19th century when they were developed with baking soda, which was believed to have antacid properties. While the wholemeal flour provides a small amount of fibre that aids bowel regularity, the sugar and fat content in many contemporary versions can outweigh this benefit, especially if consumed in large quantities. For genuinely better digestive health, whole foods rich in fibre, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are more effective.

Making Healthier Choices

To enjoy digestives while being mindful of your health, consider portion control. Limiting yourself to one or two biscuits is a good strategy. Alternatively, opt for lighter versions or those with a lower sugar content. Pairing a digestive with a more nutrient-dense item, like a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts, can make for a more balanced snack. For those with dietary restrictions or health goals, alternatives like oatcakes or home-baked wholemeal options with reduced sugar can be better choices. For further reading on making healthier snack choices, you can explore resources like the British Nutrition Foundation.

Conclusion

Three digestive biscuits contain a moderate number of calories, roughly 213 kcal for a standard McVitie's variety. While they offer some fibre from wholemeal flour, they also contain fat and sugar, making moderation key. The snack can be part of a balanced diet but should not be mistaken as a significant source of digestive health benefits. By being mindful of portion sizes and exploring healthier alternatives, you can enjoy this classic treat responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digestive biscuits are healthier than more indulgent, sugary cookies due to their wholemeal flour and fibre content. However, they still contain significant amounts of fat and sugar, so they are best consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet rather than being relied upon as a health food.

The calorie count can vary by brand and size, but a standard McVitie's Original Digestive biscuit contains around 71 calories.

Chocolate digestives have a layer of chocolate, which increases both the sugar and fat content, resulting in a higher calorie count than regular digestives. Three chocolate digestives can have between 240-270 calories, compared to around 213 for regular.

The name 'digestive' is a misnomer today. While the wholemeal flour provides some fibre, the amount is minimal. For effective digestive aid, it is better to eat fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

While 'light' or reduced-fat versions do have fewer calories than their regular counterparts, they are not a calorie-free food. They should still be consumed in moderation, and it is always best to check the nutritional label for specifics.

Healthier alternatives include oatcakes, a handful of almonds, plain Greek yogurt with fruit, or homemade wholemeal biscuits with less sugar.

To reduce the calorie impact, limit your serving size to one or two biscuits, and pair them with a lower-calorie, high-protein item like Greek yogurt to increase satiety and nutritional value.

Typical ingredients include wholemeal wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and a leavening agent like sodium bicarbonate. Some varieties may also contain milk, oatmeal, or malt extract.