Calorie Breakdown of Great Value Biscuits
The calorie content of biscuits sold at Walmart, specifically under the Great Value brand, is not a single number. It is highly dependent on the type of biscuit. The products range from regular refrigerated buttermilk biscuits to larger, frozen flaky versions, each with its own unique nutritional profile. A regular Buttermilk Biscuit has a different calorie load compared to a Jumbo Flaky Biscuit, due to variations in size and ingredients. By examining the nutrition labels of these popular options, consumers can get a clearer picture of what they are consuming.
Great Value Refrigerated Biscuits
These are often the most common type found in Walmart's refrigerated dough section. The calorie information is printed on the container and is usually based on a single biscuit serving.
- Regular Buttermilk Biscuits: A 10-count package of regular buttermilk biscuits indicates a serving of 160 calories. Note that this can vary, with some sources listing slightly different values based on serving size.
- Jumbo Buttermilk Biscuits: The larger jumbo-sized version of the buttermilk biscuit has a higher calorie count, typically around 190 calories per biscuit. This is due to its increased size and overall ingredients.
- Jumbo Flaky Biscuits: For a Jumbo Flaky Biscuit with butter flavor, the calorie count is approximately 170 calories per serving. These are known for their flaky texture and can be a popular choice for breakfast sandwiches.
Great Value Frozen Biscuits
Walmart also offers frozen biscuit options, which can have different nutritional values compared to their refrigerated counterparts.
- Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits: A single frozen buttermilk biscuit from Great Value is listed as containing 180 calories, with 8 grams of fat. This shows that even biscuits of the same flavor can have different nutritional values based on their format.
Calorie Comparison of Walmart Biscuits
To help illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table of several Great Value biscuit types based on information from reliable nutritional databases and product listings.
| Biscuit Type (Great Value) | Calories (per biscuit) | Serving Size | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Buttermilk (10 ct) | 160 | 1 biscuit | 2g | 550mg | Lower in fat, high in sodium |
| Jumbo Flaky Butter Flavor | 170 | 1 biscuit | 5g | 450mg | Flaky texture, moderate fat |
| Jumbo Buttermilk | 190 | 1 biscuit | 8g | 550mg | Larger size, higher calories |
| Frozen Buttermilk | 180 | 1 biscuit | 8g | 520mg | Slightly different breakdown |
| Texas Style Homestyle | 100 | 1 biscuit | 3.5g | 260mg | Smallest biscuit, lowest calories |
Factors That Influence Biscuit Calories
Beyond the base product, the final calorie total of your meal can be significantly affected by how you prepare and serve your biscuit. Common additions can quickly increase the overall energy content.
- Butter and Spreads: Adding butter, jam, or other spreads to a biscuit can add 50-100 calories or more per serving. A single pat of butter, for instance, can be around 30 calories, and many people use more than one.
- Sausage Gravy: A popular accompaniment, sausage gravy is very high in calories and fat. A serving can easily add several hundred calories to your meal.
- Sausage, Egg, and Cheese: If you're creating a breakfast sandwich, the calories add up quickly. A pre-made Great Value sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit sandwich, for example, contains 330 calories.
- Biscuits with Honey: While seemingly simple, honey adds a dense source of sugar and calories. A tablespoon of honey adds approximately 64 calories.
Making Healthier Choices with Biscuits
While biscuits are often a concentrated source of calories, carbs, and fat, there are ways to incorporate them into a balanced diet, primarily through moderation and conscious choices.
Here are some strategies for enjoying biscuits mindfully:
- Practice Portion Control: Stick to the recommended serving size of one biscuit and avoid excessive servings. For very calorie-dense meals, consider a smaller, regular-sized biscuit.
- Choose Lower-Calorie Options: If you are watching your calorie intake, the Great Value Texas Style Homestyle Biscuits offer a lower-calorie option at 100 calories per biscuit.
- Pair with Nutritious Foods: Instead of high-calorie, high-fat accompaniments, pair your biscuit with healthier options like lean protein (e.g., scrambled eggs), fresh fruit, or a side salad. This adds vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal.
- Limit Added Toppings: Go easy on butter, jam, and gravy. Consider a light spread of low-fat cream cheese or a small amount of fruit instead.
- Make Your Own: If you have the time, consider making homemade biscuits from scratch. This gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use whole wheat flour, less fat, and healthier dairy options.
Conclusion
The number of calories in a biscuit from Walmart is not universal but is dependent on the specific Great Value product selected. The calorie count for a single biscuit can range significantly, with regular options like the Buttermilk Biscuit containing approximately 160 calories, while larger or different variants like the Jumbo Flaky or Frozen Buttermilk biscuits can contain 170 to 190 calories. To make informed dietary decisions, it's crucial to check the nutrition label for the exact product. By being mindful of the specific biscuit type and practicing portion control with minimal high-calorie additives, you can easily fit biscuits into a balanced diet. Remember that moderation is key when it comes to enjoying these high-calorie comfort foods. For further nutritional information on a wide range of foods, you can visit the USDA FoodData Central website.
