How many calories are in one digestive chocolate biscuit?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to manufacturer data, a standard-sized milk or dark digestive chocolate biscuit contains an average of 83 to 84 calories. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the nutritional content, compares different varieties, and offers tips for incorporating them into a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the average calorie count for a single digestive chocolate biscuit, distinguishing between milk and dark chocolate varieties. It explains the core nutritional components like fat, sugar, and fiber, and compares the calorie content to other popular biscuits.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A typical digestive chocolate biscuit contains around 83-84 calories.
Minimal Variation by Chocolate Type: The calorie count is almost identical for both milk and dark chocolate versions of the same size.
Calorie Source: Calories are derived from a combination of carbohydrates (sugar and flour) and fat (chocolate and oil).
Plain vs. Chocolate: A plain digestive biscuit has a lower calorie count compared to its chocolate-coated counterpart.
Moderation is Key: Enjoying chocolate digestives in moderation is fine for a balanced diet, with portion control being important.
Check the Label: For the most precise information, always consult the nutritional label on the specific product packaging.
Size Matters: Smaller versions of the biscuit will have a proportionally lower calorie count.

Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Digestive Chocolate Biscuit

The calorie content of a chocolate digestive biscuit is primarily determined by its size and type of chocolate coating. Based on data from major manufacturers like McVitie's, a typical single digestive biscuit (around 16.7-17g) has approximately 83 calories. This energy comes from a combination of carbohydrates, fats, and a small amount of protein.

Nutritional Information per Biscuit

For a standard-sized milk chocolate digestive (16.7g), the nutritional profile is typically as follows:

Energy: 83 kcal (347 kJ)
Fat: 3.9g, of which saturates are 2.1g
Carbohydrates: 10.4g, of which sugars are 4.8g
Fibre: 0.5g
Protein: 1.1g
Salt: 0.16g

Milk vs. Dark Chocolate Digestives

While often perceived as a healthier option, dark chocolate digestives offer a very similar calorie count to their milk chocolate counterparts. For instance, a McVitie's Dark Chocolate Digestive (16.7g) also has about 83 calories. The primary nutritional difference is a slight variation in the amount of sugar and cocoa solids. Dark chocolate versions may contain marginally less sugar and more fiber, but this difference is minimal on a per-biscuit basis.

Smaller and Larger Varieties

Some brands offer smaller or larger versions of the chocolate digestive. A smaller biscuit, for example around 14g, might contain closer to 69 calories. The calorie count can also differ slightly depending on the brand and any added fillings or ingredients. It is always best to check the nutritional information on the specific product packaging for the most accurate details.

Comparison of Different Biscuit Types

To put the chocolate digestive's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison table with other popular biscuits based on an average serving size.


Biscuit Type	Approximate Calorie Count (per biscuit)	Main Calorie Sources
Chocolate Digestive	83-84 kcal	Biscuit base (carbs), chocolate coating (fat/sugar)
Plain Digestive	71 kcal (for 15g)	Biscuit base (carbs, fat)
Rich Tea	38 kcal (for 8g)	Flour (carbs)
Hobnob (Milk Chocolate)	88 kcal	Oats (carbs), chocolate coating, sugar
Bourbon	67 kcal (for 14g)	Biscuit (carbs), cream filling (fat/sugar)

Factors Affecting Calorie Content

The calorie content is not just about the chocolate, but also the ingredients in the biscuit base itself. Standard digestive biscuits are made from coarse brown flour, which contributes to the fiber content. However, the addition of sugar and fats during production significantly impacts the final calorie count. The chocolate layer adds further calories, primarily from fat and sugar.

For those managing their calorie intake, understanding these factors can help in making informed choices. Choosing a smaller portion size or opting for a plain biscuit can help reduce calorie consumption without eliminating the treat entirely. For example, a single plain digestive is significantly lower in calories than its chocolate-coated relative.

How to Enjoy Chocolate Digestives Mindfully

Portion Control: Stick to one or two biscuits instead of mindlessly eating from the packet. Most nutritional data is based on a single biscuit serving.
Be Mindful of Toppings: Adding butter or other spreads will increase the calorie count. If you enjoy them with a hot drink, consider a plain, low-sugar beverage.
Balance with Nutritious Foods: Pair your biscuit treat with a healthier snack, like a piece of fruit, to balance your sugar and fiber intake.
Exercise: Remember that calories are a measure of energy. The energy from a biscuit can be used during a brisk walk or other physical activity. The NHS provides guidance on calories and exercise intensity to help balance your intake with your output.

Conclusion

A single digestive chocolate biscuit contains an average of 83-84 calories, with very little difference between milk and dark chocolate varieties. Its calorie content is higher than simpler biscuits due to the added fat and sugar in the chocolate coating. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, you can enjoy this treat in moderation as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Common Questions About Chocolate Digestives

Question: Are dark chocolate digestives healthier than milk chocolate ones? Answer: Dark chocolate digestives are not significantly healthier in terms of calorie count. While dark chocolate has a slightly better nutritional profile in its purest form, the biscuit base and overall preparation process make the calorie difference between milk and dark negligible.

Question: How many chocolate digestives can I have per day? Answer: This depends on your total daily calorie intake and dietary goals. As a general guideline, a treat like a chocolate digestive should be consumed in moderation, perhaps one or two, to keep within a balanced diet.

Question: Do gluten-free chocolate digestives have the same calories? Answer: The calorie count can differ slightly for gluten-free versions due to variations in ingredients. Always check the specific nutritional label on the gluten-free product, as they may use different flours and ingredients.

Question: How does the calorie count of a digestive biscuit without chocolate compare? Answer: A plain digestive biscuit contains fewer calories than its chocolate-coated version. A standard plain digestive has approximately 71 kcal, making it a lower-calorie alternative.

Question: What macronutrients contribute to the calories in a chocolate digestive? Answer: The calories in a chocolate digestive come primarily from carbohydrates (the biscuit base and sugar in the chocolate) and fat (from the chocolate and oil used in the biscuit).

Question: Can I still eat chocolate digestives while on a diet? Answer: Yes, you can. A balanced diet allows for treats in moderation. The key is portion control and being mindful of your total daily calorie intake. Enjoying a single biscuit can satisfy a craving without derailing your diet.

Question: How do I find the most accurate calorie count? Answer: For the most accurate and up-to-date calorie count, always refer to the nutritional information label on the specific brand's packaging. This information is legally required and standardized.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard plain digestive biscuit has approximately 71 calories, whereas a standard chocolate digestive contains around 83-84 calories. The chocolate coating adds roughly 12-13 extra calories.

A single McVitie's milk chocolate digestive has 4.8 grams of sugar. This is a moderate amount, but consuming multiple biscuits can quickly increase your sugar intake. It's considered a treat and should be part of a diet balanced with low-sugar options.

The plain digestive biscuit is generally the healthier option due to its lower fat and sugar content. However, for a chocolate option, the nutritional differences between milk and dark chocolate versions are very minor.

The time it takes to burn off calories depends on factors like your weight, age, and activity level. For an average person, burning off 83 calories from a single chocolate digestive might take about 15-20 minutes of brisk walking.

Yes, you can. Weight loss is about overall calorie balance. Eating a chocolate digestive in moderation, and fitting it into your daily calorie budget, is perfectly acceptable. It is not necessary to eliminate all treats from your diet.

Yes, the calorie count can vary slightly between different brands and product sizes. For instance, a smaller biscuit might contain fewer calories. For the most accurate information, always check the packaging of the specific brand you are purchasing.

A single chocolate digestive contains only a small amount of fiber, typically around 0.5 grams. While the digestive biscuit base provides some fiber, it is not a primary source.

Yes, the calorie count for vegan chocolate digestives can differ. They often substitute animal products with plant-based ingredients, which can change the fat and sugar content. Always check the specific packaging for accurate nutritional data.

A standard milk or dark chocolate digestive biscuit contains approximately 2.1g of saturated fat. This is a significant portion of the total fat content.