How many calories are in one Pillsbury dough biscuit? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

On average, a single Pillsbury Grands! Homestyle Buttermilk biscuit contains approximately 180 calories. However, the calorie count can vary widely depending on the specific product, so knowing how many calories are in one Pillsbury dough biscuit is essential for informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of Pillsbury biscuits ranges from 100 to 200 per serving, depending on the product line. Other key nutrients to consider are sodium and saturated fat.

Key Points

Calorie Fluctuations: Biscuit calories can vary from 100 to 200 depending on the type and size, with Grands! biscuits being larger and higher in calories.
Sodium Alert: Many Pillsbury biscuits are high in sodium, with some larger varieties exceeding 20% of the daily value per biscuit, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Saturated Fat Content: Be mindful of the saturated fat, which is often a notable portion of the daily recommended limit, especially in the larger biscuit types.
Product-Specific Nutrition: Always check the label of the exact product you purchase, as calories and ingredients differ significantly between product lines.
Portion Control: Limiting your intake to a single biscuit and balancing it with other low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods is key for a healthy diet.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making biscuits from scratch can be a healthier alternative, as it allows you to control the amount of fat, sodium, and refined flour used.

Deciphering Pillsbury Biscuit Calories

The calories in a Pillsbury biscuit are not a one-size-fits-all number. The specific product line, such as Grands! or Flaky Layers, significantly affects the final nutritional content. Understanding these differences is the first step toward making informed dietary choices. For example, a single Pillsbury Grands! Original Homestyle biscuit is roughly 180 calories, while a smaller Pillsbury Flaky Layers Buttermilk biscuit is only about 100 calories. These variations are due to differences in size, ingredients, and preparation.

Pillsbury Grands! Calories

Pillsbury's Grands! line typically consists of larger biscuits, which naturally have a higher calorie count. A single Grands! biscuit is often considered a full serving.

Grands! Original Homestyle: Approximately 180 calories per biscuit. This variety often includes higher amounts of saturated fat and sodium compared to smaller biscuits.
Grands! Southern Homestyle Buttermilk: Also around 180 calories per biscuit, these biscuits also carry a notable amount of fat and sodium.
Grands! Flaky Layers Original: A slightly lower option at 170 calories, with slightly less saturated fat than the homestyle versions.

Pillsbury Flaky Layers and Standard Biscuits

Some of Pillsbury's smaller, standard-sized biscuits offer a lower-calorie alternative for those looking to manage their intake. This is an important consideration for portion control and overall calorie budgeting.

Flaky Layers Buttermilk (standard size): At around 100 calories per biscuit, this is one of the lower-calorie options in the Pillsbury refrigerated dough range.

Frozen and Baked Biscuits

Beyond the refrigerated dough, Pillsbury also offers frozen and pre-baked options. The nutritional profile can vary here as well, so it's always important to double-check the packaging for the most accurate information.

Frozen Biscuits: Pillsbury frozen buttermilk dough biscuits contain about 180 calories each, similar to the larger refrigerated Grands! biscuits.
Baked Biscuits: Some pre-baked buttermilk biscuits can be higher in calories, such as those sold for foodservice, with some varieties reaching up to 200 calories per biscuit.

Beyond the Calories: A Closer Look at Nutrition

While calories are a key metric, they don't tell the whole nutritional story. For Pillsbury biscuits, saturated fat and sodium are other important considerations for a balanced diet. Saturated fat can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, while excess sodium is linked to high blood pressure. A single Pillsbury biscuit can contribute significantly to your daily recommended intake of both.

Here are some other nutritional factors to consider:

Saturated Fat: Pillsbury biscuits, particularly the larger varieties, can contain between 2.5g and 4.5g of saturated fat per biscuit, which is a considerable portion of the daily recommended limit (less than 6% of total calories).
Sodium: The sodium content is often very high, with many Grands! biscuits containing close to 500mg, which is roughly 20-25% of the recommended daily intake. The World Health Organization recommends consuming less than 2000mg of sodium per day.
Refined Carbohydrates: Pillsbury biscuits are primarily made from refined flour and provide energy from carbohydrates and fat, with very little fiber or protein.

How Pillsbury Biscuits Fit into a Balanced Diet

Enjoying a treat like a Pillsbury biscuit is perfectly fine in moderation as part of a balanced diet. However, it is important to be mindful and make smart choices to mitigate the high calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content.

Here are some tips for incorporating biscuits into your diet in a healthier way:

Practice Portion Control: Stick to a single biscuit per serving. Pair it with nutrient-dense foods to create a more balanced meal.
Consider Healthier Toppings: Instead of high-calorie gravies or sugary jams, try a small amount of honey, fresh fruit, or a lean protein source like scrambled eggs to round out your meal.
Balance Your Meals: If you have a biscuit for breakfast, choose lower-sodium and lower-fat options for the rest of the day to stay within your dietary goals.
Bake Smarter: When making homemade biscuits, you can use whole wheat flour, healthier oils like canola oil, and less salt to create a more nutritious version.

Comparing Pillsbury Biscuit Varieties

To help you compare and choose the best option for your needs, here is a table comparing the nutritional information of several popular Pillsbury biscuit products, based on available data from product labels and nutritional databases.


Product Variety	Calories (per biscuit)	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Sodium	Protein
Grands! Original Homestyle	~180	7g	4.5g	490mg	3g
Grands! Flaky Layers Original	~170	6-7g	2.5g	470-540mg	3-4g
Standard Flaky Layers Buttermilk	~100	3.5g	1.5g	300mg	2g
Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Big	~180	7g	4.5g	480mg	3g
Frozen Buttermilk Dough	~180	8g	4g	550mg	3g
Baked Biscuit Buttermilk	~200	8g	4g	540mg	4g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary slightly by retailer or formula. Always check the product packaging for the most current information.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Understanding how many calories are in one Pillsbury dough biscuit requires looking beyond a single number and recognizing the variation across different products. By consulting nutritional labels, you can make smarter choices about which products to enjoy and how to incorporate them into a balanced diet. Given their relatively high content of saturated fat and sodium, Pillsbury biscuits are best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. For those seeking a healthier alternative, modifying homemade biscuit recipes or opting for naturally lower-calorie and lower-sodium breakfast options is a good strategy. Ultimately, dietary success comes from mindful consumption and balancing indulgent treats with a foundation of nutrient-rich, whole foods. For the latest product information and recipes, consider visiting Pillsbury's official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a Pillsbury biscuit is not generally considered a healthy breakfast option due to its high content of saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates, and its lack of fiber. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Homemade biscuits can be significantly healthier than Pillsbury biscuits, as you have full control over the ingredients. You can reduce the amount of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats while using more whole-grain flours.

Healthier breakfast alternatives include oatmeal, whole-grain toast, or a smoothie with fruit and yogurt. For a biscuit-like item, consider making a homemade version with healthier ingredients.

To reduce the calorie impact, you can limit your serving to one biscuit. Pair it with fresh fruit or a lean protein source like scrambled egg whites, and avoid high-calorie toppings like gravy or extra butter.

The calorie counts provided on Pillsbury's packaging are for the baked product. Any additional toppings or spreads, such as butter, jam, or gravy, will add calories and should be factored into your total intake.

The high sodium content in processed foods like Pillsbury biscuits serves to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. Excessive sodium intake is linked to health concerns like high blood pressure.

For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional facts, always check the packaging of the specific Pillsbury product you are purchasing or visit the official Pillsbury website.

The main differences are in size and texture. Grands! biscuits are larger and more substantial, while Flaky Layers have a more distinct layered, flaky texture and may be smaller, which accounts for the calorie differences.