How many carbs are in an average size biscuit?

November 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard, commercially-baked 2.5-inch buttermilk biscuit contains approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates. The exact amount depends heavily on the recipe, size, and whether it is homemade, store-bought, or from a fast-food restaurant, making it important to know how many carbs are in an average size biscuit for dietary planning.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of an average biscuit varies significantly by type, with a typical 2.5-inch commercial biscuit having around 17 grams. Fast-food or larger southern-style biscuits can contain 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, while smaller or specialty biscuits may have different values. The primary ingredient, flour, is the main source of carbs.

Key Points

Variable Carb Count: The carbs in a biscuit vary significantly by type, size, and preparation, from about 17g in a small commercial biscuit to over 30g in larger, restaurant versions.
Refined Flour is Key: Most biscuits are made with refined white flour, which is high in carbohydrates and can cause blood sugar spikes.
Fast Food Higher in Carbs: Biscuits from fast-food chains are typically larger and contain a higher carbohydrate and fat content compared to commercial or homemade options.
Homemade Offers Control: Baking biscuits at home allows you to control ingredients, enabling the use of whole-grain or alternative flours to manage carb content.
Consider Net Carbs: For better blood sugar management, calculate net carbs by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates, especially with higher-fiber options like digestive biscuits.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Content of an Average Biscuit

The number of carbohydrates in a biscuit can vary based on several factors, including the recipe, size, and brand. The primary ingredient in most biscuits is flour, a starchy and carb-rich food. Fats and other ingredients also contribute to the overall nutritional profile.

Factors Influencing a Biscuit's Carb Count

Size and Weight: A larger biscuit will naturally have more carbohydrates than a smaller one. For example, a restaurant-style biscuit is often much larger than a homemade one and can have significantly more carbs.
Ingredients: Recipes can differ, with some including more sugar or enriched flour, while others might use whole-grain flour. These variations change the final carbohydrate count.
Method of Preparation: Homemade biscuits often have a more controlled ingredient list than their mass-produced counterparts. Store-bought and fast-food versions often use higher quantities of refined flour and other additives.
Add-ins: Adding ingredients like cheese, herbs, or different types of flour (e.g., whole wheat) will also impact the total carbohydrate count. Whole-grain biscuits may have a higher fiber content, which affects the net carb calculation.

Typical Carbohydrate Ranges by Biscuit Type

To understand the variation, let's look at some specific examples based on available nutritional data.

Standard Commercial Buttermilk Biscuit: A 2.5-inch commercially baked buttermilk biscuit contains around 17 grams of carbohydrates.
Fast-Food Biscuit: A single fast-food biscuit can contain a significantly higher amount, ranging from 25 to 30 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the restaurant and size.
Southern-Style Biscuit: A larger southern-style biscuit, especially from a bakery, may have around 25 grams of carbs.
Refrigerated Dough Biscuit: A single refrigerated biscuit (around 43g) from a can contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Comparing Biscuit Carb Counts

This table provides a simple comparison of the carbohydrate content across different types of biscuits based on a single-serving basis.


Biscuit Type	Approx. Carbohydrates (g)	Source	Typical Size/Weight	Notes
Commercial Buttermilk	~17 g	USDA	1 biscuit (2.5" dia)	Standard, pre-made biscuit
Fast-Food Biscuit	25–30 g	NutritionValue, Nutrifox	1 biscuit (70 g or more)	Often larger and higher in fat
Store-Bought Refrigerated	~20 g	Verywell Fit	1 biscuit (43 g)	Varies by brand and recipe
Southern Style Biscuit	~25 g	MyNetDiary	1 biscuit (size varies)	Often larger and richer than commercial
Digestive Biscuit	~20 g	Verywell Fit	1 biscuit (30 g)	Higher fiber content, lower net carbs

How Carbs in a Biscuit Affect Your Diet

Carbohydrates provide energy, but the type of carb matters for overall health. The carbohydrates in most standard biscuits are from refined white flour, which can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. While this provides a quick burst of energy, it's often followed by a crash, leaving you feeling hungry again soon after.

For those monitoring their carb intake, such as people with diabetes or those following a low-carb diet, a single biscuit can constitute a significant portion of their daily carb allowance. It is essential to consider the net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) when evaluating the impact on blood sugar levels.

Ways to Reduce the Carbohydrate Impact of Biscuits

If you love biscuits but want to manage your carb intake, several strategies can help:

Choose Smaller Portions: Simply eating a smaller biscuit or half of a large one can cut down on the carb load.
Try Different Flours: Substituting some or all of the refined white flour with whole wheat flour can increase fiber content and slow down digestion.
Make Your Own: By baking your own biscuits, you have full control over the ingredients. You can experiment with low-carb flour alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour.
Select Lower-Carb Biscuits: Look for brands that offer low-carb options or are specifically formulated for dietary restrictions. For instance, digestive biscuits typically have more fiber than traditional ones.

Conclusion

The carbohydrate content of a biscuit is not a fixed number and is dependent on its size, ingredients, and preparation method. While a typical small commercial biscuit has around 17 grams of carbs, options like fast-food or larger southern-style biscuits can contain significantly more, with some exceeding 30 grams. For health-conscious consumers, understanding these variations is crucial. Choosing smaller portions, making homemade versions with alternative flours, or opting for higher-fiber types like digestive biscuits are all effective ways to enjoy this classic baked good while managing carb intake. Always check nutritional information or make informed choices based on the type of biscuit to align with your personal health goals.

For more detailed nutritional information, including the carb content of various commercial food items, consult the USDA FoodData Central database.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single fast-food biscuit can contain between 25 and 30 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the size and specific restaurant recipe.

No, the carbohydrate amount varies widely. Factors like size, ingredients (e.g., flour type, added sugar), and preparation method cause the carb count to differ significantly between homemade, store-bought, and fast-food biscuits.

Digestive biscuits generally contain a similar amount of total carbohydrates to traditional biscuits but often have more dietary fiber. This means they have a lower net carb count and a different effect on blood sugar.

You can reduce the carbs by using lower-carb flour alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also incorporate whole grains to increase fiber.

Fast-food biscuits are typically larger and contain more ingredients, including higher amounts of refined flour, fat, and potential additives, which increases their overall carbohydrate and calorie density.

Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. While a commercial buttermilk biscuit has about 17g of total carbs and less than 1g of fiber, its net carb count is almost the same. A digestive biscuit with 20g of total carbs and 2g of fiber would have 18g of net carbs.

Homemade biscuits can have fewer carbs if you use a specific recipe with less sugar or include alternative flours. However, a traditional homemade recipe using all-purpose flour might have a similar carb count to a commercial biscuit of the same size.