Is 5 Biscuits Too Much for Your Health? The Surprising Truth

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to NHS guidelines, foods high in fat and sugar, like many biscuits, should be reserved for occasional treats. The question, "is 5 biscuits too much?" is therefore not as straightforward as it seems, as the answer depends on several factors, including the type of biscuit, your overall diet, and your individual health goals.

Quick Summary

The health implications of eating 5 biscuits vary significantly based on the biscuit's nutritional content, with many varieties containing high levels of sugar, saturated fat, and refined flour. This analysis of biscuit types and calorie counts helps you determine if this portion size fits into a balanced diet and offers healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Nutritional Content Varies: The impact of eating 5 biscuits depends heavily on the type, with cream-filled options being far more calorific and sugary than plainer versions.
High in 'Empty Calories': Many biscuits offer energy from sugar and refined flour but little to no essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, or minerals.
Health Risks of Overconsumption: Regularly eating too many biscuits can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and dental issues.
Better Alternatives Exist: Healthier snacking choices include fruits, nuts, whole-grain crackers, or homemade low-sugar baked goods that provide more nutritional value.
Portion Control is Key: As a rule of thumb, most biscuits should be considered an occasional treat rather than a regular daily snack to maintain a balanced diet.

Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Biscuits

Before determining if 5 biscuits are too much, it's essential to understand what biscuits typically contain. Most store-bought biscuits are made with refined flour, added sugars, and saturated or trans fats, giving them a high-calorie density with little nutritional value. These 'empty calories' offer energy but lack essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The Calorie and Sugar Breakdown

Consuming five biscuits can contribute a significant number of calories and sugar to your daily intake. The exact amount depends on the biscuit type. For instance, five digestive biscuits could add over 200 calories, while five richer, cream-filled biscuits might exceed 400 calories and a hefty dose of sugar. For context, five Britannia Good Day biscuits contain approximately 215 calories. The NHS recommends that adults have no more than 30g of free sugars a day, and five sugary biscuits can easily account for a large portion of this limit.

Impact on Your Health

Regularly consuming five biscuits can have several adverse health effects, particularly if done daily.

Weight Gain: The high sugar and fat content in many biscuits can lead to excessive calorie intake. If these extra calories are not balanced by physical activity, they can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of obesity.
Blood Sugar Spikes: Biscuits, especially those made with refined flour, have a high glycemic index, meaning they cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Regular spikes can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Health: Many biscuits contain unhealthy saturated or trans fats, which can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Digestive Issues: The low fiber content in most refined flour biscuits can contribute to digestive problems like constipation and indigestion.
Dental Problems: High sugar consumption from frequent snacking on biscuits can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

Making Healthier Snacking Choices

Instead of making five biscuits a regular snack, consider these healthier alternatives that offer better nutritional value and help with portion control.

Swap for fruit: A single piece of fruit, like an apple or a handful of berries, provides fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness without the added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Opt for nuts and seeds: A small handful of unsalted nuts or seeds is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which helps you feel full and satisfied for longer.
Choose whole-grain crackers: Pair whole-grain crackers with a low-fat cheese or hummus for a savory snack with more fiber and less sugar than most biscuits.
Make your own healthy biscuits: Baking your own biscuits allows you to control the ingredients, using whole wheat flour, less sugar, and healthy fats.
Use healthy recipes: Recipes incorporating oats, coconut flour, or even cauliflower are available for healthy, satisfying alternatives to traditional biscuits.

Comparison of Different Biscuit Types

To illustrate how much nutritional content can vary, here is a comparison of five biscuits from different categories. All values are approximate and based on standard product information.


Biscuit Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calories	Approximate Sugars	Key Takeaway
Digestive	5 Biscuits	~205 kcal	~11g	Higher in fibre than many, but still high in saturated fat and refined flour.
Cream-filled	5 Biscuits	~450 kcal	~40g	Very high in sugar and calories, best reserved for a very occasional treat.
Plain Tea	5 Biscuits	~185 kcal	~10.5g	Lower calorie option, but still lacks significant nutritional benefit.
Threptin Diskettes	5 Biscuits	~87.5 kcal	Low	High protein content, but intended as a nutritional supplement, not a typical snack.
Homemade Oat	5 Biscuits	Varies	Low	Using whole oats, honey, and nuts provides fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion: The Verdict on 5 Biscuits

In conclusion, regularly consuming five biscuits is generally considered too much for a healthy diet, particularly if they are high in sugar, fat, and refined flour. While enjoying a treat occasionally is fine, making a conscious choice to limit such snacks is crucial for long-term health. The risks associated with high calorie, sugar, and saturated fat intake, including weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease, are significant. By being mindful of your portion sizes and opting for healthier, more nutrient-dense alternatives most of the time, you can still enjoy a balanced and satisfying diet. The key, as with most things in nutrition, is moderation and making informed choices based on the actual nutritional content, not just convenience. For more in-depth information on managing your diet, consult trusted health resources like the National Health Service (NHS) guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count for 5 biscuits varies widely depending on the brand and type. For example, 5 McVitie's digestive biscuits contain approximately 205 calories, while 5 richer, cream-filled biscuits could contain over 400 calories.

Excessive consumption of biscuits can lead to weight gain due to high calorie content, an increased risk of type 2 diabetes from high sugar intake, and heart disease due to unhealthy saturated or trans fats.

For most people, eating 5 biscuits daily is not considered healthy. The high levels of sugar, fat, and refined flour can contribute to long-term health issues and displace more nutritious food from your diet.

A healthy portion of biscuits is best defined as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Limiting yourself to one or two biscuits, and choosing lower-sugar, higher-fiber options like digestive or oat biscuits, is a more mindful approach to snacking.

Digestive biscuits often have more fiber than cream-filled or plain tea biscuits, but they can still be high in saturated fat and sugar. While a slightly better option, they should still be consumed in moderation.

Healthier alternatives include fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, yogurt, or homemade baked goods made with whole wheat flour and natural sweeteners. These options provide more nutrients and help with satiety.

Biscuits are typically high in calories because they contain significant amounts of refined carbohydrates from flour and fat from ingredients like butter or oil. These ingredients are calorie-dense but provide low nutritional value.