Is Biscuit High in Sugar? What You Need to Know for Your Health

November 25, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2018 study, nearly three-quarters of biscuits available in UK supermarkets would receive a 'red' label for high sugar content, indicating that for many products, the answer to "Is biscuit high in sugar?" is yes. However, the sugar content can vary dramatically between different types and brands, making it crucial for consumers to understand the nutritional landscape.

Quick Summary

Commercially produced biscuits are often laden with high levels of added sugar and refined carbohydrates that can lead to health concerns. The actual sugar content is highly dependent on the biscuit variety, with some containing significantly more than others. Making informed choices requires careful label reading, knowledge of sugar's many names, and understanding potential health impacts.

Key Points

High Sugar Warning: Many commercially made biscuits contain surprisingly high levels of sugar, with some UK varieties receiving a 'red' (high) label.
Hidden Sugars are Common: Sugar can be concealed under various names on ingredient lists, such as fructose, corn syrup, and maltose, making it difficult to spot.
Not All Biscuits are Equal: The sugar content varies widely by type; for instance, iced biscuits are typically much higher in sugar than plainer varieties like shortbread.
Beyond Sugar: Most biscuits are made with refined flour and unhealthy fats, contributing to potential health risks beyond just sugar intake, including weight gain and blood sugar spikes.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: Opting for snacks like nuts, seeds, whole-grain crackers, or fresh fruit provides more nutritional benefits without the excessive added sugar.
Prioritize Label Reading: Learning to read nutrition labels and identify added sugars is crucial for making informed choices and selecting lower-sugar biscuit options.
Moderation is Key: While occasional indulgence is fine, regular consumption of high-sugar biscuits should be limited in favor of a balanced diet.

The Sugar Content Surprise: What the Data Shows

While a plain, homemade biscuit might contain a moderate amount of sugar, a substantial portion of the biscuits found on supermarket shelves are formulated to be intensely palatable, a process that relies heavily on sugar, fat, and salt. This means that the average sugar content is often significantly higher than many consumers realize. Public health research highlights this issue clearly.

Average Sugar Levels

A study from 2018 found the average sugar content across biscuits to be around 30.0 grams per 100 grams. To put this into perspective, the American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day, and women no more than 25 grams. A single portion of some biscuits could use up a large percentage of this daily allowance.

High vs. Low Sugar Varieties

There is a massive variation in sugar content among different types of biscuits. This is demonstrated by the difference between sugary, iced varieties and plainer ones.

Highest Sugar: Iced biscuits are notorious sugar offenders, with some containing as much as 43.5 grams per 100 grams. Cream-filled and jam biscuits also fall into this category.
Lowest Sugar: Shortbread biscuits often contain less sugar, averaging around 17.5 grams per 100 grams. However, some oat and digestive varieties can also be lower, though this is not a guarantee.
'Healthy' but Sugary: Many biscuits marketed as 'healthy' or 'digestive' can still contain a surprisingly high amount of sugar and fat. For example, some digestive biscuits contain 15.1g of sugar per 100g, which is not insubstantial.

Beyond Sugar: The Problem with Refined Ingredients

Beyond the obvious sugar content, the overall nutritional profile of many commercial biscuits is poor. The use of refined flour (maida), high levels of unhealthy fats (including saturated and trans fats from ingredients like palm oil), and a low fiber count contribute to several health issues. This combination of refined carbs and sugar can cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels, followed by a subsequent energy crash. Over time, this can negatively impact glucose metabolism and increase insulin resistance.

How to Identify and Avoid High-Sugar Biscuits

Making a healthier choice requires becoming a savvy label reader. Don't fall for marketing claims; instead, focus on the nutritional facts and ingredient list. Here are some tips to help you find genuinely lower-sugar options.

Reading Nutrition Labels

Check 'Added Sugars': Look for the 'Added Sugars' line on the nutrition label. This tells you exactly how much sugar has been added, separate from naturally occurring sugars. The lower this number, the better.
Prioritize Fiber: Opt for biscuits with higher fiber content. Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar, which helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Options made with whole grains or oats typically have more fiber.
Serving Size Matters: A product can look deceptively low in sugar per serving, but if a normal portion is multiple servings, you could be consuming a significant amount of sugar without realizing it.

Understanding Sugar's Many Names

Food manufacturers often use multiple forms of sugar to enhance sweetness while keeping the top ingredient from being 'sugar'. Become familiar with these hidden names:

High-fructose corn syrup
Maltose, dextrose, sucrose, fructose
Molasses and syrups (corn syrup, rice syrup)
Honey or agave nectar
Fruit juice concentrate

Health Implications of High Sugar and Processed Biscuits

Regular consumption of biscuits high in sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats can have several negative health consequences, including:

Obesity and Weight Gain: High-calorie, nutrient-poor snacks like biscuits contribute to weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of associated chronic diseases.
Type 2 Diabetes: Excessive sugar intake, combined with refined carbohydrates, can lead to insulin resistance and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease: High sugar diets are linked to increased triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation, all risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Dental Issues: High sugar content feeds bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and cavities.
Energy Crashes: The rapid blood sugar spike from sugary biscuits is followed by a crash, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and a craving for more sugar.

Finding Healthier Alternatives to Biscuits

For those who find themselves reaching for a biscuit out of habit, numerous healthier and more satisfying alternatives can replace processed versions. Consider options rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats that provide sustained energy without the sugar crash.

Whole-grain crackers: Pair with a healthy topping like avocado or a nut butter for sustained energy.
Nuts and seeds: A handful of almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds offers healthy fats and protein, keeping you feeling full.
Fresh fruit: Satisfy a sweet craving naturally with fresh fruit like berries or an apple, which also provides fiber and vitamins.
Homemade snacks: Baking your own biscuits allows you to control the ingredients, swapping refined flour for whole wheat or oat flour and using natural sweeteners in moderation.
Plain yogurt with fruit: Choose plain Greek yogurt and add your own fresh fruit for flavor, avoiding the high sugar of pre-flavored versions.

Table: Comparison of Biscuit Types


Biscuit Type	Average Sugar (per 100g)	Primary Ingredients	Potential Health Profile
Iced Biscuits	~43.5g	Refined flour, sugar, icing sugar, palm oil	Very high in sugar, low in fiber, poor nutritional profile
Shortbread	~17.5g	Flour, butter, sugar	Lower in sugar than iced types but high in saturated fat
Milk Chocolate Digestives	~29.4g	Wholemeal flour, sugar, milk chocolate	Moderate sugar, often contains palm oil, higher in fiber than plain biscuits but can be misleadingly high in fat and sugar
Oat Biscuits	Varies widely, check label	Oats, flour, sugar, fat	Can be higher in fiber, but check for added sugars and unhealthy fats

Conclusion: Balancing Biscuits in Your Diet

So, is biscuit high in sugar? The answer is often a definitive yes, particularly for commercially produced and flavored varieties. While biscuits can be a comforting and convenient snack, relying on them regularly can contribute to a host of health issues due to their high content of added sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats. For those seeking to manage their sugar intake and overall health, the key is mindful consumption. Carefully checking nutrition labels for added sugars and choosing lower-sugar, higher-fiber options is essential. Ultimately, biscuits should be viewed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. For better health, consider incorporating healthier snack alternatives into your diet, like nuts, seeds, or whole-grain crackers, to provide sustained energy and greater nutritional value. Understanding what goes into your food is the first step towards making more informed dietary choices. For more help identifying hidden sugars in your diet, the CDC offers valuable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many commercially produced biscuits are high in added sugar. A 2018 study found that the average biscuit in the UK contained 30g of sugar per 100g, with some varieties containing significantly more.

Excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, elevated blood pressure, heart disease, and dental decay. The refined ingredients also cause blood sugar fluctuations and energy crashes.

Always read the ingredient list on the nutrition label. Look for multiple types of sugar, syrups, or ingredients ending in '-ose' (e.g., sucrose, maltose). The higher up these items appear on the list, the more sugar the product contains.

Not necessarily. While they contain some fiber, many brands are still high in sugar and unhealthy saturated fats. Always check the nutrition label, as some 'digestive' biscuits can have sugar content comparable to other sweet varieties.

Consider opting for whole-grain crackers with savory toppings, oatcakes, or homemade biscuits where you control the ingredients and can reduce or substitute sugar. Fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds are also excellent alternatives.

Sugar-free biscuits can be lower in calories, but they are not always a healthier choice. Many still contain refined flour and unhealthy fats. Additionally, some use artificial sweeteners which may have other metabolic implications.

To reduce cravings, try consuming biscuits in moderation and pairing them with a source of fiber or protein to stabilize blood sugar levels. Eating them as part of a meal, rather than a solo snack, can also help. Gradually switching to healthier alternatives can also retrain your taste buds.