Understanding the Nutritional Value of Pillsbury Grand Biscuits

November 15, 2025 •

4 min read

A single Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers Original biscuit can contain around 170 calories and over 450mg of sodium, highlighting a significant nutritional impact for a single serving. A deeper look at the nutritional value of Pillsbury grand biscuits reveals important details about their calorie, fat, and sodium content.

Quick Summary

This article examines the calorie, fat, carbohydrate, and sodium content of various Pillsbury Grands! biscuit types. It discusses their ingredients, compares them to homemade versions, and provides context for how they fit into a balanced diet.

Key Points

High in Calories and Fat: A single Grands! biscuit packs between 170-190 calories and a significant amount of fat, including saturated fat.
Very High in Sodium: Most varieties contain 450-500mg or more of sodium per biscuit, representing a large percentage of the recommended daily intake.
Ultra-Processed: Categorized as an ultra-processed food, they contain several additives and are often linked to a less-than-ideal nutritional profile.
Low Nutritional Density: Despite the calories, they are low in fiber and protein, offering little in the way of essential micronutrients.
Homemade is Healthier: Baking biscuits from scratch offers better control over ingredients, allowing for a lower-sodium and more nutrient-dense product.
Allergen Information: Standard Grands! varieties contain wheat and may contain milk and soy ingredients.

A Closer Look at Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits

Pillsbury Grands! biscuits are a popular convenience food known for their flaky texture and large size, providing a quick-to-bake side dish for many meals. With varieties including Flaky Layers, Southern Homestyle, and Buttermilk, the nutritional profile can vary slightly, though all share some common characteristics typical of highly processed, ready-to-bake dough products. Understanding this nutritional content is key to deciding how these biscuits fit into your overall diet.

Nutritional Breakdown by Biscuit Type

The specific nutritional facts can differ based on the flavor and type of Pillsbury Grands! biscuit. Here are some examples of what you might find, based on available product information:

Flaky Layers Original

Calories: Approximately 170-180 per biscuit.
Total Fat: Around 6-7 grams.
Saturated Fat: Roughly 2.5 grams, which accounts for a notable percentage of the daily value.
Sodium: About 450-470mg per biscuit, or 20% of the Daily Value.
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 26 grams.
Protein: Around 3-4 grams.

Southern Homestyle Buttermilk

Calories: Often slightly higher, at around 180 calories per biscuit.
Total Fat: Approximately 7 grams.
Saturated Fat: With 4-4.5 grams, this is a significant source of saturated fat.
Sodium: Generally higher, at around 480-490mg per biscuit.
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 26-27 grams.
Protein: Around 3 grams.

A Detailed Look at Key Ingredients and Health Implications

The nutritional value is influenced by the ingredients used to achieve the desired taste and texture. Grands! biscuits are made from a list of ingredients that includes:

Enriched Flour Bleached (Wheat Flour)
Water
Soybean and Palm Oil
Sugar and Dextrose
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate)
Vital Wheat Gluten
Salt
Preservatives (TBHQ, Potassium Sorbate)

The Ultra-Processed Nature

Many Grands! products are classified as ultra-processed foods due to their ingredient list, which contains several additives and stabilizers not typically found in a traditional biscuit recipe. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) flags these types of foods, noting potential health links to conditions like heart disease and obesity. The convenience comes at the cost of processing and a less favorable nutritional profile compared to from-scratch baking.

Comparison: Pillsbury Grands! vs. Homemade Biscuits

For those concerned about sodium and fat, a homemade biscuit recipe offers a significantly healthier alternative. Here is a comparison of a single Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle biscuit and a standard homemade buttermilk biscuit, based on typical recipes and the information from this article:


Nutritional Aspect	Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle (Approximate)	Homemade Buttermilk Biscuit (Approximate)
Calories	180	140-160
Total Fat	7g	6g-8g
Saturated Fat	4.5g	3g-5g
Sodium	490mg	150mg-300mg
Carbohydrates	26g	20g-25g
Protein	3g	4g-5g
Added Sugars	4g	Varies (often lower)

Note: Homemade nutritional data can vary widely depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives

Reduced-Fat Grands!: Pillsbury also offers a reduced-fat biscuit option, which can have around 25% less fat than the standard flaky layers variety, though sodium content remains a consideration.
Whole-Wheat Homemade Biscuits: Using whole-wheat flour in a homemade recipe can increase fiber and nutrient content. You can also control the amount of salt and fat.
Smaller Servings: Simply eating half a biscuit can cut calories, fat, and sodium intake in half.

The Impact of High Sodium and Saturated Fat

Both high sodium and saturated fat are concerns for many consumers. The high sodium levels in Grands! biscuits contribute significantly to a person's daily intake, which can be a problem for those with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular issues. Similarly, the saturated fat content can impact cholesterol levels. While fine in moderation, relying on these biscuits as a daily food item could negatively affect heart health.

Practical Tips for Mindful Consumption

For those who enjoy Pillsbury Grands! but want to be more mindful of their health, here are some tips:

Use them as an occasional treat rather than a staple.
Pair them with a nutritious, low-sodium, and high-fiber meal to balance the overall nutritional intake.
Consider using them in recipes where they are a component, such as a breakfast casserole, rather than the main event.
Explore healthier toppings like fresh fruit compote instead of butter and jelly.

To learn more about the specifics of Pillsbury products, you can check their official website for detailed information about ingredients and sourcing. Learn more at Pillsbury.com.

Conclusion

The nutritional value of Pillsbury Grands! biscuits is defined by their convenience-driven composition. They are high in calories, fat, and sodium while offering minimal fiber and protein per serving. For individuals watching their intake of processed ingredients, sodium, or fat, a homemade alternative is often the healthier choice. When enjoyed in moderation, however, they can still be a part of a varied and balanced diet. The key is to be aware of their nutritional profile and to balance them with more nutrient-dense foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calorie count varies by type, but a single biscuit from popular varieties like Flaky Layers Original or Southern Homestyle typically contains between 170 and 190 calories.

Generally, no. As an ultra-processed food, Pillsbury Grands! are relatively high in calories, sodium, and fat, and low in beneficial nutrients like fiber, so they should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The sodium content is high, ranging from approximately 450mg to over 500mg per biscuit depending on the flavor. This represents a significant portion of the daily recommended sodium intake.

Key ingredients include enriched bleached flour, water, various oils (like palm and soybean), sugar, baking powder, and other preservatives and stabilizers.

Yes, homemade biscuits are almost always a healthier option. They allow you to control ingredients, drastically reduce sodium and preservatives, and use healthier fats or whole-wheat flour.

Most varieties contain wheat and may also contain milk and soy ingredients. It's important to check the specific product's label for precise allergen information.

Yes, Pillsbury offers reduced-fat options for some of its biscuit varieties. These typically have lower fat content but should still be checked for other nutritional factors like sodium.