Understanding What Biscuits Can You Eat on a Low Carb Diet?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritionists, many popular, store-bought biscuits contain surprisingly high levels of refined flour and sugar, making them unsuitable for low-carb lifestyles. However, a low-carb diet doesn't mean you have to forgo this comforting baked good. So, what biscuits can you eat on a low carb diet that align with your dietary goals?

Quick Summary

This article explores the best low-carb biscuit options, detailing key alternative ingredients like almond and coconut flour. It covers both reputable store-bought brands and simple homemade recipes, offering a practical guide to enjoying biscuits guilt-free on a low-carb plan.

Key Points

Embrace Alternative Flours: Swap traditional wheat flour for low-carb, high-fiber options like almond or coconut flour for a guilt-free biscuit base.
Choose Ingredients Wisely: Look for products using healthy fats like butter or coconut oil and avoid those with high fructose corn syrup and refined sugars.
Consider Store-Bought Mixes: Brands like Livlo and Scotty's Everyday offer convenient, pre-packaged mixes designed for low-carb and keto baking.
Customize Your Homemade Batch: Baking from scratch gives you full control over ingredients and flavors, allowing for delicious variations like cheddar-garlic or sweet cinnamon biscuits.
Ensure Proper Binding: Since alternative flours lack gluten, adding binders like xanthan gum is crucial for achieving a tender, non-crumbly biscuit texture.
Mind Your Portion Sizes: Even healthy, low-carb biscuits should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet for effective weight and blood sugar management.

The Low-Carb Biscuit Revolution

Traditional biscuits, made with refined wheat flour, are packed with carbohydrates and offer little nutritional value for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. The good news is that culinary innovation has paved the way for delicious, satisfying alternatives that use non-traditional flours and ingredients. These alternatives not only reduce the carb count but often introduce healthier fats and fibers into your snack time. By understanding the key ingredient swaps, you can confidently choose or create biscuits that fit your dietary needs.

Key Low-Carb Ingredients in Biscuits

The magic behind low-carb biscuits lies in replacing high-carb flours with healthier, low-glycemic alternatives. The following ingredients are staples in low-carb biscuit recipes and products:

Almond Flour: A popular wheat flour substitute, blanched, superfine almond flour offers a rich, nutty flavor and a tender crumb, similar to traditional biscuits. It's high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helping to promote satiety.
Coconut Flour: This low-carb flour is extremely absorbent, meaning a little goes a long way. It provides a distinct texture and is also high in fiber, making it an excellent component in low-carb biscuit mixes.
Xanthan Gum: When working with gluten-free flours like almond and coconut, a binding agent is necessary to prevent a crumbly texture. Xanthan gum mimics the elasticity of gluten and helps the biscuits hold together.
Eggs, Butter, and Cheese: These ingredients are essential for binding, moisture, and flavor. They contribute healthy fats and protein, which are central to a low-carb or keto diet.

Navigating Store-Bought Low-Carb Biscuits

For those who prefer convenience, a growing number of brands offer ready-to-bake mixes and pre-made biscuits that cater to low-carb and keto diets. When shopping, always read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully to ensure the product meets your specific carb limits and contains no hidden sugars or fillers. Some popular brands include Livlo, Scotty's Everyday, and ADOR Health, which offer a variety of mixes and flavors.

Store-Bought Low-Carb Biscuit Comparison


Feature	Livlo Keto Biscuit Mix	Scotty's Everyday Keto Biscuit Mix	HighKey Vanilla Wafers
Net Carbs (per serving)	2g	0g	1g
Flour Used	Almond Flour	Nut-free blend	Almond Flour
Flavor	Classic Butter	No Flavor (Mix)	Vanilla
Gluten-Free?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Key Benefit	Easy to make, buttery flavor	No nut flours, zero net carbs	Pre-made, sweet snack
Format	Baking Mix	Baking Mix	Pre-made cookies

How to Make Your Own Low-Carb Biscuits

For a more controlled and fresh-tasting result, baking your own low-carb biscuits is a fantastic option. You can customize the ingredients, adjust the flavors, and ensure they are free from any undesirable additives. A basic recipe typically involves combining a low-carb flour blend with a leavening agent and a cold fat source, such as butter or coconut oil.

Steps for a Simple Low-Carb Almond Flour Biscuit Recipe

Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (e.g., 350°F / 177°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: superfine almond flour, aluminum-free baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Add cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, such as eggs and a thick dairy product like sour cream or heavy cream.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until they form a thick, cohesive dough. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the baking sheet and shape them into biscuits. For a golden finish, you can brush the tops with a little heavy cream.
Bake for about 15-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm and golden brown.

Ingredients to Steer Clear of for Low-Carb Biscuits

Just as important as knowing what to include is understanding what to avoid. Traditional biscuits contain ingredients that will quickly exceed your daily carb limit. Avoid biscuits containing:

Refined White Flour: The base of conventional biscuits, this is a high-carb ingredient that should be swapped for almond or coconut flour.
High Fructose Corn Syrup and Added Sugars: Found in many processed baked goods, these sweeteners add unnecessary carbs and should be avoided. Use natural low-carb sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit if desired.
Hydrogenated Oils and Trans Fats: Used to improve shelf life, these fats are unhealthy and can negatively impact the taste and texture of your biscuits. Opt for healthier fats like butter or coconut oil.

Conclusion: Savoring Biscuits on a Low-Carb Diet

With the right knowledge, enjoying biscuits on a low-carb diet is not only possible but can also be a satisfying part of your eating plan. Whether you opt for a convenient store-bought mix or prefer to bake your own from scratch using almond or coconut flour, you can find a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your cravings. By focusing on smart ingredient choices and moderation, you can easily incorporate low-carb biscuits into a balanced diet, benefiting from better blood sugar control and sustained energy. To learn more about low-carb living and its health benefits, you can consult resources from the American Diabetes Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most standard digestive biscuits are not suitable for a low-carb diet. They are typically made with high-carb whole wheat flour and contain significant amounts of added sugar. Always check the label, as even 'sugar-free' versions may still be too high in carbohydrates.

Yes, low-carb biscuits can be a good option for people with diabetes, as they are less likely to cause a spike in blood sugar levels than their high-carb counterparts. Biscuits made with almond or coconut flour, which have a lower glycemic index, are often recommended by nutritionists.

Almond flour creates a richer, more tender crumb and is used in higher volumes, while coconut flour is much more absorbent and provides a distinct texture. Recipes are not interchangeable, so it's important to use the specific flour and measurements recommended.

To prevent low-carb biscuits from being too crumbly, many recipes include a binding agent. Using superfine almond flour instead of almond meal and adding a small amount of xanthan gum or psyllium husk can significantly improve the texture and structure.

Yes, most low-carb biscuits are naturally gluten-free because they replace wheat flour with alternative flours like almond or coconut. However, it is always recommended to check the label for specific certifications if you have a gluten intolerance.

When buying a mix, check for a low net carb count per serving and avoid products with added sugar, refined flours, and hydrogenated oils. Ensure the ingredients are simple and recognizable. Some mixes also use nut-free flours for those with allergies.

If you're not in the mood for a biscuit, other great low-carb snack alternatives include nuts and seeds, cheese and meat, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, and keto crackers. These options provide healthy fats and protein to keep you full and satisfied.