Understanding Your Plate: How many carbs are in a southern style biscuit?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a typical Southern style biscuit from a popular brand contains approximately 24 grams of total carbohydrates. Knowing precisely how many carbs are in a southern style biscuit is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake for health or weight management goals. This article will help you navigate the carb content of this comfort food and explore healthier alternatives.

Quick Summary

A standard Southern style biscuit typically contains between 20 and 30 grams of carbohydrates, with the final amount depending on the recipe and ingredients used. The type of flour, added sugar, and preparation method are key factors affecting the total carb count. For those on a low-carb diet, alternative flours like almond or coconut flour can significantly reduce the carbohydrate load. Portion control and smart modifications are essential for fitting biscuits into a balanced diet.

Key Points

Carb Range: A typical store-bought Southern style biscuit contains 20-30 grams of carbohydrates, with some popular brands averaging around 23-27g.
Ingredient Impact: The main source of carbs is refined wheat flour, with added sugar also contributing to the total. The rich fat content adds significant calories.
Low-Carb Swaps: To reduce carbs, substitute refined flour with alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour, which are high in fiber and protein.
Healthy Modifications: Incorporating healthier options such as whole-wheat flour or reducing fat and sugar content can improve the nutritional profile of biscuits.
Dietary Strategy: To include biscuits in a health-conscious diet, practice portion control or choose specially formulated low-carb or healthier packaged varieties.

Decoding the Carb Count in a Southern Style Biscuit

The beloved Southern style biscuit, known for its flaky layers and buttery taste, is a staple of comfort food. However, for those on a nutrition-focused diet, the carbohydrate content is a significant consideration. The number of carbohydrates in a biscuit can vary based on several factors, including whether it is homemade or store-bought, and the specific ingredients used.

Typical Carb Range in Store-Bought Biscuits

For many, the convenience of a store-bought biscuit mix or frozen dough is a common choice. Examining the nutritional labels from a few popular brands reveals a consistent carb range for a standard-sized biscuit:

Pillsbury Grands! Southern Style Biscuit: Approximately 23-27g of total carbohydrates per serving, depending on the specific product.
Food City Southern Style Biscuits: Lists 23g of total carbohydrates per biscuit.
Other Southern-style recipes (average): Nutritional aggregators suggest a general range of 20-30g of carbohydrates per biscuit.

These figures demonstrate that a single biscuit can contribute a substantial amount to a person’s daily carbohydrate budget, especially for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. For someone on a 2,000-calorie diet, which typically recommends around 275 grams of total carbohydrates daily, a single biscuit represents a notable portion.

What Influences a Biscuit's Carb Content?

Several key ingredients and preparation methods determine the final carbohydrate and overall nutritional profile of a biscuit. Understanding these factors can help in making healthier choices or modifying recipes.

Refined Wheat Flour: The primary ingredient in most traditional biscuits is enriched and bleached wheat flour, a major source of simple carbohydrates. During processing, the nutrient-rich bran and germ are removed, leaving mostly the starchy endosperm, which digests quickly and can cause blood sugar spikes.
Sugar Content: While not as sweet as cookies, biscuits often contain some added sugar for flavor and browning. Some varieties may have more, contributing to the overall carbohydrate total.
Fat Content: Southern biscuits are known for being rich and flaky due to a high fat content from butter or shortening. While fat is not a carbohydrate, it adds significant calories, often alongside the high carb load, making the biscuit an energy-dense food.
Leavening Agents: Ingredients like baking powder and baking soda help the biscuit rise but do not contribute significantly to the carb count. However, the reaction with acidic ingredients like buttermilk can influence the final texture.

Comparison Table: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Biscuits

For a clearer picture of the nutritional differences, consider the following comparison between a traditional Southern biscuit and a modern low-carb version made with alternative flours.


Feature	Traditional Southern Biscuit	Low-Carb Almond Flour Biscuit
Carbs (approx.)	20-30g per biscuit	2.5-5g net carbs per biscuit
Primary Flour	Refined wheat flour	Almond flour
Fiber Content	Low (<1g)	High (from almond flour)
Calorie Count	180-200+ calories	Lower due to fewer carbs
Dietary Suitability	Enjoy in moderation	Keto/low-carb friendly

The Low-Carb Alternative: Flour Power

Fortunately, for those who love biscuits but need to manage their carbohydrate intake, several alternatives and recipes exist. Swapping the traditional refined wheat flour for low-carb options is the most effective strategy for significantly reducing the carbohydrate content.

Almond Flour: This is one of the most popular substitutes for low-carb baking. It is made from finely ground blanched almonds and is naturally gluten-free and high in protein and fiber, resulting in a tender texture that works well in biscuits. One simple recipe suggests a combination of almond flour, eggs, sour cream, and melted butter for a quick biscuit.
Coconut Flour: A gluten-free flour made from dried coconut meat that is very high in fiber. It is highly absorbent and requires more liquid (often more eggs) than wheat flour to prevent a dry result. It imparts a slight coconut flavor, which can complement sweet or savory biscuit recipes.
Whole-Wheat Flour: While not strictly 'low-carb,' substituting whole-wheat flour for half the refined flour in a traditional recipe can increase fiber content. The added fiber slows down digestion, helping to prevent sharp blood sugar spikes and increase satiety.
Fat and Sugar Reduction: Other strategies to lower the overall calories and impact on blood sugar include reducing the amount of sugar and fat in recipes. Using carbohydrate-based fat replacers or simply cutting back on butter can help reduce calories, and artificial sweeteners can replace some of the sugar.

Conclusion: Enjoying Biscuits on Your Terms

The carbohydrate count of a Southern style biscuit is substantial due to its reliance on refined white flour, but this doesn't mean it must be eliminated from your diet entirely. For mindful consumption, understanding the carb content of typical store-bought options and exploring alternatives is key. By experimenting with low-carb flours like almond or coconut flour, you can create satisfying biscuits that align with your nutritional goals. Whether enjoying a traditional biscuit in moderation or opting for a low-carb alternative, you have the power to make informed choices that work for your wellness journey.

Visit the Whole Grains Council for more information on the benefits of whole grains.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the nutritional information for Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Buttermilk Biscuits, one biscuit contains approximately 24 grams of total carbohydrates. Some variations may differ slightly, so checking the label is always recommended.

Traditional southern biscuits are high in carbohydrates primarily due to the main ingredient: refined white wheat flour. This flour consists mostly of starch, a complex carbohydrate that the body breaks down into simple sugars, contributing significantly to the total carb count.

Yes, biscuits can be incorporated into a low-carb diet by making specific modifications. The most common method is to use low-carb flour substitutes like almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional wheat flour to create a low-carb version from scratch.

The carb count can vary between homemade and store-bought biscuits, as it depends entirely on the recipe and ingredients used. Homemade versions offer the advantage of controlling ingredients, such as swapping out refined flour for lower-carb alternatives, whereas store-bought options are formulated for specific texture and shelf life, which often relies on refined flours and added sugars.

While whole-grain biscuits may not be significantly lower in total carbohydrates, they do contain more dietary fiber compared to those made with refined flour. This increased fiber can slow down the absorption of carbs, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber content from the total carbohydrates. For those on a keto or low-carb diet, net carbs provide a more accurate measure of the carbohydrates that impact blood sugar. Recipes using high-fiber ingredients like almond or coconut flour will result in a lower net carb count per biscuit.

To reduce the carbs in a homemade recipe, consider replacing refined flour with low-carb alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour. Additionally, you can use a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar, and reduce the overall amount of flour and sugar used.

A traditional southern biscuit often has a higher carbohydrate count than a single slice of plain sourdough or whole-grain bread. For example, a single biscuit can have 20-30g of carbs, while a slice of sourdough bread has about half that amount. However, nutrient density and fiber content also differ significantly depending on the type of bread.