What are the best biscuits for diabetics to eat?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

A study in Food Production, Processing and Nutrition indicates that biscuits with stevia and specific fibers have a lower glycemic index and don't raise blood glucose compared to sugary biscuits. Considering ingredients and GI is crucial when choosing the best biscuits for diabetics to eat.

Quick Summary

This guide covers key nutritional factors for diabetic-friendly biscuits, such as low glycemic index and high fiber. It provides examples and alternatives, offering tips for smarter snacking to avoid unhealthy blood sugar spikes.

Key Points

Low Glycemic Index: Prioritize low GI biscuits to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes.
Focus on Whole Grains: Look for oats, ragi, and millet, which are high in fiber and healthier than refined flour.
Read Labels Carefully: 'Sugar-free' can be misleading; check for hidden refined carbs and unhealthy fats.
Homemade is Best: Baking gives complete control over ingredients and nutrition.
Practice Moderation: Eat even healthy biscuits in small portions as part of a balanced diet.
Look for Natural Sweeteners: Choose natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia over artificial ones where possible.

Understanding the Glycemic Index (GI) and Diabetic Snacks

For those with diabetes, controlling blood sugar is vital. The glycemic index (GI) ranks carbohydrate foods based on how quickly they raise blood glucose. High-GI foods cause fast spikes, while low-GI foods cause a slower rise, which is better for diabetes. Many traditional biscuits use refined flour and high sugar, leading to a high GI. Diabetics must be careful when selecting snacks. The key is to find biscuits with whole-grain ingredients and minimal added sugars to lessen blood glucose impact.

The Importance of Ingredients

Besides the glycemic index, a biscuit's ingredients affect its health for diabetics. Healthy alternatives use ingredients that provide nutrition while keeping blood sugar steady. Almond flour and Greek yogurt-based biscuits offer a low-carb, high-protein snack, and biscuits with oats, ragi, and millets provide fiber. It is also critical to read labels carefully, as many "sugar-free" products still contain refined carbs or unhealthy fats.

Healthier Biscuit Alternatives for Diabetics

Instead of regular biscuits, there are several healthier alternatives. Many brands offer products designed for diabetics. The best alternative for ingredient control is baking at home.

Here are some better biscuit choices:

Whole Grain Options: Look for biscuits with 100% whole wheat flour, oats, or millets. These are high in fiber, which slows carbohydrate absorption and prevents blood sugar spikes.
Nut-Based Biscuits: Biscuits using almond flour provide a lower-carb, higher-protein, and higher-fat alternative. These macronutrients help stabilize blood glucose.
Sugar-Free Versions: Be cautious, but products with natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol can work. Always check for refined flour, which can cause a spike.
Homemade Biscuits: Baking lets you control all ingredients. You can use oat flour, coconut flour, and natural sweeteners for a diabetic-friendly treat.

Popular Diabetic Biscuit Options: A Comparison

The following table compares some common biscuits by ingredients and blood sugar impact.


Biscuit Type	Key Ingredients	Added Sugar	Glycemic Impact	Best for Diabetics?
Plain Digestive Biscuit	Refined Flour, Sugar, Palm Oil	Moderate to High	Medium to High GI; potential for significant blood sugar spike	Not Recommended: Not designed for diabetic needs.
Britannia NutriChoice Essentials	Ragi, Oats, Multigrain	None	Low GI, high fiber	Recommended: Specifically formulated for diabetics.
Diabodelite Multi-Grain Cookies	Oats, Ragi, Bajra, Soya Flour	None	Low GI, high fiber	Recommended: A healthy, fiber-rich snack option.
Homemade Almond Flour Biscuits	Almond Flour, Greek Yogurt, Oil	Optional	Very Low Carb, Low GI	Highly Recommended: Ultimate ingredient control for optimal blood sugar management.
Sugar-Free Ragi Biscuits (Homemade)	Ragi Flour, Wheat Flour, Natural Sweetener	None (uses sweetener)	Low GI	Recommended: Homemade with low-GI ingredients and sweeteners.

The Downsides of Unhealthy Biscuits

Many biscuits, even those labeled 'digestive', are not ideal for diabetics. A study highlighted standard digestive biscuits' medium-to-high GI and high saturated fat. Some 'diabetic' cookies also have refined grains like maida and artificial sweeteners that can cause inflammation or blood sugar fluctuations. High sodium in some biscuits can affect blood pressure.

Key Nutritional Factors for Diabetic Biscuits

When evaluating a biscuit, consider these nutritional priorities:

High in Fiber: Fiber, especially from whole grains, slows digestion and glucose entry into the bloodstream.
Low Glycemic Index (GI): Choose low-GI biscuits to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Use Wholesome Ingredients: Look for whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats instead of refined flour and hydrogenated oils.
No Added Sugar: Choose biscuits with no added sugar or those with natural, low-calorie sweeteners.
Moderate Portion Size: Even healthy biscuits should be eaten in moderation.

Making Smarter Choices for Snacking

Healthy snacking is possible with the right choices. Consider making your own or choosing brands with whole-food ingredients. Combining a biscuit with protein and healthy fat, like whole-grain biscuit with nut butter, can help slow sugar absorption. Knowing nutritional details is the best way to ensure treats don't harm health.

Conclusion: Mindful Snacking for Diabetics

Although many biscuits are marketed toward diabetics, read the ingredient list. The best biscuits for diabetics are made from whole grains, nuts, and natural sweeteners, offering fiber and a low GI. Brands like Britannia NutriChoice Essentials and Diabodelite are good, but making your own ensures control. By choosing wisely and practicing moderation, biscuits can be part of a healthy, balanced diabetic diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most digestive biscuits aren't ideal for diabetics due to their medium-to-high glycemic index and sugar content, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Some specially formulated sugar-free digestives may be better, but read the label carefully.

It depends on ingredients. Many use refined flour, which is a carbohydrate that can spike blood sugar. Check for whole-grain content and overall nutrition. Some use healthy flours like oats and ragi.

Diabetics should look for whole grains (oats, ragi, millet), nuts, and healthy fats. High-fiber content is also good, as it slows sugar absorption.

Moderation is key. Most experts recommend limiting intake, such as 2 to 3 diabetic-friendly biscuits a couple of times a week, accounting for their carbs.

Yes, baking ensures the biscuits are diabetic-friendly. Use healthy flours like almond or ragi and control the sweetener, avoiding refined ingredients.

Not necessarily. Many savory crackers can be high in refined flour and sodium, which can impact blood sugar and blood pressure. Look for whole-grain, low-sodium savory options.

The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how a food raises blood glucose. High-GI foods cause quick spikes, which are dangerous for diabetics. Low-GI biscuits ensure a slower, stable glucose release, which is essential for managing diabetes.