What are the healthiest breakfast biscuits? A Comprehensive Nutrition Guide

November 5, 2025 •

5 min read

Many prepackaged “breakfast biscuits” are a far cry from healthy, with some containing levels of sugar and saturated fat that exceed health organization recommendations. Navigating the options to discover what are the healthiest breakfast biscuits requires a closer look at key nutritional factors and a discerning eye for marketing claims.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals how to identify truly nutritious breakfast biscuits by prioritizing high-fiber whole grains and low sugar content. It compares popular options, highlights the best store-bought choices, and advocates for homemade versions to maximize health benefits.

Key Points

Read Nutrition Labels: Don't be fooled by marketing. Check the sugar, fiber, and fat content on the back of the package.
Prioritize Whole Grains: Choose biscuits where whole grains (oats, whole wheat) are listed as the primary ingredient to maximize fiber intake.
Limit Sugar Intake: Opt for brands with less than 5g of sugar per 100g to avoid blood sugar spikes and excessive calories.
Embrace Homemade: The healthiest option is making your own biscuits, giving you full control over ingredients and avoiding additives.
Be Mindful of Portion Size: Even a healthier biscuit can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Follow serving sizes or portion your own.
Incorporate Healthy Fats: Look for biscuits using fats from nuts or seeds, and avoid those with hydrogenated oils or high levels of saturated fat.

The Truth Behind “Breakfast” Biscuits

Many commercially sold breakfast biscuits are often marketed as a convenient and healthy start to the day, but a closer inspection of their ingredients often tells a different story. According to health reports, many mass-produced biscuits are high in refined flour and sugar, while being low in beneficial nutrients like fiber.

High in sugar: Excess sugar can lead to blood sugar spikes, increased cravings, and weight gain. Some branded cream-based biscuits have sugar levels above 25g per 100g, higher than WHO recommendations.
Refined flour: Many are made with maida, or refined wheat flour, which is stripped of essential fiber and nutrients during processing. This can cause blood sugar levels to spike, potentially increasing the risk of conditions like Type 2 diabetes over time.
Unhealthy fats: Processed biscuits often contain hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, such as palm oil, which are high in unhealthy saturated fat. Some products contain high levels of these fats, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Hidden additives: Long lists of unpronounceable ingredients often indicate heavily processed products. These can include artificial flavors, preservatives, and other additives linked to various health concerns.

How to Choose Healthiest Breakfast Biscuits

When selecting a nutritious biscuit, keep these key factors in mind to ensure you're making a genuinely healthy choice:

Prioritize Whole Grains

Biscuits made with 100% whole wheat, oats, or a mix of whole grains offer significantly more fiber and nutrients than those using refined white flour. Fiber aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps prevent blood sugar spikes. Look for whole grain flour or oats as the first ingredient on the list.

Look for Low Sugar Content

Many prepackaged biscuits contain surprisingly high amounts of sugar, with dried fruit variations not always being a low-sugar alternative. Aim for biscuits with less than 5 grams of sugar per 100 grams to be considered 'low sugar'. Sweetness should come from natural sources like fruit or minimal amounts of honey. LU Wheatable offers a sugar-free variant, and some Malted Milk biscuits are naturally lower in sugar.

Check the Fiber Content

Fiber is the most important component of a healthy biscuit. It helps you feel full longer and is good for your digestive system. A good breakfast biscuit should contain a decent amount of fiber per serving. Belvita Rich in Fibre and Oat Biscuits are often highlighted for their high fiber count.

Choose Healthy Fats

Check the nutrition label for saturated and trans fats. Opt for biscuits made with healthier fats from nuts or seeds, not palm oil or hydrogenated oils. Brands like Nairn's use healthier fats.

Be Mindful of Portion Sizes

Even with a healthy biscuit, portion control is crucial for managing calories, especially if you are watching your weight. Opt for brands that offer pre-portioned packs or smaller biscuit sizes, or simply be mindful of how many you consume.

Comparison of Popular Breakfast Biscuits

Here is a comparison of different biscuit types based on nutritional information gathered from various sources, noting that values can vary by brand and variant:


Biscuit Type	Calories (per 100g)	Sugar (per 100g)	Fiber (per 100g)	Primary Flours	Notes
Oat Biscuits	~450 kcal	15-20g	5-9g	Oats, whole grains	Good source of fiber, can be lower in sugar.
Whole Wheat / Digestive	~470 kcal	~17g	~6g	Whole wheat flour, sometimes refined flour	Misleadingly marketed as 'healthy,' can be high in sugar and fat.
Multigrain Biscuits	~417 kcal	~10g	~8g	Mix of whole grains	Better option due to varied nutrients from different grains.
Cream-Filled	~533 kcal	~33g	<1g	Refined flour	High in sugar and fat, low in fiber; best avoided.
Homemade Oat/Almond	~366 kcal	~7g	~10g	Oats, almond/coconut flour	Allows full control over ingredients; typically high in fiber and low in sugar.

Better Biscuit Options for a Healthier Choice

If you prefer the convenience of store-bought, some brands offer better nutritional profiles than others. Brands like Nairn's are often recommended for their use of whole grain oats, lower sugar content, and use of healthier fats. LU Wheatable also provides a sugar-free, high-fiber variant, making it a suitable option for those watching their sugar intake. Belvita offers high-fiber and multigrain options, but it's important to check the specific variant's sugar content, as it can vary. A sports nutritionist might also suggest protein-enhanced cookies for a post-workout boost.

The Healthiest Biscuit of All: Homemade

For the ultimate control over your breakfast, making your own biscuits is the best option. It allows you to eliminate refined flours, unhealthy fats, and excessive sugars. Numerous recipes exist that use nutrient-dense ingredients.

Common Healthy Homemade Biscuit Ingredients:

Oats: Use whole, rolled oats for a chewy texture and fiber boost.
Nut or Seed Butter: Provides healthy fats, protein, and acts as a binder.
Natural Sweeteners: Mash bananas, unsweetened applesauce, or a small amount of maple syrup can add flavor without excess sugar.
Flours: Almond flour or coconut flour offers a lower-carb, higher-fiber alternative to traditional flour.
Seeds: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

Creating your own batch allows you to incorporate ingredients like Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture, or mix-ins like seeds, nuts, and spices. You can make a large batch and store them for a quick, grab-and-go option during the week.

Conclusion

While many store-bought breakfast biscuits may tempt with health claims, a critical look at their ingredients reveals they can be high in sugar and unhealthy fats. The healthiest breakfast biscuits are those rich in whole grains and fiber, and low in added sugar. Options like specific whole-grain varieties or oat biscuits can be a better choice for a quick meal, but always prioritize reading the nutrition label carefully. The absolute healthiest biscuit is one made at home, giving you full control over every ingredient and ensuring a nutrient-packed, low-sugar breakfast. No matter your choice, remember that biscuits are a part of your meal, not the whole meal, and should be paired with other nutrient-rich foods for a balanced breakfast. For more information on healthy eating, visit the British Heart Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digestive biscuits can be misleadingly marketed as healthy. While they often contain whole wheat, many brands are still high in sugar and saturated fat, and they contain less fiber than real whole grains. They are a better option than cream-filled biscuits, but not the healthiest choice.

Look for whole grain flours or oats at the beginning of the ingredient list. The ingredients should be recognizable and minimal. A low sugar content (ideally <5g per 100g) and healthier fats from natural sources like nuts or seeds are also key indicators.

Many store-bought biscuits are ultra-processed and can contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that offer little nutritional value. While some brands are better than others, homemade versions are always the least processed option.

Homemade biscuits can be made with simple, wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness, nut butter, and mix-ins like flax seeds or pumpkin seeds. They are easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste.

Options vary by region, but brands offering high-fiber, whole-grain oat biscuits like Nairn's or specific variants from brands like Belvita (check labels carefully) are often considered better choices. Some brands also offer sugar-free varieties, such as LU Wheatable.

Yes, but they must be chosen wisely and eaten in moderation. Opt for high-fiber, low-sugar biscuits to promote satiety and avoid blood sugar spikes. Portion control is essential to manage your overall calorie intake.

Whole-grain toast is often a healthier option than many biscuits, especially if paired with a low-sugar spread or a protein source like eggs. Biscuits can often have more fat and sugar. However, the best choice depends on the specific biscuit and bread, so comparing labels is always recommended.