What Are the Lowest Sugar Biscuits?

December 19, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition experts, many classic biscuits are surprisingly high in sugar and saturated fat. Fortunately, there are many lower-sugar alternatives available that still offer a satisfying snack, especially if you know what to look for on the nutritional label. Finding the lowest sugar biscuits is possible with careful consideration of ingredients and portion sizes.

Quick Summary

This article explores the biscuit brands with the lowest sugar content, examines the nutritional benefits of alternative ingredients, and provides guidance for making healthier choices. It compares popular options and discusses how to interpret food labels to find genuinely low-sugar treats.

Key Points

Check Labels: For lowest sugar biscuits, look for products with 5g or less sugar per 100g, and be aware that 'sugar-free' doesn't mean carb-free.
Prioritize Whole Grains: Biscuits made with whole oats, wheat, or nuts provide more fiber and nutrients, promoting fullness.
Consider Classic Brands: Brands like Nairn's, Rich Tea, and Malted Milk offer low-sugar options, with Rich Teas typically having the lowest calorie and sugar count per biscuit.
Explore Sugar-Free Specialists: Gullón is a brand that specializes in sugar-free products, offering diabetic-friendly options.
Bake Your Own: Homemade biscuits using natural sweeteners like mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce give you full control over sugar content.
Use High-Fiber Alternatives: For a satisfying, low-sugar crunch, try high-fiber rice cakes, whole-wheat crackers, or biscuits made with seeds.

Understanding Sugar in Biscuits

Traditional biscuits are often high in refined flour and added sugars, contributing to high-calorie and low-fiber snacks. Healthier biscuits prioritize whole grains, lower sugar content, and often incorporate fiber-rich ingredients like oats or nuts. To be legally classified as 'low sugar' in many regions, a product must contain 5g or less of sugar per 100g. It's also vital to be aware that 'sugar-free' doesn't necessarily mean low-carb, and many diabetic-labeled products can still affect blood sugar levels.

Popular Low-Sugar Biscuit Brands

Several brands are known for their low-sugar offerings, which are a better choice for those managing their sugar intake:

Nairn's Oat Biscuits: Made primarily from whole-grain oats, these are high in fiber and come in various flavors like ginger and chocolate chip.
Rich Teas: A classic low-sugar option, standard Rich Teas are also lower in fat. 'Light' versions are even lower in sugar per biscuit.
Malted Milks: Another British classic, these biscuits are a good low-sugar choice.
Gullón Sugar-Free Biscuits: This brand specializes in sugar-free digestives and cookies, often using alternative sweeteners, a popular choice for diabetics, but carbohydrate content should still be checked.

Biscuit Nutrition Comparison Table


Biscuit Type	Sugar per Biscuit (approx.)	Calories per Biscuit (approx.)	Key Ingredients	Note
Nairn's Oat Biscuit	1.9g (Chocolate Chip)	45kcal	Whole-grain oats, flour	Higher fiber content due to oats.
Rich Tea (Standard)	1.5g	35-40kcal	Wheat flour, sugar	Classic dunking biscuit, low fat.
Malted Milk	1.5g	43kcal	Wheat flour, malt extract	Slightly higher calorie count.
Gullón Sugar-Free Digestive	0g (added sugar)	29kcal (approx.)	Wheat flour, sweeteners	Check overall carbs, not just sugar.
Digestive Thins (e.g., McVitie's)	1.9g (Chocolate)	31kcal	Whole wheat flour	A lighter alternative to standard digestives.

Healthier Biscuit Alternatives

Beyond store-bought options, consider these healthier alternatives and homemade ideas:

Homemade Oatmeal Cookies: Use mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness and high fiber.
Rice Cakes: A low-calorie base for healthy toppings like nut butter or avocado.
Homemade Nut and Seed Biscuits: Incorporate flaxseed, chia seeds, and nuts for added fiber, healthy fats, and protein.
Whole-Wheat Crackers: High-fiber options like Ryvita Thins pair well with healthy spreads.
Homemade Banana Oat Bites: A naturally sweet, high-fiber treat made with mashed bananas and oats.

Reading Nutritional Labels for Low Sugar Biscuits

To find low-sugar biscuits, understand these label elements:

Sugar Content: Aim for products with 5g or less of sugar per 100g.
Whole Grains: Look for whole wheat, oats, or other whole grains for more fiber and nutrients.
Ingredient List: Shorter lists with recognizable ingredients are generally better. Avoid high-fructose corn syrup.
Hidden Sugars: Be aware of ingredients like maltodextrin, dextrose, or rice syrup.
Portion Control: Even with low-sugar options, managing serving sizes is important for calorie control.

The Role of Alternative Sweeteners

Many low-sugar biscuits use alternative sweeteners like xylitol, stevia, or maltitol. While they reduce added sugar, they can still impact blood sugar and cause digestive issues for some. Consume in moderation.

Conclusion

Reducing sugar intake in biscuits is achievable with many healthier options available. Choose from low-sugar brands like Nairn's and Rich Teas or explore homemade alternatives. By reading nutritional labels, prioritizing whole grains and fiber, and practicing portion control, you can enjoy biscuits as part of a healthier diet.

For more information, visit the official Diabetes UK website for healthy snack ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, plain Rich Tea biscuits and Malted Milks are among the lowest in sugar for classic brands, often containing around 1.5g of sugar per biscuit. For specialty options, sugar-free brands like Gullón offer products with 0g added sugar.

Standard digestive biscuits, like McVitie's, contain 16.6g of sugar per 100g, which is not considered 'low sugar'. However, 'thin' versions or certain brands may have lower sugar content, but checking the label is essential.

The best biscuits are low in sugar and high in fiber. Options include whole-grain oat biscuits like Nairn's and purpose-made sugar-free biscuits from brands like Gullón. It's crucial to check overall carbohydrate content and practice portion control.

The term 'sugar-free' means no added sugar, but the product may still contain natural sugars and significant carbohydrates. For example, a biscuit might be sweetened with a polyol like xylitol, but still affect blood sugar levels. Always read the full nutritional information.

Yes, homemade biscuits are often healthier because you can control the ingredients. You can use whole grains, natural sweeteners like mashed banana or dates, and add healthy ingredients like nuts and seeds to boost fiber and nutrients.

Excellent non-biscuit alternatives include plain rice cakes topped with nut butter, wholegrain crackers with cheese or hummus, or a handful of unsalted nuts and seeds.

Hidden sugars can be identified by looking for ingredients like corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose, or other words ending in '-ose' on the ingredient list. A longer ingredient list often indicates more processed and less healthy options.