What Biscuit Has the Lowest Sugar? Your Guide to Healthier Snacking

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2018 study on cakes and biscuits, 74% of biscuits tested in the UK would receive a 'red' (high) label for sugar, containing more than 22.5g of sugar per 100g. Finding a healthier biscuit option requires careful label reading, especially if you're trying to figure out what biscuit has the lowest sugar for your diet.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a nutritional breakdown of popular biscuit types to identify the lowest sugar options. It offers advice on how to read labels and select healthier, higher-fiber snacks that can satisfy cravings without compromising dietary goals. It also compares classic choices with specialized low-sugar alternatives.

Key Points

Check Labels for Sugar Content: Look for biscuits with 5g of sugar or less per 100g to meet the "low sugar" classification.
Choose Whole-Grain Options: Biscuits made with whole wheat or oats are generally higher in fiber and healthier than those made with refined flour.
Consider Plain Varieties: Plain biscuits like Rich Tea, Malted Milks, and plain oat biscuits typically have less sugar than cream-filled or chocolate-covered options.
Be Cautious with "Sugar-Free" Claims: Many sugar-free biscuits use artificial sweeteners and can still have a high glycemic impact. Always read the ingredients list.
Prioritize Fiber and Protein: Choosing biscuits with higher fiber and protein content from sources like oats, nuts, or seeds can help with digestion and keep you full longer.
Practice Portion Control: Even healthier biscuits should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The quest for a lower-sugar snack can lead many to the biscuit aisle, but navigating the options can be confusing. While many biscuits are marketed as healthy, they can still be surprisingly high in sugar. Knowing which types of biscuits are naturally lower in sugar and what to look for on the label is key to making a healthier choice.

The Problem with Biscuits

Most biscuits are high in refined flour, added sugars, and saturated fats. High sugar intake is linked to health issues like weight gain and dental problems. A study highlighted that the average sugar content in biscuits is around 30.0g per 100g, with iced biscuits being the highest. Some biscuits marketed as healthy also contain significant sugar.

Types of Biscuits with Lower Sugar

Lower sugar biscuits are typically plain, made with whole grains, or specifically labeled as "sugar-free" or "light".

Plain Oat Biscuits

Plain oat biscuits often use whole-grain oats, which are high in fiber, aiding satiety and slowing sugar absorption. Some varieties contain as little as 1.9g of sugar per biscuit.

Rich Tea Biscuits

Plain Rich Tea biscuits are a traditional low-sugar and low-calorie choice, suitable for a simple snack. "Light" versions offer further reductions.

Digestive Biscuits

Look for "light" or "sugar-free" digestive biscuits, as they often contain less sugar and more fiber from whole wheat than standard versions. Examples include McVitie's Digestive Thins and various sugar-free options.

Diabetic-Friendly Biscuits

Specialized diabetic biscuits utilize low-glycemic ingredients like almond flour, millets, and natural sweeteners such as stevia to minimize blood sugar impact. Brands like Diabexy and Diabodelite cater to this need.

Comparing Biscuit Sugar Content

The following table compares the typical sugar content of common biscuit types per 100g:


Biscuit Type	Typical Sugar Content (per 100g)	Notes
Plain Oat Biscuits (e.g., Nairn's)	~17.2g - ~20g	Higher fiber from oats.
Plain Rich Tea Biscuits	~19g - ~21g	Simple, low in sugar and fat.
Malted Milk Biscuits	~17g - ~20g	Relatively low in sugar.
Plain Shortbread	~17.5g - ~20g	Low sugar but high in saturated fat.
Cream-Filled Biscuits (e.g., Custard Creams)	Often high, >30g	Creamy filling increases sugar and fat significantly.
Chocolate-Coated Biscuits (e.g., Digestives)	Often high, >30g	Chocolate adds sugar, consider "thins".

Source: Data compiled from various nutrition information sources and studies.

How to Choose the Lowest Sugar Biscuit

Prioritize Label Reading: Look for biscuits with 5g of sugar or less per 100g for a "low sugar" option. Also, check saturated fat content.
Seek Whole Grains: Choose biscuits with whole wheat, oats, or other whole grains for increased fiber and nutrients.
Assess "Sugar-Free" Products: Be aware that many use artificial sweeteners and refined flours. Specialized diabetic brands may be a better choice for some.
Consider Healthier Alternatives: For truly low-sugar and high-nutrient snacks, think about plain rice cakes with toppings or homemade oat cookies using natural sweeteners.

Brands with Low-Sugar Options

Brands offering lower-sugar choices include Nairn's Oat Biscuits, McVitie's Rich Tea (The Light One), and McVitie's Digestive Thins. Specialized brands like Diabexy and Diabodelite offer diabetic-friendly options. Some brands in Pakistan, like LU Wheatable Sugar Free, also provide whole-wheat, sugar-free choices.

Conclusion

Finding the biscuit with the lowest sugar involves being a mindful consumer and checking nutrition labels. Opt for plain, whole-grain biscuits or light versions of classics like rich tea and digestives. Specialized diabetic biscuits are available, but portion control is essential for all types. Making informed choices allows you to enjoy a snack while managing your health goals.

The Importance of Portion Control

Even lower-sugar biscuits should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pairing a biscuit with a source of protein or fiber, like nuts or fruit, can enhance satiety and nutritional value.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single 'lowest sugar' biscuit, as sugar content varies by brand and type. However, plain oat biscuits like Nairn's and light versions of Rich Tea or digestive biscuits are typically among the lowest sugar options.

Not necessarily. Many sugar-free biscuits contain refined flour and artificial sweeteners, which can still impact blood sugar levels. They may be a better option than high-sugar biscuits but are not always a truly healthy alternative.

Individuals with diabetes should look for specialized diabetic biscuits that are formulated with low-glycemic ingredients like almond flour, millets, and stevia. Brands like Diabexy and Diabodelite offer such options, but moderation is still essential.

Standard digestive biscuits contain a moderate amount of sugar. However, many brands now offer "sugar-free" or "light" versions that have significantly less sugar and are made with whole wheat, offering more fiber.

Yes, making biscuits at home gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to use whole-grain flours, natural sweeteners like mashed banana, and avoid added sugars and processed ingredients.

Check the nutrition label. A biscuit with more than 22.5g of sugar per 100g is considered high in sugar. Look for options with sugar content closer to or below 5g per 100g.

For a high-fiber, low-sugar snack, consider plain oatcakes, whole-grain crackers like Ryvita Thins, or homemade oat cookies sweetened with fruit. These provide fiber and protein to keep you feeling full.