What is the lowest sugar biscuit and how to choose one?

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2018 study published in BMJ Open, the average sugar content in UK biscuits is 30.0g per 100g, with shortbread having the lowest average at 17.5g per 100g, though some options contain far less. Knowing which brands and types are truly low in sugar is key for anyone watching their intake, especially when seeking the lowest sugar biscuit available on the market.

Quick Summary

This guide examines different biscuit types and brands to identify those with the least sugar. It provides expert tips on reading nutritional labels and explores sugar-free and homemade alternatives for making informed, health-conscious snacking decisions.

Key Points

Savory Crackers are Lowest: Plain oatcakes and Ryvita-style crackers typically contain the least amount of sugar, often less than 5g per 100g.
Traditional Sweet Biscuits: Rich Tea (especially 'light' versions) and Malted Milks are considered among the lowest-sugar options in the traditional sweet category.
Check 'Sugar-Free' Labels Carefully: Products marked 'sugar-free' may use artificial sweeteners that can still have an effect on blood sugar or contain refined carbs, so always read the full ingredient list.
Look for Whole Grains: Biscuits made with whole wheat, oats, or alternative flours like almond flour are generally higher in fiber, promoting fullness and better digestion.
Master Portion Control: Even a low-sugar biscuit can contribute to high calorie intake if eaten excessively, so mindful eating and portion control are essential for healthy snacking.
Homemade is Best: For ultimate control over sugar content and ingredients, baking your own biscuits at home using natural sweeteners like mashed banana is the best option.

Understanding the 'Lowest Sugar' Claim

Finding the lowest sugar biscuit involves understanding that 'low sugar' can mean different things, from traditional sweet biscuits with less sugar to savory crackers or products specifically labeled 'sugar-free'.

Savory and Cracker-Style Biscuits

Savory options like plain oatcakes or wholemeal crackers are generally the lowest in sugar, focusing on fiber and grains. Brands such as Jacobs Mini Cheddars also surprisingly have low sugar content, around 5.1g per 100g. These are good bases for low-sugar toppings like cheese or hummus.

Low-Sugar Sweet Biscuit Options

For those preferring sweet biscuits, Rich Tea and Malted Milks are often recommended for their lower sugar and calorie counts. McVitie's offers 'Rich Tea The Light One' with 30% less sugar than typical semi-sweet biscuits, and Digestive Thins as a lower-calorie option.

Specialized Sugar-Free Biscuits

Many brands now offer sugar-free biscuits, often using alternative sweeteners and whole grains, suitable for low-sugar or diabetic diets. Examples include Gullon Sugar-Free Biscuits (Maria, Digestive), Britannia NutriChoice Essentials, Diabexy Diabetic Almond Cookies, and Lu Wheatable Sugar Free Biscuits. However, it's vital to check ingredients, as some contain artificial sweeteners or refined flour that can still affect blood sugar.

How to Choose the Lowest Sugar Biscuit

Choosing a genuinely low-sugar biscuit involves more than just a label:

Prioritize Whole Grains: Look for biscuits made with whole wheat, oats, or other whole grains for higher fiber content.
Check the Ingredient List: Simple ingredients are often better. Avoid products where sugar is listed early.
Read the Nutritional Data: Compare sugar content per 100g. 'Low sugar' is legally defined as 5g or less per 100g. Also, consider total carbohydrates.
Embrace Healthier Alternatives: Plain oatcakes or crackers topped with healthy spreads like nut butter or avocado are excellent low-sugar snacks.
Consider Homemade: Baking allows control over ingredients, using alternatives like almond flour and natural sweeteners.

Comparison Table: Popular Biscuits vs. Low-Sugar Options


Biscuit Type	Typical Sugar Content (per 100g)	Key Ingredients	Nutritional Profile	Best For
Standard Digestives	~16.6g (McVitie's)	Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil	Moderate sugar, some fibre	Moderation
Rich Tea (Light Version)	~19-21g (per 100g, normal)	Flour, sugar, vegetable oil	Lower sugar and fat, but still contains refined flour	Occasional treat
Shortbread	~17.5g (average)	Flour, butter, sugar	Less sweet, but high in saturated fat	Rare indulgence
Savory Crackers (e.g., Ryvita Thins)	Very low, often <1g	Rye flour, salt	High in fibre, low in sugar and fat	A nutritious base for toppings
Oatcakes	Low	Oats, salt	High in fibre, complex carbs, promotes fullness	Everyday snacking
Gullon Sugar-Free	<0.5g (dependent on flavour)	Wheat flour, sweeteners (maltitol), vegetable oil	Sugar-free but contains carbs and potential sugar alcohols	Diabetic-friendly, check sweeteners

Making the Best Choice for Your Health Goals

Your health objectives dictate the best biscuit choice. Diabetics need to consider the glycemic index, favouring whole-grain or specially formulated biscuits. For weight management, portion control is as crucial as low sugar content, as biscuits can be calorie-dense. Shifting towards whole-food snacks like nuts, fruit, or vegetables is inherently lower in added sugars. When choosing a biscuit, becoming skilled at reading labels is key. The lowest sugar options are usually simple, savory crackers or specific sugar-free versions using whole grains.

Conclusion: Navigating the Biscuit Aisle

Finding the lowest sugar biscuit requires label scrutiny, ingredient understanding, and realistic expectations. While plain crackers and specialty 'sugar-free' biscuits lead in low sugar, Rich Tea and Malted Milks offer a sweet middle ground. For optimal health, consider whole-food alternatives outside the biscuit aisle. Resources like Diabetes UK offer further guidance on diet and blood sugar management. Mindful eating and portion control are essential for any biscuit choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard digestive biscuits contain around 16.6g of sugar per 100g, which is less than many sweet biscuits but not 'low sugar' by official health definitions. There are sugar-free digestive variants available from brands like Gullon and Britannia, which are much lower.

Among traditional sweet biscuits, Rich Tea and Malted Milk biscuits are often recommended for their lower sugar content compared to cream-filled or chocolate-covered types. Look for 'light' versions, which have even less sugar.

Yes, standard rich tea biscuits are considered a relatively low-sugar sweet biscuit option, with around 1.5g of sugar per biscuit. However, 'The Light One' version from McVitie's contains even less sugar per biscuit.

For diabetics, biscuits from brands like Diabexy, Diabodelite, and Britannia NutriChoice Essentials are often suitable, as they are specifically formulated with low glycemic index ingredients and use natural sweeteners. Always check the ingredient list for refined flour and specific sweeteners.

Yes, making your own biscuits is an excellent way to control sugar. Recipes often involve using whole-grain flour, oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners like mashed banana or dates instead of refined sugar.

Savory crackers and biscuits typically contain significantly less sugar than their sweet counterparts. However, it's always wise to check the nutrition label, as some processed savory snacks can have surprisingly high sodium content.

Oat biscuits, especially those made primarily from whole-grain oats, are often a healthier, lower-sugar choice due to their high fiber content. Brands like Nairn's offer oat biscuits, some with flavors like ginger, that still maintain lower sugar levels.