What is the Most Low Calorie Biscuit for Weight Loss?

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

With many packaged biscuits being high in sugar and unhealthy fats, choosing a low-calorie option requires careful label reading. The single most low calorie biscuit on the market is difficult to pinpoint, as varieties like Rich Tea and certain oat biscuits often compete for the title depending on brand and serving size.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes popular biscuit types and their nutritional profiles to help you identify the lowest-calorie options. It compares factors like sugar, fat, and fiber, and provides practical tips for making smart, healthy snack choices that support weight management without sacrificing flavor.

Key Points

Rich Tea and Biscuit Thins: Some of the lowest calorie options are Rich Tea biscuits and specific 'thins' varieties, which often contain under 40 calories per biscuit.
Fiber is Key for Satiety: Oat and multigrain biscuits, while sometimes having a similar calorie count, are more filling due to their higher fiber content, helping to curb cravings.
Read Nutrition Labels Carefully: The lowest calorie biscuit isn't always the healthiest. Always check for sugar and saturated fat content, especially in 'sugar-free' or 'light' products.
Portion Control is Crucial: Even a low-calorie biscuit can contribute to weight gain if over-consumed. Stick to recommended serving sizes.
Better Alternatives Exist: For superior nutritional value, consider homemade oat biscuits, rice cakes with healthy toppings, or high-protein snacks like nuts or yogurt.
Hidden Ingredients Matter: Be mindful of biscuits containing high amounts of unhealthy fats like palm oil, which can increase calorie density without adding nutritional value.

Understanding Calorie Density in Biscuits

Calorie count in biscuits varies significantly based on ingredients, such as the type of flour, sugar, and fat used. While a standard biscuit might contain around 50 calories, versions with cream fillings, chocolate coatings, or high butter content can be double that or more. A key factor is the biscuit's composition; options made with whole grains, oats, or alternative flours often provide more fiber, which promotes satiety and can help with weight control. Conversely, biscuits made with refined white flour and large amounts of sugar lead to blood sugar spikes and subsequent crashes, leaving you hungry sooner.

Comparing Popular Biscuit Types

Let's delve into some common biscuit categories to see how they stack up in terms of calorie content and nutritional value.

Rich Tea Biscuits: Often considered one of the most low calorie biscuit options, a standard Rich Tea biscuit contains approximately 38 calories and is low in saturated fat. Its simplicity, made with vegetable oil rather than butter, keeps its calorie count down. However, they are not high in fiber, so they may not be the most filling choice.
Oat Biscuits: These are excellent for weight loss due to their high fiber content from oats. The beta-glucan in oats helps with satiety by slowing digestion. A serving of oat biscuits typically has a moderate calorie count, but they provide a sustained energy release that helps curb cravings. Homemade versions can be even healthier by controlling added sugar and fat.
Digestive Biscuits: While a popular choice, original digestive biscuits have more calories and sugar than many assume. A regular McVitie's Digestive contains around 71 calories per biscuit. However, 'Light' or 'Sugar-Free' versions are available, significantly reducing the calorie and sugar load. Some brands even offer thinner versions with as low as 31 calories.
Marie Biscuits: This is another traditionally low-calorie and light option, with some brands listing around 27 calories per biscuit. They are made from cereals and can be a decent option for controlled snacking, though their fiber content is lower compared to oat or multigrain alternatives.
Sugar-Free Biscuits: These are a great way to cut down on sugar but require careful label reading. Calories can still be present from fat and refined flour. They use artificial sweeteners, which may not be suitable for everyone. Look for versions that also focus on high fiber content to feel fuller for longer.

How to Choose the Right Low-Calorie Biscuit

Making the best choice isn't just about the calorie number; it's about the overall nutritional value. Here are a few tips:

Read the Label: Compare the serving size and calories. Pay attention to the sugar and saturated fat content. A biscuit with fewer calories might have more sugar, causing an energy spike and crash.
Look for Fiber: High-fiber biscuits made from whole grains or oats will keep you feeling full and satisfied longer, reducing the urge to overeat.
Portion Control: Even with the most low calorie biscuit, overconsumption will add up. Be mindful of serving sizes and stick to a few biscuits at a time.
Pair with Protein or Fiber: To enhance satiety, pair your biscuit with a nutritious topping. Examples include a slice of low-fat cheese, a smear of nut butter, or a handful of berries. This creates a more balanced snack.

Comparison of Biscuit Nutritional Facts


Biscuit Type	Calories (per biscuit)	Notes
Party Rings	28 kcal	Among the lowest calorie biscuits, but high in sugar for its size.
Oreo Thins	30 kcal	Low calorie for a chocolate option, but still contains significant sugar.
McVitie's Digestive Thins	31 kcal	A slimmed-down version of the classic, offering a lower-calorie alternative.
McVitie's Rich Tea	38 kcal	A classic low-fat, low-calorie choice, but also low in fiber.
Tesco Malted Milk	43 kcal	Low in sugar and saturated fat compared to many alternatives.
McVitie's Plain Digestive	71 kcal	Higher in calories than slimmer varieties but offers a good source of fiber.

Note: Calorie counts can vary by brand and specific product. Always check the nutrition label for the most accurate information.

Healthier Biscuit Alternatives

Beyond store-bought products, there are even healthier alternatives that can provide the satisfying crunch of a biscuit while offering superior nutritional benefits. Homemade biscuits, for instance, allow you complete control over ingredients like flour, sweeteners, and fat. Using almond flour, oats, or ragi can significantly increase fiber and protein content, making the snack more filling. Opting for natural sweeteners like stevia or a small amount of honey can drastically reduce the sugar load. Rice cakes are another excellent and low-calorie alternative. A plain rice cake contains only about 30 calories and can be topped with healthy options like low-fat cottage cheese, a hard-boiled egg, or vegetables for a filling, balanced snack. For those seeking an even more filling and protein-rich snack, roasted chickpeas or mixed nuts in controlled portions are superior to most biscuits.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Identifying the single most low calorie biscuit is less important than understanding overall nutritional content and practicing portion control. While options like Rich Tea and certain biscuit thins offer some of the lowest calorie counts per serving, high-fiber alternatives like oat or multigrain biscuits often provide better satiety and longer-lasting energy. For the best health outcomes, consider making your own biscuits with whole-grain ingredients or opting for completely different low-calorie snacks like fruit, yogurt, or nuts. By reading labels carefully and making mindful choices, you can incorporate biscuits into a healthy diet without jeopardizing your weight management goals.

For further reading on healthy snacking, consider exploring resources from the NHS.

A Final Word on Moderation

Remember that even healthy biscuits should be consumed in moderation. No matter how low the calorie count, the key to successful weight management is a balanced diet combined with regular exercise. A biscuit can be part of that diet, but it should not be a dietary staple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Identifying a single brand is difficult as formulations change, but brands like McVitie's Rich Tea and Oreo Thins are frequently cited as having some of the lowest calories per biscuit, alongside specific 'thin' or 'light' versions of popular digestives.

Standard digestive biscuits are higher in calories and sugar than many other types, so they should be consumed in moderation. Opt for 'light', 'sugar-free', or 'thins' versions for fewer calories, or whole-grain varieties for more fiber.

Not necessarily. While sugar-free biscuits have less sugar, they can still contain high amounts of fat and refined flour, which means their calorie count can remain high. Check the full nutrition label for total calories, carbohydrates, and fat.

Healthier alternatives include fruit with a small amount of nut butter, Greek yogurt with berries, rice cakes with low-fat toppings, or a handful of roasted chickpeas.

Yes, baking your own biscuits at home gives you full control over the ingredients. Using ingredients like almond flour, rolled oats, and natural sweeteners like stevia can result in a healthier, low-calorie treat.

Fiber is very important, as it promotes feelings of fullness and slows digestion, helping to prevent overeating. A biscuit with a moderate calorie count and high fiber content can be more satisfying and beneficial for weight loss than a low-calorie, low-fiber one.

Mindful eating and portion control are key. It's often better to have one or two regular biscuits and feel satisfied than to eat a larger number of 'low-calorie' ones and still feel hungry, potentially leading to overconsumption.