What's the healthiest biscuit to eat? A Guide to Smarter Snacking

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Biscuits are often loaded with high amounts of sugar, saturated fats, and refined carbohydrates, which can negatively impact health. While moderation is always key, there are better choices than others on the market. This guide will help you determine what's the healthiest biscuit to eat, based on ingredients and nutritional value, so you can make a more informed decision for your diet.

Quick Summary

The healthiest biscuit options are typically made from whole grains like oats and whole wheat, offer higher fiber content, and are low in sugar and unhealthy fats. Reading nutritional labels is crucial for finding better choices, as some seemingly healthy biscuits can still be high in calories.

Key Points

Read Labels First: Scrutinize the ingredients list, prioritizing whole grains like oats and whole wheat over refined flour.
Choose Low Sugar and High Fiber: Select options with less added sugar and more dietary fiber for better digestive health and satiety.
Check Saturated Fat Content: Be wary of cream-filled or buttery biscuits, which are high in unhealthy saturated fats.
Practice Portion Control: Even for healthier biscuit types, be mindful of serving sizes to avoid excess calorie consumption.
Consider Homemade: For optimal nutrition, make your own biscuits using healthier flours and natural sweeteners.
Explore Nutritious Alternatives: For truly healthy snacking, opt for whole foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, or whole-grain crackers instead.

Many store-bought biscuits, while convenient and delicious, are high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat, making them less than ideal for a balanced diet. However, healthier options do exist for those who love this classic snack. The key is to know what to look for on the label and how to interpret the nutritional information.

The Ingredients That Matter

When shopping for biscuits, a glance at the ingredients list can reveal a lot about its nutritional profile. Prioritizing certain ingredients and avoiding others will help you make a smarter choice.

Prioritize the Good Stuff

Whole Grains: Look for biscuits where whole wheat, oats, or other whole grains are listed as a primary ingredient. These are higher in fiber and nutrients compared to those made with refined white flour. For example, a whole wheat biscuit offers more sustained energy and helps you feel fuller longer.
High Fiber Content: Fiber is crucial for digestive health and satiety. High-fiber options, such as oat or digestive biscuits, can be a better choice, but always check the sugar and fat content alongside the fiber.
Healthy Fats: Some biscuits include healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds (chia, flax), or almond flour. These add a nutritional boost and a satisfying crunch.
Minimal Sugar: Opt for biscuits with little to no added sugar, or those sweetened naturally with fruits or a small amount of honey.

Avoid the Red Flags

Refined Flour (Maida): This highly processed ingredient offers minimal nutritional value and can cause blood sugar spikes.
High Fructose Corn Syrup and Artificial Sweeteners: These are often used in place of regular sugar but can have their own set of health concerns.
Saturated and Trans Fats: Cream-filled and many indulgent biscuits are packed with these unhealthy fats, which are detrimental to heart health. A product that is "low in saturated fat" should have less than 1.5 grams per 100 grams.
Long List of Additives: Heavily processed biscuits with a long list of unrecognizable ingredients are often a sign of a less healthy product.

Comparing Biscuit Types

To make your choice easier, consider how popular biscuit types stack up nutritionally. While specific values vary by brand, this table offers a general comparison based on per-serving averages derived from search data.


Biscuit Type	Calories (per 30g)	Sugar (per 30g)	Fiber (per 30g)	Main Health Considerations
Oat Biscuits	~135 kcal	~4g	~2g	Higher fiber, good satiety, but portion control is still important.
Multigrain Biscuits	~125 kcal	~3g	~2.5g	Good source of fiber and varied nutrients; can be lower in fat.
Sugar-Free Digestive	~110 kcal	<0.5g	~1.5g	Better for managing sugar intake, but check for artificial sweeteners and overall fat/calorie count.
Standard Cream-Filled	~160 kcal	~10g	<1g	High in sugar and saturated fats; offers minimal nutritional benefit.
Whole Wheat Thins	~31 kcal (per biscuit)	~1.9g (per biscuit)	N/A	Lower in calories per piece, but risk of overeating is high due to small size.

The Healthiest Biscuit Winner: It Depends

The title of the "healthiest biscuit" isn't awarded to a single brand but to a profile of nutritional characteristics. Generally, the best options are those made from whole grains like oats or whole wheat, with minimal added sugar and low levels of saturated fat. For example, a sugar-free, whole-wheat digestive biscuit or a basic oat biscuit is often a far better choice than a cream-filled or heavily sweetened one. Some brands like Britannia Nutrichoice Essentials Oats and LU Wheatable Diet offer relatively healthier options, but again, checking the label is non-negotiable.

The Ultimate Healthiest Option: Homemade Biscuits

For the ultimate control over ingredients and a genuinely healthy treat, baking your own biscuits is the best route. You can substitute refined flour with whole wheat or almond flour, use natural sweeteners like ripe bananas or honey, and add nutritious elements like oats, seeds, and nuts. Homemade versions allow you to reduce sugar and fat content significantly while boosting fiber and protein.

The Healthiest Biscuit Alternatives

Sometimes, the best biscuit is no biscuit at all. For a truly healthy snack, consider alternatives that offer more nutritional density without the processed ingredients:

Rice Cakes: A low-calorie base for toppings like avocado, hummus, or nut butter.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh fruit, chopped veggies with hummus, or a handful of unsalted nuts provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Greek Yogurt: A protein-rich snack that helps keep you full.

Conclusion: Snack Smartly

While no biscuit is a superfood, making smart choices can help you enjoy one without derailing your health goals. The healthiest biscuit is one made from whole grains, high in fiber, and low in sugar and saturated fat. Always read the labels, be mindful of portion sizes, and consider homemade options for maximum control. Remember that for the best nutritional benefit, whole-food alternatives are often a better choice for daily snacking, but a well-chosen biscuit can still be a satisfying part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

While digestive biscuits often contain more fiber due to wheat bran, they are not always a healthy choice. Many brands contain high amounts of sugar and saturated fats, so it's essential to check the nutritional label and consume them in moderation.

When purchasing biscuits, look for options where whole grains like oats or whole wheat are listed first. Also, check for low sugar content (ideally less than 5g per 100g) and low saturated fat levels. A shorter, more recognizable ingredients list is also a good sign.

Not necessarily. While sugar-free options are better for those monitoring their sugar intake, they can sometimes use artificial sweeteners or still be high in calories and unhealthy fats. It's crucial to read the ingredients and check the overall nutritional profile.

Biscuits are not ideal for weight loss as they are generally high in calories and fats. However, choosing high-fiber, low-sugar, whole-grain options and practicing strict portion control can allow them to be included in a balanced diet.

Biscuits made primarily from whole grain oats or whole wheat are typically good sources of fiber. Brands offering sugar-free digestive biscuits often emphasize high fiber content, though you should still check the full nutritional information.

Cream-filled biscuits are often packed with excessive added sugars and saturated fats. They provide a quick energy release with minimal fiber and nutrients, leading to blood sugar spikes and offering little satiety.

For a truly healthy snack, consider alternatives like fresh fruit, vegetables with hummus, unsalted nuts, seeds, or plain yogurt. Homemade biscuits using whole grains, natural sweeteners, and nuts or seeds are also a great option.

Practice mindful eating by savoring each biscuit and paying attention to your body's signals of fullness. Opt for smaller portions or 'thin' varieties, but be aware that their smaller size might tempt you to eat more. Sticking to the recommended serving size is essential.