Which biscuit has less calories? A guide to low-calorie snacking

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritionists, biscuits can be part of a healthy diet when chosen wisely and consumed in moderation. But with so many options available, many people wonder: which biscuit has less calories? The answer lies in understanding the nutritional differences between biscuit types, focusing on ingredients like whole grains, fiber, and sugar content.

Quick Summary

A comparison of popular biscuits reveals that options like Marie, Rich Tea, and thin varieties generally have fewer calories than cream-filled or chocolate-covered biscuits. Making smart choices based on nutritional labels and portion control is key for managing calorie intake while enjoying a satisfying snack.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always compare nutritional information for calories, sugar, and fat content per serving to identify healthier biscuit options.
Choose Thinner or Simpler Biscuits: Varieties like Marie, Rich Tea, and 'thin' versions of classics generally have lower calorie counts.
Prioritize Whole Grains and Fiber: Biscuits made with whole grains or oats contain more fiber, which helps promote satiety and better digestion.
Beware of Hidden Calories: Richer options like shortbread, cream-filled, or double-chocolate biscuits are high in saturated fat and calories, despite their size.
Practice Portion Control: Regardless of calorie count, it's crucial to stick to recommended serving sizes to prevent over-consuming calories.
Consider Homemade Options: Baking your own biscuits allows you to control ingredients and use healthier substitutes, like natural sweeteners or whole-grain flour.
Look for Specialized Low-Calorie Biscuits: Many brands now offer sugar-free, low-fat, or light varieties designed for calorie-conscious consumers.

Understanding Biscuit Calories

When evaluating which biscuit has less calories, it's crucial to look beyond just the raw numbers and consider the ingredients. The calorie content of a biscuit is largely determined by its fat and sugar content. Plain, thin, and sugar-free biscuits typically contain fewer calories than their richer, cream-filled, or chocolate-covered counterparts. However, some seemingly healthy options like shortbread can be surprisingly high in calories due to their high butter content.

The Importance of Ingredients

For a biscuit to be considered a low-calorie choice, it should be made with wholesome ingredients that also provide nutritional benefits. Whole grains, for instance, offer higher fiber content that promotes satiety, helping you feel full for longer and preventing overeating. Conversely, biscuits made with refined flour and excessive sugar offer little nutritional value and can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, triggering more cravings. Therefore, checking the ingredient list is a vital step in making a healthy choice.

Comparing Popular Biscuit Options

Different regions and brands offer a vast array of biscuit choices, each with a unique calorie count. Here is a comparison of some popular biscuit types to help you decide which biscuit has less calories, based on information from various nutritional sources:


Biscuit Type	Typical Calories Per Biscuit	Key Ingredients	Nutritional Considerations
Marie Biscuits	22–27 kcal	Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, milk	Generally low in fat and calories, but can be low in fiber.
Rich Tea Biscuits	35–40 kcal	Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil	Very low in saturated fat and calories, making them an excellent choice for a simple snack.
McVitie's Digestive Thins	~31 kcal	Whole wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil	A lighter version of a classic, providing a good source of fiber with fewer calories.
Malted Milk Biscuits	~43 kcal	Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable fat, barley malt	Offers a good balance of low sugar and calories, but slightly higher than Rich Tea.
Oreo Thins	~29 kcal	Flour, sugar, palm oil, cocoa	While low in calories per biscuit, the sugar content can be high, and it's easy to overeat.
Custard Creams	~59 kcal	Wheat flour, sugar, vegetable fat	Higher in sugar and saturated fat due to the creamy filling, making them a less healthy choice.

The Rise of Health-Conscious Biscuits

In response to growing consumer demand for healthier options, many brands have introduced biscuits specifically formulated to be lower in calories, sugar, and fat. Options like digestive thins, sugar-free versions, and biscuits made with stevia or other natural sweeteners are now widely available. Look for these specialty varieties in stores or online through health-focused retailers to find a treat that fits your dietary needs.

Making Your Own Lower-Calorie Biscuits

One of the best ways to control the calorie count and nutritional content of your biscuits is to make them yourself. Homemade options allow you to swap high-calorie ingredients for healthier alternatives. For example, using whole wheat or almond flour instead of refined white flour can increase the fiber and protein content. You can also use natural sweeteners like mashed banana or dates to reduce the reliance on added sugars. Homemade biscuits with ingredients like oats, flaxseed, or chia seeds can provide a satisfying crunch and added nutritional benefits. The options for customization are endless, and they allow for mindful eating by knowing exactly what's in your snack. For some inspiring, healthy recipes, you can consult reputable cooking websites.

Conclusion: Mindful Snacking is Key

Choosing which biscuit has less calories is a good starting point, but mindful snacking is the ultimate goal. While biscuits like Marie and Rich Tea are typically lower in calories than their more decadent relatives, portion control remains the most critical factor for weight management. Even a low-calorie biscuit can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Pairing your biscuit with a source of protein or healthy fat, such as a smear of nut butter or alongside a Greek yogurt, can help increase satiety and provide a more balanced snack. By paying attention to ingredients, portion sizes, and overall nutritional value, you can continue to enjoy biscuits as an occasional, guilt-free treat within a balanced diet.

Finding Healthier Alternatives

If you find yourself frequently craving biscuits, exploring healthier alternatives can help manage your intake. Items like rice cakes topped with avocado or hummus, or high-fiber crackers made from rye, offer a satisfying crunch with fewer calories and more nutritional benefits. Keeping a variety of these snacks on hand can help curb cravings and keep your diet on track.

The Bigger Picture

Remember that no single food, including biscuits, will make or break a diet. A healthy lifestyle is the sum of all your dietary choices and physical activity. By making informed decisions about your snacks and focusing on overall nutritional quality, you can enjoy your favorite biscuits without compromising your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it varies by brand and region, Marie biscuits, Rich Tea, and specific 'thin' versions of biscuits are consistently among the lowest in calories.

Regular digestive biscuits are not typically the lowest calorie option, but they do offer a higher fiber content than many others. Lighter or 'thin' versions of digestive biscuits are a better low-calorie choice.

Not necessarily. Sugar-free biscuits eliminate the calories from sugar but can sometimes compensate with higher amounts of fat or other calorie-dense ingredients. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging.

Yes, biscuits can be included in a diet, but it's important to choose low-calorie, high-fiber options and practice strict portion control. The key is to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

To make low-calorie biscuits, you can use whole-grain flours, natural sweeteners like banana or stevia, and add high-fiber ingredients like oats, chia, or flax seeds to boost satiety and nutritional value.

Oat biscuits can be a healthier, lower-calorie alternative due to their high fiber content, which helps you feel fuller for longer. However, check the label, as some versions might contain added sugars or fats.

Healthy alternatives to biscuits include rice cakes, high-fiber crackers, unsalted nuts, or fresh fruit and vegetables. These options can provide a satisfying crunch and nutritional benefits with fewer calories.