Which biscuit has the least amount of sugar?

October 27, 2025 •

2 min read

According to nutritional experts, some brands now offer biscuits with less than 5g of sugar per 100g, making them a better choice for sugar-conscious consumers. This guide explores which biscuit has the least amount of sugar and offers healthier alternatives to help you make informed snack choices.

Quick Summary

This article examines popular biscuit types, comparing their sugar content to identify the least sugary options. It provides a comparative table, highlights key ingredients to look for, and offers guidance on how to choose healthier alternatives for mindful snacking.

Key Points

Savory often wins: Savory crackers like Jacobs Mini Cheddars contain very low sugar content compared to sweet biscuits.
Check the 100g serving: Always compare biscuits based on their sugar content per 100g to get an accurate comparison, as serving sizes can be misleading.
Oat biscuits are high in fiber: Oat-based biscuits like those from Nairn's provide higher fiber content, which promotes satiety despite having moderate sugar.
'Thins' are often lower in sugar: For classic biscuits like Digestives, 'thins' versions offer a lower-calorie and lower-sugar alternative.
Homemade offers the most control: The surest way to get a biscuit with minimal or no added sugar is to bake your own using whole ingredients and natural sweeteners.
Look beyond the 'sugar-free' label: Not all 'sugar-free' biscuits are healthy; some may contain artificial sweeteners or have higher fat content.
High-fiber options are better: Choosing biscuits with whole grains, oats, or seeds ensures higher fiber, which aids digestion and supports weight management.

Understanding Sugar Content in Biscuits

Identifying which biscuit has the least amount of sugar can be tricky, as many seemingly healthy options still contain significant sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats. A 'low sugar' classification generally means 5 grams or less per 100 grams. However, 'sugar-free' biscuits may use artificial sweeteners. The most effective way to determine the sugar content is by carefully examining the ingredient list and nutritional information.

How to Read the Nutritional Label

To accurately assess the sugar content of biscuits, focus on the 'Sugars' line on the nutrition panel and the ingredient list:

Serving Size: Compare biscuits based on a 100g serving for consistency, as serving sizes can vary.
Ingredient Order: Ingredients are listed by weight. Look for sugar, syrups, or other sweeteners lower down the list; they should ideally not be among the first few ingredients.
'No Added Sugar' vs. 'Sugar-Free': 'No Added Sugar' is generally preferable as it means no extra sugar has been included, though natural sugars may still be present. 'Sugar-free' can use artificial sweeteners, so always check the ingredients.

Popular Low-Sugar and Sugar-Free Biscuits

Common types include oat-based, rich tea, malted milk, and digestive thins. Brands like Diabexy offer sugar-free options. Making biscuits at home provides full control over sugar. A comparison table of typical sugar content per 100g for various biscuits is available {Link: The Sun https://www.thesun.co.uk/wellness/29294534/healthiest-biscuits-ones-to-dodge-on-a-diet-nutritionist/}. When choosing biscuits, also consider fiber content, types of fats, additives, and portion control.

Conclusion: Making the Healthiest Biscuit Choice

Identifying which biscuit has the least amount of sugar involves careful label reading and considering the overall nutritional profile. Homemade biscuits offer the most control. Savory crackers and specific diabetic brands often have the lowest sugar counts. Prioritize fiber and whole ingredients while practicing portion control for the healthiest snack option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. While they lack added sugar, they might contain artificial sweeteners and can still be high in calories or fat. It is important to check the full nutritional panel and ingredient list.

Brands that specifically formulate biscuits for diabetics, such as Diabexy or Diabodelite, often produce options with very low or zero added sugar. For general biscuits, savory crackers like Jacobs Mini Cheddars have a very low sugar content.

Rich Tea biscuits are relatively low in sugar compared to many other sweet biscuits, though they are not the absolute lowest option. The classic McVitie's Rich Tea contains around 20.2g of sugar per 100g.

Check the nutrition label and ingredient list. Ingredients are listed by weight, so if sugar or glucose syrup appears near the top, the biscuit is likely high in sugar. Look for the 'Sugars' line on the nutrition panel and compare per 100g.

Healthier alternatives include oat-based biscuits, homemade cookies with natural sweeteners, multigrain crackers, or even rice cakes topped with healthy spreads.

Standard digestive biscuits, even those with whole wheat, contain a moderate amount of sugar (around 16.6g per 100g for McVitie's). 'Digestive Thins' are a much lower sugar and calorie option.

Eating a couple of normal biscuits and feeling satisfied is often better than eating many 'healthy' ones and feeling unsatisfied, which can lead to overeating. Portion control is key regardless of the biscuit type.