Which biscuits have the lowest sugar content for a healthier snack?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 study published in the National Institutes of Health, the median sugar content in adult biscuits was found to be nearly 30g per 100g, highlighting the high sugar load in many common varieties. This guide explores which biscuits have the lowest sugar and offers practical tips for making healthier snacking choices.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive overview of low-sugar biscuit options, including specific brands and biscuit types. It discusses how to read nutritional labels, the pros and cons of using artificial sweeteners, and offers healthier homemade and alternative snack ideas. The content is structured to help consumers make informed choices for managing sugar intake effectively.

Key Points

Check Nutritional Labels: Look for a total sugar content of 5g or less per 100g to find genuinely low-sugar biscuits.
Prioritize High-Fiber Options: Biscuits made with whole grains, oats, and seeds are often lower in sugar and higher in fiber, promoting better digestion.
Be Wary of 'Sugar-Free' Claims: Some sugar-free products use artificial sweeteners which may have other health considerations. Read the ingredients list carefully.
Consider Healthier Biscuits: Rich Tea, Malted Milks, and oat biscuits are generally lower in sugar than creamy or chocolate-filled varieties.
Explore Alternatives: For a truly healthy snack, consider alternatives like whole-grain crackers, rice cakes, nuts, or homemade treats to control sugar content.
Maintain Portion Control: Regardless of the sugar content, all biscuits should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Scrutinize All Labels: Even 'healthy' biscuits can contain high levels of saturated fat, sodium, or refined flour. Always check the full nutritional panel.

Biscuits are a popular snack worldwide, but many are laden with high amounts of added sugar, refined flour, and unhealthy fats. For those monitoring their sugar intake for health reasons like managing diabetes or weight, finding low-sugar alternatives is essential. The key to a healthier choice lies in understanding nutritional labels and ingredient lists.

Reading the Fine Print: Decoding Nutritional Labels

To identify a low-sugar biscuit, the nutritional label is your most important tool. A biscuit can legally be called 'low sugar' in the UK if it contains 5g or less of sugar per 100g. However, some products labeled 'sugar-free' may use artificial sweeteners that are not always ideal. Here's what to look for:

Total Sugars: This figure includes naturally occurring and added sugars. Compare this to the overall carbohydrate content.
Ingredients List: Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If sugar or any of its aliases (e.g., sucrose, glucose syrup, high-fructose corn syrup) are high up on the list, the biscuit is likely high in sugar.
Fiber Content: A higher fiber content is generally a good sign. Fiber-rich ingredients like whole grains, oats, seeds, and nuts can help slow sugar absorption and increase satiety.
Serving Size: The serving size information helps you calculate the sugar intake per portion. Be mindful that even a low-sugar biscuit can add up if you consume the entire pack.

Top Low-Sugar Biscuit Choices

Certain types of biscuits are inherently lower in sugar than others. These varieties often rely on whole grains and less processed ingredients, making them a better choice for a healthy diet.

Rich Tea Biscuits: This classic biscuit is a strong contender for the lowest sugar content. Many versions contain around 1.1g to 1.5g of sugar per biscuit, though check the label as values can differ between brands.
Malted Milks: Another British classic, malted milk biscuits typically have a relatively low sugar count, often around 1.5g of sugar per biscuit.
Oat Biscuits: Brands like Nairn's offer oat biscuits and oat cookies with added seeds, which contain whole grains and are naturally lower in sugar. Some varieties contain as little as 1.9g of sugar per biscuit.
Digestive Biscuits (Light/Thin Versions): While traditional digestives can have a moderate amount of sugar, some 'light' or 'thin' options significantly reduce this. For example, McVitie's Digestive Thins contain less sugar than their full-size counterparts.
Sugar-Free Digestives: Many brands now offer dedicated sugar-free digestive options. For instance, LU Wheatable Sugar Free biscuits explicitly state 0g of sugar per serving, replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners.

A Comparison of Biscuit Options

To put these options in perspective, here is a comparison of typical sugar content (per 100g) for various biscuit types.


Biscuit Type	Typical Sugar Content (per 100g)	Notes
Standard Digestive	16-21g	Contains whole wheat flour but moderate sugar.
Light Rich Tea	20-21g	Low sugar per biscuit, but higher per 100g due to weight.
Chocolate Digestive	~29g	Significantly higher due to chocolate coating.
Malted Milk	~22g	Lower sugar per biscuit compared to many alternatives.
Oat Biscuit	17-20g	Varies by brand; often higher in fiber.
Cream Biscuits (e.g., Custard Creams)	~26g	High in saturated fat and sugar.
Sugar-Free Digestive	~0g (added sugar)	Uses sweeteners, so check ingredients.

The Rise of Specialty 'Sugar-Free' Biscuits

For those needing to strictly control their sugar intake, specialist brands and products are becoming more common. These include:

Britannia NutriChoice Essentials: This brand offers options made with ragi and oats, and advertises zero added sugar.
Diabexy Diabetic Almond Cookies: These biscuits are formulated with low-glycemic load ingredients and use fibers for sweetness instead of refined sugar, making them suitable for diabetics.
Homemade Options: Baking your own biscuits gives you complete control over the ingredients. Using alternatives like almond flour, oats, mashed banana, and natural sweeteners like stevia allows for a truly low-sugar treat.

The Moderation Mindset and Healthier Alternatives

Even with low-sugar options, biscuits should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Many packaged 'healthy' biscuits can still be high in saturated fats and calories. Instead of relying on biscuits alone, consider these nutritious alternatives:

Whole-grain crackers with hummus or avocado for a savory snack.
Rice cakes with dark chocolate and fruit toppings.
Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Fruit slices paired with a small serving of nut butter.

Conclusion

When searching for which biscuits have the lowest sugar, the answer often lies in looking beyond the front-of-pack claims and scrutinizing the nutritional information. Opt for whole-grain-based varieties like oat biscuits or classic Rich Tea biscuits, and always be mindful of portion sizes. While specialty sugar-free options exist, homemade biscuits offer the most control over ingredients. The best strategy is to view all biscuits as an occasional treat and to incorporate more whole food snacks into your daily diet for overall better health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard digestive biscuits contain a moderate amount of sugar, though they are often higher in fiber due to the whole wheat content. For a lower sugar option, look for light or sugar-free versions, but remember to check for artificial sweeteners.

Among standard supermarket options, classic Rich Tea biscuits and Malted Milks often have some of the lowest sugar content per biscuit, assuming they aren't 'light' or 'reduced-fat' which can affect the nutrient profile.

Sugar-free biscuits can be a better choice for managing sugar intake, but their healthiness depends on other ingredients. Some use artificial sweeteners, while others might still be high in refined flour, saturated fats, or sodium. Always check the full ingredient and nutrition label.

Look for whole grains (like whole wheat flour, oats, or millet) listed first, indicating a higher fiber content. Also, check for refined sugar (sucrose, glucose, fructose syrup) and aim for products where it is lower down the ingredient list.

Yes, making your own biscuits is an excellent way to control sugar content. You can use healthier flour alternatives like almond or oat flour and natural sweeteners like mashed banana or stevia.

Oatmeal biscuits, especially those based on whole grain oats, are often a good option due to their high fiber content. Fiber helps slow down sugar absorption, promoting stable energy levels. Still, check labels for added sugars.

Healthy alternatives include plain rice cakes, whole-grain crackers, unsweetened yogurt, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit. These snacks can provide more nutrients and help you avoid the temptation of processed treats.