By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
While the word ‘biscuit’ means different things to different cultures, American biscuits are popular sides and breakfast staples, especially in the southern United States. Their buttery and flaky texture, especially when fresh out of the oven, make them droolworthy. But while many of us can agree biscuits are delicious, are they healthy? In this article, we’ll dive into the nutritional composition of biscuits and whether they can fit in with your lifestyle and health goals.
Can biscuits be healthy to eat?
Biscuits are not necessarily healthy as they contain a lot of saturated fat due to a large amount of butter used in making biscuits. The amount of saturated fat in a typically-sized biscuit usually composes 30-50% of the recommended daily value of saturated fat. However, biscuits can still be incorporated into your diet when enjoyed in moderation. To avoid adding extra fat to your biscuit snack, be mindful of spreads that can increase the saturated fat or sugar content, such as butter or jam.
Why are biscuits so high in calories? Are biscuits high in carbs?
A typically-sized biscuit contains 200-300 calories, with the majority of those calories coming from carbohydrates and fats. The carbohydrates and fats found in biscuits are due to the amount of flour and butter used in biscuit recipes. Generally, a biscuit contains between 20-30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an essential component of a healthy and balanced diet, but it is important to consume them in moderation and in accordance with your personal health goals. The amount of carbs found in a biscuit constitutes 6-12% of the daily recommended value of carbohydrates, making biscuits not necessarily high or low in carb content. For a 2,000 calorie diet, the Food and Drug Administration recommends eating about 275 grams of carbs in total per day.
Are biscuits full of sugar?
Biscuits are not typically high in sugar, but sugar levels in biscuits depend on the biscuit type. For example, these savory parmesan herb biscuits contain only 2 grams of sugar per serving. You can expect fruity biscuits, on the other hand, to have slightly more sugar. For example, these blueberry biscuits contain 7 grams of sugar while these orange cranberry biscuits contain 4 grams of sugar. While these options are still relatively low in sugar, you can opt for a savory or plain biscuit if you’re looking to cut back your sugar intake.
Are biscuits healthy for weight loss or while on a diet? Which biscuit is good for weight loss?
While biscuits are not exactly healthy for weight loss or diets, biscuits can still be enjoyed while maintaining health and weight loss goals. When considering weight loss goals, it is important to keep track of the calories and macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat, protein) you’re consuming. For this reason, the best biscuit for weight loss is a whole wheat biscuit, since they have enhanced nutritional value. Whole wheat biscuits are typically lower in saturated fats and higher in protein and fiber.
Are biscuits healthier than bread?
Bread is generally healthier than biscuits. A slice of plain sourdough bread has about half the calories of one biscuit. Sourdough bread also contains little to no sugar and fat. Whole grain and whole wheat bread varieties also have increased nutritional value compared to white bread and biscuits. Bread made with whole grains tends to contain higher fiber and protein. Additionally, choosing whole grain alternatives has substantially reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin levels.
Are biscuits junk food or a healthy snack?
Biscuits don’t fit neatly into either the junk food or healthy snack categories. Junk food is largely described as foods that contribute a lot of calories with little nutritional value. While it is true that plain biscuits are high in calories and in fat, they can be added to other more nutritionally rich foods to form a healthier snack. You can add fruits or vegetables, eggs, or other proteins to a biscuit to achieve a more balanced snack.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, and unsalted nuts are some of the first foods that come to mind when thinking about healthy snack foods. Therefore, while biscuits are not a healthy snack alone, they can be eaten together with other snack options to form a healthier snack.
Where can I buy the best biscuits online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular items include blueberry biscuits, orange cranberry biscuits, and parmesan herb biscuits. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
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