If you’re aiming to lose weight or just maintain a healthier lifestyle, choosing the right snacks makes a real difference. Biscuits are one of those everyday treats many of us reach for with tea but a standard sweet biscuit often contains 60‑80 kcal or more, plus sugar and fat that add up over the day.
By choosing biscuits under ~50 kcal each, you can still enjoy a treat while cutting down unnecessary calories and staying closer to your weight‑loss goals.
This guide shows you what to pick, why it works, and how to enjoy biscuits wisely all from a UK context so you know exactly what to look for in London shops, supermarkets or online.
What’s the Science Behind Biscuits and Calorie Control?
Most biscuits are high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, which can spike blood glucose and then leave you hungry soon after. Reducing calorie intake even modestly through swaps like this helps create the calorie deficit your body needs to lose weight. The idea isn’t to cut treats out entirely, but to choose smarter treats so that small pleasures don’t derail your overall plan.
Biscuits with lower calories also tend to be simpler in ingredients and lighter in fat, meaning they contribute less to daily energy intake overall a practical habit for sustainable weight control.
What Should You Check Before Buying Low‑Calorie Biscuits?
When scanning labels in stores such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose, always check:
- kcal per biscuit” not per serving or per 100g
- Sugar (g) – lots of calories come from sugar
- Fat (g) – fat carries the most calories by weight
Avoid biscuits with chocolate coatings, cream fillings, or large fat content these often push calories far above 50 per piece even if packs claim “diet” or “light.”
Best 12 Low‑Calorie Biscuits You Can Try in London
Below are the biscuits you can realistically find in UK shops that are around or under 50 kcal per biscuit. I’ve paired calorie info with flavour notes and tips for enjoying them.
1. McVitie’s Rich Tea Biscuits (38 kcal)
A British classic that’s been around since the 19th century, Rich Tea biscuits are one of the lowest‑calorie sweet biscuits you can buy. At roughly 38 kcal per biscuit, they’re light, crisp, and simple ideal with tea or coffee without piling on calories.
Taste & texture: Mildly sweet, light, and somewhat dry, they pair perfectly with a cuppa.
Pro tip: Dunk lightly too much tea can soften them quickly!
2. McVitie’s Digestive Thins (~31 kcal)
Digestive Thins are designed to have the familiar whole‑wheat goodness of regular digestives but in a much smaller, thinner format. While regular digestives land around 40 kcal or more per biscuit, the thin versions can be around 31 kcal a great swap when you’re counting every bite.
Why choose these: They offer whole‑grain fibre with fewer calories than traditional digestives.
3. Fox’s Party Rings (~25 kcal)
Surprisingly, Party Rings are often cited as a very low‑calorie sweet biscuit approximately 25 kcal per biscuit. They’re fun, colourful, and satisfy that craving for something sweet without many calories.
Watch out: They do contain sugar, so portion control matters if blood sugar is a concern.
4. BelVita Breakfast Biscuits (49 kcal)
BelVita’s less sugar chocolate‑chip breakfast biscuits clock in around 49 kcal per biscuit and include some fibre, which helps with fullness through the morning.
Best for: a quick on‑the‑go snack or a tidy morning bite with tea.
5. Gullón Sugar-Free Digestive (~57 kcal)
Sugar‑free digestive versions (like those from brands such as Gullón) aren’t strictly under 50 kcal, but at ~57 kcal they’re lower than many standard biscuits and reduce sugar load.
Who this suits: If you’re watching sugar more tightly than calories, these can be a decent alternative.
6.Tesco Malted Milk Biscuits (~43–45 kcal)
Tesco’s own malted milk biscuits (and many supermarket own‑brand varieties) typically fall in the 43–45 kcal range per piece.
Taste profile: Buttery and slightly sweet — a satisfying everyday choice with tea.
7. Nairn’s Oat Biscuit (~45 kcal)
Wholegrain oat biscuits — such as those from Nairn’s tend to have more fibre compared with simple wheat biscuits and often sit around 45 kcal per piece. They’re often recommended as healthier options by nutrition commentators for their satiety and fibre content.
Tip: Fibre helps slow digestion, making you fuller for longer.
8. Ginger Nut Biscuit (~47 kcal)
Thin ginger nut biscuits can be surprisingly low in calories while offering bold spicy flavour typically around 47 kcal per biscuit.
Best with: Black tea or coffee to balance their stronger flavour.
9. Carr’s Water Cracker (~14 kcal)
Though technically a cracker, Carr’s Water Crackers are often used like biscuits and are very low in calories around 14 kcal each.
Why include them: If you like savoury snacks or add a low‑calorie topping (like cottage cheese), these are versatile and light.
10. Own-Brand Light Digestive (~38–44 kcal)
Many supermarket own‑brand “light” or “digestive style” biscuits from Tesco, Sainsbury’s or Asda stay in the 38-44 kcal range. They perform similarly to major brands but are often cheaper, which helps you snack smart on a budget.
11. Mini Sweet Rings (~25–30 kcal)
Similar to Party Rings, many supermarket mini sweet rings or small top‑iced minis come in at ~25–30 kcal each, making them fun, portion‑controlled treats.
Pro tip: Keep a strict count ease of munching can hide calories if you eat many at a time.
12. Homemade Low-Calorie Biscuit
If you enjoy baking, you can easily make your own low‑calorie biscuits using ingredients such as oats, mashed banana and a sweetener of choice. While homemade ones vary in calories, by controlling fat and sugar you can often keep them below ~50 kcal each especially if you make them small and simple.
DIY advantage: Full control of ingredients and taste.
What Are the Best Practical Tips for Enjoying Biscuits While Losing Weight?
- Limit to 1–2 biscuits per tea break
- Pair with protein or fibre‑rich foods like fruit/yoghurt
- Use calorie labels per biscuit, not per 100g — packaging can mislead
These small habits make it easier to enjoy biscuits without undoing your hard work elsewhere.
Are Low‑Calorie Biscuits Always Healthy?
Not always. Even if calories are low, some biscuits still have sugar and refined carbs that won’t keep you full long. Always balance biscuits with other nutritious choices to meet your overall dietary goals.
Conclusion
You can enjoy biscuits and still manage your calories effectively. From McVitie’s Rich Tea to Party Rings, oat‑based biscuits and even light supermarket versions, London shoppers have plenty of options under ~50 kcal each. The key is portion control, reading labels, and pairing snacks with more filling foods when needed.
FAQs
What is the lowest‑calorie biscuit I can buy in the UK?
Party Rings often rate around 25 kcal per biscuit among the lowest.
Can I eat biscuits every day on a diet?
Yes, in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
How do I read calorie information on packs?
Look for the “kcal per biscuit” value that’s what counts for your diary.
Are wholegrain biscuits better than plain ones?
Often yes they tend to have more fibre, which helps with fullness.
Should I avoid all sugary biscuits for weight loss?
Not necessarily occasional treats are fine if you keep portions small.
Is homemade always lower in calorie?
Not always, but you can tailor recipes to reduce sugar and fat.
Do crackers count as low‑calorie biscuits?
If they’re used like snacks and are low in calories (like water crackers), they can serve a similar role in your calorie plan.
