Digestive Biscuits: Health Benefits, Ingredients, & Nutrition

What Are Digestive Biscuits?

Digestive biscuits are semi-sweet biscuits with a crumbled texture. They are available in many variations. They are becoming popular fast as a replacement for crackers and as a healthy snack for teatime. Many people also consume it for breakfast due to its high fiber content and delicious taste. Most digestive biscuit brands on the market tend to advertise their high fiber quantity, given the nutrient’s role in promoting digestive (and overall) health. Addition of fiber to regular foods does have positive effects (1). But is that the case with digestive biscuits too?

Did You Know?

Digestive biscuits were first prepared in 1839 by two Scottish doctors.

Ingredients In Digestive Biscuits

Most digestive biscuits contain the following nutrients:

• Coarse Brown Wheat Flour: It gives the biscuit a distinctive texture and flavor.
• Sugar: It is used in the granulated form to impart a sweet flavor. It also gives a tender texture to the biscuit.
• Vegetable Oil: It keeps the biscuits moist and prevents them from breaking.
• Wholemeal: It is used as a source of fiber.
• Malt Extract: It improves the crispness, texture, and taste of the biscuit.
• Raising Agents: These are used to create a fluffy crumb in the biscuits. Most biscuits use sodium bicarbonate as a raising agent.
• Salt: It is used to enhance the taste.

Few other biscuit variants may also contain oatmeal dried whey, cultured skimmed milk, and powdered nuts.

Following is the nutritional composition of digestive biscuits in general:

Nutritional Values Of Digestive Biscuits (Per 100 Grams)

• Energy: 478 calories
• Carbohydrates: 62 grams
• Fat: 21 grams
• Protein: 7 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 16 grams
• Sodium: 500 mg

Do these nutrients offer any health benefits? Keep reading to know more.

Benefits Of Digestive Biscuits

When consumed in moderation, a digestive biscuit may be a better alternative to regular biscuits or cookies. Here are its benefits:

• May Curb Hunger Pangs: Many digestive biscuits are rich in fiber. Fiber helps reduce hunger pangs (2). However, the link between regular consumption of digestive biscuits and reduced hunger is unclear.
• May Aid Digestion: The fiber in these biscuits helps absorb water and softens stools. It also promotes digestion and may relieve constipation (3). However, more information is warranted to find out the effects of digestive biscuits on the digestive system.
• May Aid Weight Loss: Fiber may keep the stomach full for long. This may increase satiety and regulate food intake, and potentially aid weight loss (4). However, the fiber in digestive cookies cannot be an alternative to natural fiber sources.

These benefits may make you feel that digestive biscuits can be consumed guilt-free. But are they healthy if consumed regularly?

Are Digestive Biscuits Healthy?

Digestive biscuits contain fiber that has many positive benefits for overall health. Also, they are made of whole wheat flour, which is way better than white or processed flour. These biscuits also contain fewer calories than regular cookies.

But other ingredients like vegetable oils, malt extract, and raising agents outweigh these benefits. They may do more harm if you consume all the biscuits in one go. Vegetable oil when cooked produces trans fats. You should avoid trans fats because they are harmful to your health. It is difficult for most people to digest wheat flour, and it may increase inflammation when combined with sugar. Many digestive biscuits are made using whole grain flour or wheat flour, which are not suitable for people who do not consume gluten.

Hence, moderation is advised. You should also check how many of these biscuits fit into your daily calorie budget. Consuming too many of these digestive biscuits can also pose certain risks.

Risks Of Digestive Biscuits

Anecdotal evidence suggests that over-intake of digestive biscuits may pose the following risks:

• The malt extract may cause flatulence if consumed in excess.
• Vegetable oil may induce cough when taken in excess.
• Raising agents may cause nausea and vomiting in a few.

Hence, moderation is highly advised if you want to reap the benefits of digestive biscuits.

Quick Tip

Digestive biscuits made with refined flour, high fats, and sugar are not the healthiest choice.

Infographic: Must-Know Benefits And Risks Of Digestive Biscuits

Many of us have switched to digestive biscuits from our traditional wheat flour biscuits for a healthier option. Although they are considered healthier than other cookies, excessive consumption of digestive biscuits may cause health issues. Check out the infographic below to learn the benefits and risks of eating digestive biscuits regularly.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Digestive biscuits may not deliver on all of their lofty promises, but they can be a superior alternative to a traditional cookie to stave off hunger cravings. Their high fiber content may provide certain benefits like reduced cravings, improved digestion, and potential weight loss. However, if consumed in excess, certain ingredients in these biscuits like malt extract, raising agents, and vegetable oils may cause certain side effects such as flatulence, nausea, and cough. Therefore, you should consume digestive biscuits in moderation, just as you might do with regular cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is digestive biscuit good for IBS?

Digestive biscuits are not recommended if you have any symptoms of IBS. They may aggravate your condition and result in abdominal pain, flatulence, or digestive discomfort.

Why are digestive biscuits so expensive?

Digestive biscuits are made with relatively expensive ingredients and have a higher production cost overall. The branding of “nutritive” biscuits might also factor into the comparatively higher price tag.

Why do digestive biscuits have holes?

The holes in the biscuit allow steam to pass through and prevent it from puffing too much while baking, thereby lending it a distinctive crumbly texture.

Do digestive biscuits have maida?

Possibly. Digestive biscuits are made from whole wheat flour and maida (refined flour). The content of maida in the biscuit varies according to brand.

Can I eat digestive biscuits at night?

While there is no restriction on when to have these biscuits, excessive consumption is not recommended as it may lead to gastrointestinal distress due to its high fiber content.

Are digestive biscuits sugar-free?

Depending on the brand of digestive biscuits, they may contain sugar or sugar alternatives like maple syrup or honey.

Digestive biscuits are a delicious snack. Learn more about their health benefits in this video! Watch it now to enjoy them guilt-free!

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Kate DriverND

 

Kate Driver is a Naturopath, Women's Health Coach, and Perimenopause Practitioner and has been consulting for over 22 years. She specializes in women's health, especially perimenopause and menopause, and is dedicated to helping women feel empowered and at their best using diet , nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements. She is a member of The Australian Natural and Traditional Medicine Society,...more

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her. She finds purpose in creating authentic and useful content that can impact people's health in better ways. In...more