Buying biscuits: how to choose the right ones for any occasion

Buying biscuits might seem straightforward, but there’s a huge range of flavours, sizes, ingredients and packaging to choose from. Whether you’re looking for biscuits to enjoy with a cup of coffee, biscuits for on the go, a lunchbox treat or Japanese snacks to share, there’s more to consider than just the front of the pack.

Look out for these three common pitfalls:

• A large pack isn’t always better value. A family pack can be handy for a household, but smaller packs can sometimes stay fresher for longer and are easier to portion out.
• A flavour name doesn’t always tell you how much of that ingredient is in the biscuits. Strawberry or chocolate biscuits might get their flavour from powder, flavouring or a filling. So check the ingredients list.
• Words like “light”, “creamy” or “premium” don’t automatically describe the texture. A crisp biscuit, a hard-baked cantuccini and a filled biscuit all offer a very different eating experience.

What to look for when buying biscuits

1. Choose the right texture and occasion

For enjoying with coffee or tea, try sturdy biscuits such as Bastogne mini biscuits or almond biscuits. Cantuccini are baked twice, which makes them hard and crunchy. They’re often enjoyed alongside coffee or tea, and can be dunked in a hot drink.

Smaller packs are handy for when you’re out and about. Think biscuit sticks, Pocky biscuits or individually wrapped snacks. They take up very little room, and you don’t have to open a large pack straight away. For a lunchbox, portions of around 40 to 55 g are easy to manage.

Looking for something to share? Check the net weight and number of portions. A 160 g pack, such as LU Bastogne Mini Biscuits, is ideal for several coffee breaks or for putting out on the table.

2. Check the ingredients and allergens

The ingredients list tells you more than a prominent flavour claim. Check the order: ingredients listed first are present in larger quantities. For chocolate biscuits, you can check whether they contain cocoa powder, chocolate or chocolate pieces.

Always check the allergen information, especially if you’re buying for a family. Many biscuits contain wheat and gluten. Other common allergens include milk, eggs, soya and nuts. For example, Sapori Cantuccini Almond Biscotti contains wheat, almonds, eggs and milk. Glico Pocky varieties often contain wheat, milk and soya. If you have an allergy or intolerance, always go by the packaging, as recipes and packaging can change.

Also look out for possible cross-contamination. Don’t overlook a warning such as “may contain traces of”.

3. Compare weight, nutritional information and shelf life

Compare products per 100 g, not just by pack. This helps you see the difference between, for example, a 40 g bag and a 175 g pack. The example products contain roughly 463 to 518 kcal per 100 g, but the exact amount varies by variety.

Also check:

• sugar and fat when comparing different sweet biscuits;
• salt in savoury biscuits, such as cheese biscuits or crackers;
• portion size and the number of packs;
• the use-by or best-before information on the packaging.

A claim such as “no artificial colours” or “no preservatives” should be read as product information from the brand. It’s not a reason to automatically draw a nutritional conclusion. Check the full ingredients list and store biscuits as instructed: in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and, once opened, in a tightly sealed container.

Our recommendations for different types of shopper

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Lu Bastogne Mini Biscuits - 160 g

Why it suits this shopper: The mini size and 160 g pack are handy for coffee breaks, guests or a lunchbox. The distinctive spiced, caramelised flavour is easy to recognise, so there’s no need to compare a huge range.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The net weight is clearly stated, and the mini portions are easier to share than one large filled biscuit.

Key benefits and highlights

160 g pack; mini size; contains wheat and may contain traces of eggs, milk, soya and nuts.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality

Sapori Cantuccini Almond Biscotti - 175 g

Why it suits this shopper: These Italian almond biscuits are made for anyone who values a firm texture and traditional baking methods. The product description mentions that they’re baked twice and carry an IGP quality designation.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The hard, twice-baked texture is clearly described, so you know you’re not simply buying a soft almond biscuit.

Key benefits and highlights

175 g pack; 20% almonds according to the ingredients list; 10 g protein per 100 g; contains eggs, milk, gluten and nuts.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent snackers

Glico Pocky Strawberry Flavor Biscuits 55g

Why it suits this shopper: A handy choice for fans of Japanese snacks, biscuit sticks and strawberry flavour. The compact pack fits easily into a handbag, school bag or desk drawer.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack states that it contains 55 g and 10% strawberry powder, giving you a clearer idea of what the flavour claim means.

Key benefits and highlights

55 g net weight; crunchy biscuit sticks; 10% strawberry powder according to the product information; contains wheat, barley, milk and soya.

Frequently asked questions about buying biscuits

Which biscuits are handy for when you’re out and about?

Small packs of 40 to 55 g are usually practical for taking with you. Biscuit sticks, Pocky biscuits and individually wrapped mini biscuits take up very little room. Keep opened biscuits in a tightly sealed container to stop them going soft from moisture.

How can I compare the price of biscuits fairly?

Check the price per 100 g as well as the number of portions. A family pack may work out cheaper per gram, while smaller packs are more convenient. Also compare the shelf life and how quickly you’re likely to finish an opened pack.

What should I check if I have an allergy?

Always read the current packaging. Check both the ingredients list and the separate allergen information, including warnings about possible traces. Online product information can change; always follow the information on the physical label.