Can Biscuits Nutritionally Support Residents in Aged Care?

Few things feel more comforting than a warm cup of tea and a biscuit or two. For many older Australians, it’s a daily ritual. A familiar routine. A small moment of joy during the day.

In aged care homes, the classic “cuppa and bikkie” often brings residents together. It encourages conversation and social connection. It can also stimulate appetite and create a sense of normality.

But a common question we hear is: Are plain sweet biscuits actually okay for aged care residents? The short answer? Yes! In most cases they are perfectly fine. A simple biscuit can absolutely be part of a resident’s diet. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s take a closer look.

The Comfort of a Good Old Biscuit

Morning and afternoon teatime in aged care is more than just food and drink. It’s part of the rhythm of the day. Many residents recognise them straight away, which can be helpful for people living with dementia. They are also small and light, making them a good snack for residents who do not feel like eating much.

Residents who are struggling with poor appetite or unplanned weight loss. A biscuit with a cup of tea may seem small, but it still adds energy to their day. Others, it’s a daily ritual to enjoy over a conversation and connection. And from a nutrition perspective, any food that supports intake can be helpful, for the most part.

Are There Any Concerns?

While biscuits can be enjoyable and convenient, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1.    Sugar and refined ingredients

Most traditional biscuits contain lots of sugar and refined flour. They provide energy but not a lot of vitamins, protein, or fibre. Ultimately, they do not add much nutrition on their own.

If biscuits are eaten very often and if they replace the nutrition from main meals, then we might need to think again.

2.    Crumbly texture

Some biscuits can be a bit dry and crumbly, which can be tricky for residents who have trouble swallowing. In these cases, it can help to soften the biscuit in tea, choose a softer option, or swap it for something easier to manage such as soft cakes.

If swallowing is a concern, it’s a good idea to involve a speech pathologist to make sure the texture and consistency are safe and suitable.

3.    Residents’ Health conditions

Some residents may need to watch their sugar or salt intake. However, this doesn’t mean treats should disappear completely. Enjoying a biscuit now and then can still fit into a balanced diet.

Biscuit Upgrades for More Nutritious Choices

Just because it’s a biscuit doesn’t mean it can’t do a little more for your residents. With a few clever swaps or simple pairings, teatime can stay comforting and familiar while also giving a gentle nutrition boost. The good news? Small changes can make a big difference, turning a simple snack into a little helper for energy, protein, and overall resident wellbeing.

You could try offering:

• Biscuits made with oats for extra fibre

• Wholegrain biscuits

• Homemade biscuits with ingredients like oats or dried fruit

Another simple trick is pairing biscuits with something nutritious, such as:

• Cheese slices

• Yoghurt

• Small smoothie

• Milk-based drinks

This helps add protein and other nutrients, while still keeping the snack enjoyable.

Aged Care HEHP Biscuit Ideas to boost nutrition

In aged care, we often aim for High Energy, High Protein (HEHP) foods to support residents who have reduced appetite or unintentional weight loss. Biscuits can be an option with a few simple additions. 

Here are some easy ideas to increase protein and energy:

• Add spreads - Spread biscuits with peanut butter, almond butter, or cream cheese

• Serve with protein-rich dips - Soft biscuits can be paired with yoghurt dips or custard.

• Fortified homemade biscuits - Homemade biscuits can include ingredients like milk powder and eggs.

• Serve with milky drinks - Serving biscuits alongside milk, hot chocolate, or fortified milk drinks.

These small changes can make snack time more nourishing without taking away the enjoyment.

Crumb-Sized Teatime Tips from our Dietitians

Focus on enjoyment

Familiar foods like biscuits can help residents feel comfortable and relaxed.

Add nutrition where possible

Serving biscuits with foods like cheese, yoghurt or milk-based drinks.

Balance is key

Biscuits can fit into a balanced diet when offered alongside more nutrient-rich foods.

Make it social

Tea and biscuits are a great opportunity for social interaction, which can also encourage better food intake, at times.

Don’t Crumble Under the Biscuit Pressure

The humble biscuit might seem simple, but in aged care it can play a meaningful role. A biscuit with a cup of tea can offer comfort, familiarity, and social connection.

Small snacks can help in contribution to daily energy intake for residents with smaller appetites. By pairing them with nourishing foods or adding a few simple extras, teatime can be both enjoyable and supportive of good nutrition. After all, sometimes the best things in life really are a cuppa, a biscuit, and good company.

Don’t Dunk Alone

If you would like advice about improving nutrition, snacks, or meal planning in aged care, reach out to an OSCAR Care Group Dietitian (Accredited Practising Dietitian) for support.

We’re here to help make food both nourishing and enjoyable for residents. We’re always happy to help support nutrition in both practical and enjoyable for residents and care teams alike.

Message our Dietitians