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Carbohydrate Foods

Overview

One serving of carbohydrate food has about 15 grams of carbohydrates. Typically if a food has 8 to 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving, it is considered to be 1 serving of carbohydrates.

Foods that contain carbohydrates are grouped into the following categories. The carbohydrate content is listed in grams (g). If you eat a larger portion, count it as more than one serving.

The carbohydrate content of sweets varies according to the ingredients. Talk with a registered dietitian about how to work desserts and other sugary foods into your meal plan.

Carbohydrate foods

Type of food

Grams (g) per serving

One serving equals:

Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, beans

15

  • 1 slice bread (1 oz)
  • 1/4 large bagel
  • 3/4 cup crispy rice cereal
  • 3/4 cup cooked wheat cereal
  • 1/3 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup cooked pasta

Starchy vegetables

15

  • 1/2 cup cooked beans, lentils, or peas
  • 1/2 cup cooked corn
  • 1/2 cup mashed potatoes

Fruits

15

  • 1 small apple or medium orange
  • 1/2 large banana
  • 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit
  • 1/2 cup apple, grapefruit, orange, or cranberry juice
  • 2 tablespoons raisins

Milk and yogurt

15

  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup plain yogurt

Non-starchy vegetables

5

  • 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
  • 1 cup cooked, or chopped raw vegetables
  • 1/2 cup vegetable juice

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Colleen O'Connor PhD, RD - Registered Dietitian

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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