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Carbohydrate foods

Healthwise
By Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS

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Foods containing carbohydrate 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.

Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, beans, and starchy vegetables: 15 g of carbohydrate per serving

  • 1 slice bread (1 oz)
  • 1/4 bagel
  • 3/4 cup dry cereal
  • 1/2 cup cooked cereal
  • 1/3 cup cooked rice or pasta
  • 1/4 cup cooked dry beans, lentils, peas, or corn
  • 1/4 large baked potato

Vegetables: 5 g of carbohydrate per serving

  • 1 cup raw leafy vegetables
  • 1/2 cup other vegetables, cooked or chopped raw
  • 3/4 cup vegetable juice

Fruits: 15 g of carbohydrate per serving

  • 1 medium apple or orange
  • 1/2 banana
  • 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit
  • 1/2 cup fruit juice
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit

Milk and yogurt: 15 g of carbohydrate per serving

These are also good sources of calcium.

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2/3 cup plain yogurt (Food with added sugar will contain more carbohydrate, so check the label.)

Sweets

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

For a complete listing of foods containing carbohydrate, contact the American Diabetes Association.

Credits

Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition
Specialist Medical Reviewer Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator
Last Updated February 10, 2008
Last Updated: 02/10/2008