EXPLORE A NUTRIENT
Carbohydrates
Discover how amounts vary across foods, on a shared basis for comparison.
Understand this nutrient ↓What is it?
Carbohydrate by difference is a calculated remainder that includes dietary fiber. [1]
A conceptual representation, not a molecular structure.
Description, source and attribution
A conceptual grouping, not a molecular structure. This reporting category contains multiple components or represents a calculated quantity.
Original Bitameans conceptual/fallback artwork; not a chemical structure. Source · Reuse terms
Source check:
A COMMON BASIS
Foods, per 100 g
206 foods with data 0 not reported, excluded from ranking
- Pine nuts
Nuts, pine nuts, dried, exactly as identified by USDA.
13.08 g - Raspberries
Raspberries, raw, exactly as identified by USDA.
12.904 g - Pecans
Pecan halves, raw.
12.699 g - Loquat
Loquats, raw, exactly as identified by USDA.
12.14 g - Cranberries
Cranberries, raw, exactly as identified by USDA.
11.97 g - Artichoke
Artichokes, (globe or french), cooked, boiled, drained, without salt, exactly as identified by USDA.
11.95 g - Orange
Raw orange, all commercial varieties; edible flesh.
11.75 g - Brazil nuts
Nuts, brazilnuts, dried, unblanched, exactly as identified by USDA.
11.74 g - Plum
Plums, raw, exactly as identified by USDA.
11.42 g - Apricot
Apricots, raw, exactly as identified by USDA.
11.12 g - Walnuts
English walnut halves, raw.
10.91 g - Papaya
Raw papaya, edible portion.
10.82 g
All results are sorted before pagination. Bars compare amounts within this search; they do not indicate health benefits. Not reported does not mean zero.
UNDERSTAND THE DATA
What it means for your diet
This source explains carbohydrates, sugars, starch and fiber as a group. Total sugars are not the same measurement as added sugars, and recommendations for total carbohydrate must not be assigned to one sugar. The ranking keeps the USDA measurement method separate.
Ranking amounts describe foods, not supplement doses. A high rank does not mean you should consume more. Source recommendations and cautions retain their original population and scope.
Carbohydrates [1]
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Original health-topic summary, reproduced with attribution.
What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates, or carbs, are sugar molecules. Along with proteins and fats, carbohydrates are one of three main nutrients found in foods and drinks.
Your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the main source of energy for your body's cells, tissues, and organs. Glucose can be used immediately or stored in the liver and muscles for later use.
What are the different types of carbohydrates?
There are three main types of carbohydrates:
- Sugars. They are also called simple carbohydrates because they are in the most basic form. They can be added to foods, such as the sugar in candy, desserts, processed foods, and regular soda. They also include the kinds of sugar that are found naturally in fruits, vegetables, and milk.
- Starches. They are complex carbohydrates, which are made of lots of simple sugars strung together. Your body needs to break starches down into sugars to use them for energy. Starches include bread, cereal, and pasta. They also include certain vegetables, like potatoes, peas, and corn.
Identity and structure sources
- USDA FoodData Central: Foundation Foods Documentation · Accessed 2026-09-13