EXPLORE A NUTRIENT
Lactose
Discover how amounts vary across foods, on a shared basis for comparison.
Understand this nutrient ↓What is it?
Chemical reference: alpha-lactose (C12H22O11). USDA reports Lactose separately. [1] [2]
This reference form does not represent every form included in the USDA quantity.
Description, source and attribution
Reference depiction: alpha-lactose. Formula C12H22O11; PubChem CID 84571; charge 0. This specified form does not represent every form or molecule included in the USDA quantity.
PubChem Compound 84571, 2D Structure. NCBI / National Library of Medicine. Source · Reuse terms
Source check:
A COMMON BASIS
Foods, per 100 g
61 foods with data 145 not reported, excluded from ranking
- Watermelon
Raw watermelon, edible portion; seedless status not specified.
0 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
- PubChem Compound 84571: alpha-D-lactose · Accessed 2026-09-13
- USDA FoodData Central: Foundation Foods Documentation · Accessed 2026-09-13