Carbohydrate Foods
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.
| Type of food | Grams (g) per serving | One serving equals: |
|---|---|---|
| Bread, cereal, rice, pasta, beans | 15 | 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 |
| 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 orange; 1/2 banana; 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit; 1/2 cup fruit juice; 2 Tbsp dried fruit |
| Milk and yogurt | 15 | 1 cup milk; 3/4 cup (6 oz) plain yogurt |
| Non-starchy vegetables | 5 | 1 cup raw vegetables; 1/2 cup cooked vegetables; 1/2 cup vegetable juice |
Credits
Current as of: October 6, 2025
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
