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 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
Current as of: September 20, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.