1. What Are Food Carbs?

Food carbs (net carbs) represent the digestible carbohydrates in food that impact blood sugar levels. They are calculated by subtracting dietary fiber from total carbohydrates since fiber isn't digested and absorbed by the body.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Total Carbs} \) — All carbohydrates in the food (g)
• \( \text{Dietary Fiber} \) — Non-digestible plant material (g)

Explanation: This calculation gives you the net carbs that actually affect your blood sugar and provide energy.

3. Importance of Calculating Food Carbs

Details: Knowing food carbs is essential for diabetes management, low-carb diets (like keto), and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. It helps in making informed dietary choices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total carbs and dietary fiber values in grams from nutrition labels. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will show the digestible carbs in the food.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why subtract fiber from total carbs?
A: Dietary fiber isn't digested, so it doesn't raise blood sugar levels or provide calories like other carbs.

Q2: Are all fibers subtracted from total carbs?
A: Generally yes, though some countries already subtract fiber on nutrition labels (check local labeling practices).

Q3: What about sugar alcohols?
A: For more precise calculations, you might subtract half of sugar alcohols (like erythritol) since they're partially absorbed.

Q4: Is this calculation used in keto diets?
A: Yes, net carbs (food carbs) are what count toward daily carb limits in ketogenic diets.

Q5: Can food carbs be negative?
A: No, if your calculation shows negative carbs, check that you entered the fiber value correctly (it can't exceed total carbs).