List of Foods Containing Carbohydrates

Carbs fall in and out of fashion, depending on the fad diet of the moment. But foods that contain carbs are an essential component of any healthy diet plan, and should be the main source of calories in your diet, because they are your primary source of energy.

The key is to include healthy sources of carbs so that you get the greatest amount of nutrition from every bite.

Read more: Is Eating Carbs REALLY Bad For Me?

Most people get their carbs from starches. These types of carbs are considered complex carbs, which means they contain a string of sugars that are bonded together, and they tend to take longer to digest. There are a number of different types of foods that are considered starches. Grains are a starch and include foods such as rice, oats and anything made with wheat — such as bread or pasta.

Legumes, such as garbanzo beans, kidney beans, split peas and peanuts, are also starches. And, of course, a list of starchy vegetables will include vegetables such as potatoes, peas, corn and winter squash. Although the amount of carbohydrate will vary, in general, one serving — such as a slice of whole-wheat bread or 1/2 cup of peas or beans — has about 14 grams, according to the USDA.

Many of these carbs are also a source of fiber, which is a type of carbohydrate that's only partially digested by the body. Like complex carbs, fiber tends to slow down digestion.

Fruits and vegetables are also healthy foods that contain carbs. Unlike starches, however, fruits and vegetables contain simple carbohydrates, which have one or two sugars bonded together; these simple carbs digest more quickly than complex carbs.

Fruits, such as bananas, grapes, apples, cantaloupe and oranges, have more carbohydrates per serving than vegetables like broccoli, spinach, carrots, eggplant, mushrooms and kale. For example, a small apple has 15 grams of carbohydrates, but a 1/2-cup serving of steamed broccoli has 5 grams, according to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. Fruits and vegetables are also a source of fiber, as well as sources of vitamins and minerals.

Like fruits and vegetables, dairy is also a source of simple carbohydrates. This category not only includes milk, but also yogurt. A 1-cup serving of milk or a 3/4-cup serving of yogurt has about 12 grams of carbohydrates, according to the USDA. The amount of carbohydrates in milk does not change, whether you're drinking or eating the full-fat version or the fat-free version. Milk and yogurt are also good sources of high-quality protein and calcium.

Read more: The Best Healthy Carbs You Should Be Eating More Of

Sweets are also a source of carbohydrate, and include sugar, honey, soda, candy, cake, cookies, doughnuts, ice cream and other confections. Sweets contain simple carbohydrates or sugars. Although refined-carbohydrate foods — such as white bread, white rice and white pasta — are made up of complex carbs, they are still processed foods. Sweets and refined carbs are not as nutritious as starches, fruits and vegetables. They lack fiber and are not a natural source of vitamins and minerals.

MedlinePlus notes that it is always healthier to get your vitamins and minerals from natural sources, such as 100 percent whole-wheat bread or whole-grain oatmeal, than from enriched sources.