Counting carbs, should you add the 'Added Sugars' grams on top of Total Carbohydrate?

No, added sugars are already part of total carbs.

Start playing free

  1. Yes, always add them
  2. Only for desserts
  3. No, they're already included ✔

Why: ADA says added sugars are already counted in total carbohydrate. The lines underneath just show what's in the food. It's still smart to keep added sugars low.

Huh, didn't know that: The word 'includes' before Added Sugars means they're also part of the Total Sugars number.

The dad joke
What do you call a sweet that's always late? Choco-late.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No, they're already included. ADA says added sugars are already counted in total carbohydrate. The lines underneath just show what's in the food. It's still smart to keep added sugars low.

  1. ADA, Carb Counting and Diabetes diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/carb-counting-and-diabetes
    you don’t need to worry about adding added sugars when it comes to counting carbs
    Checked 2026-10-09.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game