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A package brags about 'net carbs.' What does ADA recommend using instead?

Total carbohydrate from the Nutrition Facts label.

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  1. Total carbohydrate on the label ✔
  2. Sugar grams only
  3. Calories per serving

Why: 'Net carbs' has no legal definition and FDA doesn't use it. Some fiber and sugar alcohols are partly digested and can still affect blood glucose, so ADA recommends total carbs.

Huh, didn't know that: ADA says 'glycemic index' claims on packages aren't defined by FDA either.

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Why did the snack box keep bragging about net carbs? It was fishing for compliments.
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References

Answer: Total carbohydrate on the label. 'Net carbs' has no legal definition and FDA doesn't use it. Some fiber and sugar alcohols are partly digested and can still affect blood glucose, so ADA recommends total carbs.

  1. ADA, Get to Know Carbs diabetes.org/food-nutrition/understanding-carbs/get-to-know-carbs
    The FDA recommends using total carbohydrates on the nutrition facts label.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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