This is the total amount of carbohydrates in one serving of a product, providing 4 calories/gram (g). Typically, 15 g of carbohydrates equals 1 carbohydrate serving.
Total carbs
Sugar alcohols are ingredients used as sweeteners. As a sugar substitute, they provide about one half to one third fewer calories than regular sugar.
Sugar alcohols
They are converted to blood sugar more slowly and don't cause spikes in blood sugar.
Sugar alcohols provide 1.5–3.0 calories per gram.
Fiber resists digestion and passes through the system relatively unchanged.
Fiber
Soluble fiber slows down the absorption of foods, which decreases spikes in blood sugar.
Increasing your intake of fiber can improve your health, fat loss, and even help satisfy your hunger.
This is the difference between total carbohydrate and the sum of dietary fiber, sugars, and sugar alcohol.
Other carbohydrates
Artificial sweeteners contain 0 calories and do not contain carbohydrates, so they do not raise blood sugar, but they can have negative side effects like headaches.
The net carb value represents total carbohydrates minus the grams of fiber and sugar alcohol.
Net carbs
Any carbohydrate left over is considered a net carb or the carbs that are absorbed by the body.
References:
American Diabetes Association. Taking a closer look at labels. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/what-can-i-eat/taking-a-closer-look-at-labels.html Accessed June 18, 2012.
MayoClinic.com. Reading food labels: tips if you have diabetes. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-labels/DA00129 June 18, 2012.
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