Low-Carb Grains Guide

35 items classified under standard Low-Carb guidelines.

Low-Carb classifies foods based on carbohydrate content. Of the 35 grains evaluated, 0 are classified as Allowed, 2 as Limited, and 33 as Not Allowed.

Under Low-Carb guidelines, nearly every item in the grains category is classified as Not Allowed. The reason is consistent across the category: each item is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. The nutrition data below is still useful for comparing alternatives or understanding what these foods contribute when eaten on other dietary frameworks.

Quick Reference

Food Status Net carbs (per 100g)
Corn Limited 16.7g
Quinoa Limited 18.5g
Amaranth Not Allowed 4g
Arrowroot Powder Not Allowed 12.1g
Bagel Not Allowed 50.8g
Barley Not Allowed 62.1g
Buckwheat Not Allowed 61.5g
Burrito Not Allowed 21.4g
Corn Flakes Not Allowed 8.9g
Cornmeal Not Allowed 68.2g
Cornstarch Not Allowed 90.4g
Croutons Not Allowed 68.4g
English Muffin Not Allowed 40.7g
Fried Rice Not Allowed 31.7g
Granola Bars Not Allowed 59.1g
Millet Not Allowed 64.3g
Naan Not Allowed 45g
Nachos Not Allowed 22.2g
Oat Flour Not Allowed 59.2g
Oats Not Allowed 57.6g
Pancakes Not Allowed 33.2g
Pasta Not Allowed 71.5g
Pita Bread Not Allowed 64.5g
Pizza Not Allowed 28.2g
Rice Not Allowed 76.9g
Rice Cakes Not Allowed 76.9g
Rice Crackers Not Allowed 82.6g
Rice Noodles Not Allowed 78.6g
Rye Bread Not Allowed 60.8g
Sourdough Bread Not Allowed 49.7g
Spelt Not Allowed 22.5g
Tacos Not Allowed 12.1g
Tapioca Starch Not Allowed 87.8g
Waffles Not Allowed 45.8g
Wheat Flour Not Allowed 61.4g

Classification Breakdown

2 Limited — These items have a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. 33 Not Allowed — These are high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans.

Low-carb spans from about 150g/day down to 20g/day, so the same food can be in or out depending on which end of the spectrum.

Limited Grains (2)

Corn

Limited

Corn is classified as Limited on Low-Carb, with 16.7g net carbs per 100g. This means it is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Among the 35 items in this category, corn sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Quinoa at 18.5g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Sweet Corn (raw)86kcal3.3g1.4g18.7g2g16.7g
Sweet Corn (canned)67kcal2.3g1.2g14.3g2g12.3g

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Quinoa

Limited

With 18.5g net carbs per 100g, Quinoa earns a Limited classification on Low-Carb. It is a carb load that fits some low-carb versions but not the stricter ones. Beyond the primary classification, quinoa also provides 2.8g fiber per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, quinoa sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Burrito at 21.4g. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Dry368kcal14.1g6.1g64.2g7g57.2g
Cooked120kcal4.4g1.9g21.3g2.8g18.5g

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Not Allowed Grains (33)

Amaranth

Not Allowed

At 4g net carbs per 100g, Amaranth falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Among the 35 items in this category, amaranth sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Corn Flakes at 8.9g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

23kcalCalories
2.5gProtein
0.3gFat
4gCarbs
Fiber
4gNet Carbs

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Arrowroot Powder

Not Allowed

At 12.1g net carbs per 100g, Arrowroot Powder falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Among the 35 items in this category, arrowroot powder sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Tacos at 12.1g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

65kcalCalories
4.2gProtein
0.2gFat
13.4gCarbs
1.3gFiber
12.1gNet Carbs

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Bagel

Not Allowed

With 50.8g net carbs per 100g, Bagel earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Sourdough Bread and Oats for net carbs, ranking 17 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

264kcalCalories
10.6gProtein
1.3gFat
52.4gCarbs
1.6gFiber
50.8gNet Carbs

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Barley

Not Allowed

At 62.1g net carbs per 100g, Barley falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, barley also provides 9.9g protein and 15.6g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Buckwheat and Millet for net carbs, ranking 24 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

352kcalCalories
9.9gProtein
1.2gFat
77.7gCarbs
15.6gFiber
62.1gNet Carbs

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Buckwheat

Not Allowed

At 61.5g net carbs per 100g, Buckwheat falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 13.2g protein and 10g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Wheat Flour and Barley for net carbs, ranking 23 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

343kcalCalories
13.2gProtein
3.4gFat
71.5gCarbs
10gFiber
61.5gNet Carbs

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Burrito

Not Allowed

With 21.4g net carbs per 100g, Burrito earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 11.1g protein and 8.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, burrito sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Nachos at 22.2g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

219kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
8.5gFat
23.9gCarbs
2.5gFiber
21.4gNet Carbs

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Corn Flakes

Not Allowed

At 8.9g net carbs per 100g, Corn Flakes falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Among the 35 items in this category, corn flakes sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Arrowroot Powder at 12.1g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

44kcalCalories
0.8gProtein
0.2gFat
9.4gCarbs
0.5gFiber
8.9gNet Carbs

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Cornmeal

Not Allowed

At 68.2g net carbs per 100g, Cornmeal falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.4g protein and 5.4g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Pita Bread at 64.5g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

398kcalCalories
10.4gProtein
5.4gFat
76.9gCarbs
8.7gFiber
68.2gNet Carbs

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Cornstarch

Not Allowed

Cornstarch is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 90.4g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Tapioca Starch at 87.8g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

381kcalCalories
0.3gProtein
0.1gFat
91.3gCarbs
0.9gFiber
90.4gNet Carbs

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Croutons

Not Allowed

At 68.4g net carbs per 100g, Croutons falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, croutons also provides 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Cornmeal at 68.2g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

407kcalCalories
11.9gProtein
6.6gFat
73.5gCarbs
5.1gFiber
68.4gNet Carbs

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English Muffin

Not Allowed

English Muffin is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 40.7g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 8.9g protein and 3.5g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pancakes and Naan for net carbs, ranking 13 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

227kcalCalories
8.9gProtein
1.7gFat
44.2gCarbs
3.5gFiber
40.7gNet Carbs

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Fried Rice

Not Allowed

At 31.7g net carbs per 100g, Fried Rice falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 387mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Pizza and Pancakes for net carbs, ranking 11 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

174kcalCalories
4.1gProtein
3gFat
32.8gCarbs
1.1gFiber
31.7gNet Carbs

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Granola Bars

Not Allowed

At 59.1g net carbs per 100g, Granola Bars falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, granola bars also provides 10.1g protein and 19.8g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Oats and Oat Flour for net carbs, ranking 19 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

471kcalCalories
10.1gProtein
19.8gFat
64.4gCarbs
5.3gFiber
59.1gNet Carbs

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Millet

Not Allowed

Millet is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 64.3g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 11g protein and 8.5g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Barley and Pita Bread for net carbs, ranking 25 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

378kcalCalories
11gProtein
4.2gFat
72.8gCarbs
8.5gFiber
64.3gNet Carbs

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Naan

Not Allowed

Naan is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 45g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 11.1g protein and 7.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between English Muffin and Waffles for net carbs, ranking 14 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

311kcalCalories
11.1gProtein
7.3gFat
50.2gCarbs
5.2gFiber
45gNet Carbs

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Nachos

Not Allowed

At 22.2g net carbs per 100g, Nachos falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, nachos also provides 7.6g protein and 15.9g fat per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, nachos sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Spelt at 22.5g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

265kcalCalories
7.6gProtein
15.9gFat
23.9gCarbs
1.7gFiber
22.2gNet Carbs

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Oat Flour

Not Allowed

Oat Flour is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 59.2g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 14.7g protein and 9.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Granola Bars and Rye Bread for net carbs, ranking 20 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

404kcalCalories
14.7gProtein
9.1gFat
65.7gCarbs
6.5gFiber
59.2gNet Carbs

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Oats

Not Allowed

With 57.6g net carbs per 100g, Oats earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, oats also provides 13.2g protein and 6.5g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Bagel and Granola Bars for net carbs, ranking 18 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Rolled Oats (dry)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g10.1g57.6g
Oatmeal (cooked)379kcal13.2g6.5g67.7g10.1g57.6g

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Pancakes

Not Allowed

At 33.2g net carbs per 100g, Pancakes falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.4g protein and 12.1g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Fried Rice and English Muffin for net carbs, ranking 12 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

282kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
12.1gFat
35.3gCarbs
2.1gFiber
33.2gNet Carbs

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Pasta

Not Allowed

At 71.5g net carbs per 100g, Pasta falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, pasta also provides 13g protein and 3.2g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Croutons at 68.4g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
Regular Pasta (cooked)157kcal5.8g0.9g30.6g1.8g28.8g
Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked)159kcal5.8g1.5g31.5g4.6g26.9g

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Pita Bread

Not Allowed

Pita Bread is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 64.5g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.8g protein and 15.2g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Millet and Cornmeal for net carbs, ranking 26 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

457kcalCalories
11.8gProtein
15.2gFat
68.3gCarbs
3.8gFiber
64.5gNet Carbs

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Pizza

Not Allowed

With 28.2g net carbs per 100g, Pizza earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, pizza also provides 11.7g protein and 12.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Spelt and Fried Rice for net carbs, ranking 10 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

280kcalCalories
11.7gProtein
12.6gFat
29.9gCarbs
1.7gFiber
28.2gNet Carbs

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Rice

Not Allowed

With 76.9g net carbs per 100g, Rice earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, rice also provides 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Pasta at 71.5g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

VariantCaloriesProteinFatCarbsFiberNet Carbs
White Rice (cooked)130kcal2.7g0.3g28.2g0.4g27.8g
Brown Rice (cooked)112kcal2.3g0.8g23.5g1.8g21.7g

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Rice Cakes

Not Allowed

At 76.9g net carbs per 100g, Rice Cakes falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, rice cakes also provides 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice at 76.9g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

392kcalCalories
7.1gProtein
4.3gFat
81.1gCarbs
4.2gFiber
76.9gNet Carbs

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Rice Crackers

Not Allowed

Rice Crackers is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 82.6g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 10g protein and 233mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice Noodles at 78.6g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

416kcalCalories
10gProtein
5gFat
82.6gCarbs
0gFiber
82.6gNet Carbs

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Rice Noodles

Not Allowed

Rice Noodles is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 78.6g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 6g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice Cakes at 76.9g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

364kcalCalories
6gProtein
0.6gFat
80.2gCarbs
1.6gFiber
78.6gNet Carbs

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Rye Bread

Not Allowed

At 60.8g net carbs per 100g, Rye Bread falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.3g protein and 15.1g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Oat Flour and Wheat Flour for net carbs, ranking 21 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

338kcalCalories
10.3gProtein
1.6gFat
75.9gCarbs
15.1gFiber
60.8gNet Carbs

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Sourdough Bread

Not Allowed

At 49.7g net carbs per 100g, Sourdough Bread falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. It is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Beyond the primary classification, sourdough bread also provides 10.8g protein and 2.2g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Waffles and Bagel for net carbs, ranking 16 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

272kcalCalories
10.8gProtein
2.4gFat
51.9gCarbs
2.2gFiber
49.7gNet Carbs

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Spelt

Not Allowed

Spelt is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 22.5g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 5.5g protein and 3.9g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Nachos and Pizza for net carbs, ranking 9 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

127kcalCalories
5.5gProtein
0.9gFat
26.4gCarbs
3.9gFiber
22.5gNet Carbs

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Tacos

Not Allowed

With 12.1g net carbs per 100g, Tacos earns a Not Allowed classification on Low-Carb. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 35 items in this category, tacos sits at the low end for net carbs — next closest is Corn at 16.7g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

170kcalCalories
6.7gProtein
9.2gFat
15.1gCarbs
3gFiber
12.1gNet Carbs

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Tapioca Starch

Not Allowed

At 87.8g net carbs per 100g, Tapioca Starch falls into the Not Allowed category under Low-Carb guidelines. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It ranks among the highest in this category for net carbs. The nearest lower option is Rice Crackers at 82.6g.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

358kcalCalories
0.2gProtein
0gFat
88.7gCarbs
0.9gFiber
87.8gNet Carbs

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Waffles

Not Allowed

Waffles is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 45.8g net carbs per 100g. This means it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. It also contains 7.4g protein and 9.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Naan and Sourdough Bread for net carbs, ranking 15 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

309kcalCalories
7.4gProtein
9.5gFat
48.4gCarbs
2.6gFiber
45.8gNet Carbs

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Wheat Flour

Not Allowed

Wheat Flour is classified as Not Allowed on Low-Carb, with 61.4g net carbs per 100g. The classification reflects that it is high enough in carbohydrates to crowd out the rest of the day on most low-carb plans. Nutritionally, it also delivers 9.6g protein and 13.1g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Rye Bread and Buckwheat for net carbs, ranking 22 of 35.

Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central

332kcalCalories
9.6gProtein
2gFat
74.5gCarbs
13.1gFiber
61.4gNet Carbs

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