Net Carbs
Net carbs is total carbohydrates minus fiber and sugar alcohols. The math approximates how many digestible carbs raise blood sugar. Whey isolate typically has 1 to 2g net carbs per serving; mass gainers can have 60 to 100g; protein bars vary from 2 to 25g.
Why It Matters
Net carbs matters most for keto and low-carb dieters. The FDA does not officially recognize the term: only total carbs is required on the nutrition panel. Net carb claims are a useful shorthand but can be gamed by overusing sugar alcohols that some people still partially absorb.
How to Spot It on a Label
Net carbs are calculated as Total Carbs minus Fiber minus Sugar Alcohols. Look at the Nutrition Facts panel: if Fiber and Sugar Alcohols are zero, total carbs equals net carbs. Mass gainers and protein bars are where the math matters most.
Examples from real products
Related Terms
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