Carbohydrates are one of the primary dietary components that make up the foods you eat. Carbs are designed to provide energy to the brain and nervous system when needed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Carbohydrates consist of starches, simple sugars and complex carbohydrates. Some carbohydrate foods have relatively small amounts of carbohydrates, while others have high amounts that can affect blood sugar and insulin levels.
Breads
Breads are among the starchy group of carbohydrates. Whole wheat bread and white bread have roughly the same carbohydrate content at 13 g and 14 g per slice, respectively. White bread has the germ and bran stripped during processing and will not give you the fiber the whole wheat choice supplies. White bagels have a carbohydrate content of 35 g per bagel, according to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice are starchy carbohydrates, with regular white spaghetti containing 44 g per 3/4 cup and brown rice containing 38 g per 3/4 cup. Different shapes of pasta will have similar carbohydrate contents for the same weight, and long grain white rice has roughly the same amount as brown rice.
Fruits
Fruits are high in carbohydrates, but also supply vitamins, minerals and fiber. Fruits are classified as simple sugars due to the fructose content. An apple contains about 16 g of carbohydrates depending on size, an orange has 11 g and a banana has 24 g. Foods such as dried fruit, juices and sauces have more carbohydrate content. One cup of apple sauce has 60 g of carbohydrates, for instance.
Beans
Beans are high in carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Beans are complex carbohydrates, breaking down slowly in your body. Lima beans have 30 g of carbohydrates per 1/2 cup, kidney beans have 25 g per 1/2 cup and lentils have 18 g per 1/2 cup.
Dairy Products
Dairy products can vary in carbohydrate content depending on the type of product you are consuming. One cup of regular 2-percent milk has 12 g of carbohydrates, while 1 cup of chocolate milk has 26 g. One cup of low-fat yogurt has 42 g, and 1/2 cup of pudding has 30 g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in dairy are in the form of the milk sugar lactose and are considered simple sugars. Dairy products also contain protein and calcium.
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