Simple Carbs vs. Complex Carbs: What’s the Difference?

There’s no question that the American diet favors carbs. Carbohydrates make up morning bagels (white flour), fries at lunch (starch), and sweet afternoon lattes (sugar). On average, Americans consume 239 (for women) and 335 (for men) empty calories a day from added sugars alone. The excess of simple carbs, like sugar and white flour, contribute to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The key is choosing the right kind of carb, according to nutrition experts. When you make a habit of choosing complex carbs over simple ones, your blood sugar levels tend to be more stable. To learn more about balancing carbohydrates in your diet, learn more dietitians' tips on counting carbs.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts