STARCH/BREAD LIST

Each item in this list contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrate, 3 grams of protein, a trace of fat, and 80 calories. Whole grain products average about 2 grams of fiber per exchange or serving. Foods in this group are a major source of thiamin, niacin, iron, fiber and zinc; and also a vital part of a healthy, balanced diet, and can be an aid to weight loss.

The carbohydrates in bread or starch exchanges are complex. These complex sugars cannot be absorbed from the intestinal tract in this form. These complex sugars must first be converted to simple sugars (in the intestine). Once the complex sugar is "broken down" into smaller parts, the simple sugar is absorbed.   Blood sugar goes up-but much more slowly.

Cereals/Grains/Pasta

Bran cereals, concentrated*(such as Bran Buds, All Bran) 1/3 cup
Bran cereals, flaked* 1/2 cup
Bulgur (cooked) 1/2 cup
Cooked cereals 1/2 cup
Cornmeal (dry) 2 ½ tbsp.
Grape-Nuts 3 tbsp.
Grits (cooked) 1/2 cup
Other ready-to-eat unsweetened cereals 3/4 cup
Pasta (cooked) 1/2 cup
Puffed cereal 1 ½ cup
Rice, white or brown (cooked) 1/3 cup
Shredded wheat 1/2 cup
Wheat germ* 3 tbsp.

*3 grams or more of fiber per exchange.

Dried Beans/Peas/Lentils

Beans and peas (cooked)*

(such as kidney, white, split, blackeye)

1/3 cup
Lentils (cooked)* 1/3 cup
Baked beans* 1/4 cup

*3 grams or more of fiber per exchange.

Starchy Vegetables

Corn* 1/2 cup
Corn on cob, 6 in long* 1
Lima beans* 1/2 cup
Peas, green (canned or frozen)* 1/2 cup
Plantain* 1/2 cup
Potato, baked 1 small (3 oz)
Potato, mashed 1/2 cup
Squash, winter* (acorn, butternut) 1 cup
Yam, sweet potato, plain 1/3 cup

*3 grams or more of fiber per exchange.

Bread

Bagel 1/2 (1 oz)
Bread sticks, crisp,

4 in long x ½ in

2 (2/3 oz)
Croutons, low fat 1 cup
English muffin 1/2
Frankfurter or hamburger bun 1/2 (1 oz)
Pita, 6 in across 1/2
Plain roll, small 1 (1 oz)
Raisin, unfrosted 1 slice (1 oz)
Rye, pumpernickel 1 slice (1 oz)
Tortilla, 6 in across 1
White (including French, Italian) 1 slice (1 oz)
Whole wheat 1 slice (1 oz)

Crackers/Snacks

Animal crackers 8
Graham crackers, 2 ½ in square 3
Matzoh 3/4 oz
Melba toast 5 slices
Oyster crackers 24
Popcorn (popped, no fat added) 3 cups
Pretzels ¾ oz
RyKrisp, 2 in X 3 ½ in 4
Saltine-type crackers 6
Whole-wheat crackers, no fat added* (crisp breads, such as Finn, Kavli, Wasa) 2-4 slices (3/4 oz)

*3 grams or more of fiber per exchange.

Starch Foods Prepared with Fat

(Count as 1 starch/bread exchange, plus 1 fat exchange.)

Biscuit, 2 ½ in across 1
Chow mein noodles 1/2 cup
Corn bread, 2 in cube 1 (2 oz)
Cracker, round butter type 6
French fried potatoes, 2 in to 3 ½ in long 10
Muffin, plain, small 1
Pancake, 4 in across 2
Stuffing, bread (prepared) 1/4 cup
Taco shell, 6 in across 2
Waffle, 4 ½ in square 1
Whole-wheat crackers

fat added* (such as Triscuit®)

4-6 (1 oz)

*3 grams or more of fiber per exchange.