Does Metamucil Have Carbs in It?

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to research, the psyllium fiber in Metamucil is a polysaccharide, a type of carbohydrate, but it is not digested or absorbed by the body. This critical distinction means that while Metamucil technically contains carbohydrates, the amount of 'net carbs' varies significantly between its different product types, particularly those with and without added sugar.

Quick Summary

Metamucil contains carbohydrates, primarily from its psyllium husk fiber. The specific carb and net carb count depends on the product version, with sugar-free options being much lower. Fiber is generally not digested and absorbed, so it is often subtracted to determine net carbs for keto and other low-carb diets.

Key Points

Carbohydrates are present in Metamucil: All versions contain carbohydrates, primarily from psyllium husk fiber.
Net carbs differ by product: Sugar-added versions have high total and net carbs, whereas sugar-free versions have significantly fewer total carbs and often zero net carbs.
Fiber is subtracted for net carbs: For low-carb diets, net carbs are calculated by subtracting the grams of dietary fiber from the total carbohydrates, as fiber is not absorbed by the body.
Sugar-free is the low-carb option: Metamucil's sugar-free powders and capsules contain zero net carbs, making them suitable for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
Stay hydrated: It's crucial to mix Metamucil with at least 8 ounces of liquid to ensure it works effectively and to prevent choking.

Understanding the Carbohydrate Composition of Metamucil

Metamucil is one of the most widely recognized fiber supplements on the market, used for everything from promoting digestive regularity to supporting heart health. The core active ingredient is psyllium husk, a natural dietary fiber. Confusion often arises for those following specific dietary plans, such as keto or other low-carb diets, when they see 'carbohydrates' listed on the nutrition label. The key to understanding Metamucil's carb content lies in differentiating between total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and net carbs.

The Role of Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk is a form of soluble fiber. When mixed with liquid, it forms a viscous, gel-like substance. This gel performs several important functions in the body:

It promotes feelings of fullness, which can aid in appetite control.
It helps to slow the absorption of certain carbohydrates and sugars from the digestive tract.
It supports the digestive system by adding bulk to stool, which helps with regularity. Crucially, because psyllium fiber is not digestible by the body's gastrointestinal enzymes, it does not get absorbed or converted into glucose. This is why it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels, especially in the sugar-free versions.

Comparing Sugar vs. Sugar-Free Metamucil

Not all Metamucil products are created equal when it comes to their carbohydrate profile. The biggest variable is the presence of added sugars. Original, sugar-added versions contain a much higher total carbohydrate count due to the added sucrose. Sugar-free varieties, on the other hand, use alternative sweeteners like aspartame or stevia and have a significantly lower total carb count, all of which comes from the psyllium fiber itself.

Let's break down the difference with a comparison table based on typical product serving information:


Feature	Metamucil Orange Smooth Powder (with Sugar)	Metamucil Premium Blend Powder (Sugar-Free)	Metamucil 3-in-1 Daily Fiber Capsules
Serving Size	1 rounded teaspoon	1 rounded teaspoon	5 capsules
Calories	90	30	5
Total Carbohydrates	23g	10g	2g
Dietary Fiber	6g	10g	2g
Total Sugars	16g	0g	0g
Net Carbs	17g	0g	0g

*Note: Net carbs are calculated by subtracting dietary fiber from total carbohydrates, and sugar alcohols where applicable.

How to Calculate Net Carbs

The concept of net carbs is vital for those on low-carb diets, including keto. The formula is straightforward: Total Carbohydrates - Dietary Fiber - Sugar Alcohols (if any) = Net Carbs.

For example:

Sugar-Added Metamucil: 23g (Total Carbs) - 6g (Dietary Fiber) = 17g Net Carbs.
Sugar-Free Powder: 10g (Total Carbs) - 10g (Dietary Fiber) = 0g Net Carbs.
Capsules: 2g (Total Carbs) - 2g (Dietary Fiber) = 0g Net Carbs.

As you can see, the sugar-free powder and the capsules offer zero net carbs, making them ideal choices for those closely monitoring their carbohydrate intake. The maltodextrin used in some sugar-free formulas is partially digestible but the overall net carb impact remains very low.

Important Considerations for Low-Carb Diets

While the sugar-free Metamucil products are low in net carbs, it's crucial to consider the following:

Hydration: Fiber absorbs a lot of water. It is essential to drink at least 8 ounces of liquid with every dose to prevent choking and ensure the fiber works effectively.
Additives: Always check the ingredient list for your specific product. Some flavored versions may contain other additives that affect the overall nutritional profile.
Individual Tolerance: Some people, particularly when first increasing their fiber intake, may experience increased gas or bloating. It is best to start with a smaller dose and increase gradually.
Food First: While supplements can be beneficial, experts often recommend prioritizing getting fiber from whole foods like avocados, chia seeds, and leafy greens. These foods offer additional vitamins and minerals not found in a supplement.

Conclusion

In summary, yes, Metamucil does have carbs. The important distinction is that the psyllium fiber, which is a carbohydrate, is largely indigestible. For those concerned about digestible carbs, the sugar-free powder and capsule versions of Metamucil offer a solution with zero net carbs. This allows individuals on low-carb or keto diets to increase their fiber intake without negatively impacting their blood sugar or ketosis. Always check the specific product label to understand the total and dietary fiber content. For more detailed nutritional information directly from the manufacturer, you can visit the official Metamucil website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, sugar-free Metamucil is not completely carb-free. It contains total carbohydrates from the psyllium husk and other minor ingredients like maltodextrin. However, since the psyllium fiber is not absorbed, the product is considered to have zero net carbs.

Sugar-free versions of Metamucil should not knock you out of ketosis, as they contain zero net carbs. The psyllium fiber is not digested and does not impact blood sugar levels in the same way as digestible carbohydrates.

To find the net carbs, look at the Nutrition Facts panel on your Metamucil package. Subtract the grams of Dietary Fiber from the grams of Total Carbohydrates. For most sugar-free versions, this will equal zero.

Some Metamucil powder products have a high total carbohydrate count because they contain added sugars (sucrose) for flavoring. These are typically the 'Original' or 'Orange Smooth' varieties that are not labeled 'sugar-free'.

Yes, Metamucil capsules are very low in carbohydrates and have zero net carbs per serving. A typical serving of five capsules contains only 2 grams of total carbohydrates, which is entirely from dietary fiber.

Yes, you can use Metamucil on a low-carb diet, but it is best to choose the sugar-free powder or capsule versions to ensure you are consuming zero net carbs. Always check the label to confirm the net carb count for your specific product.

In strict scientific terms, psyllium fiber is a polysaccharide, which is a subclass of carbohydrates. However, unlike other carbs, it is not digested and absorbed by the body, so it does not contribute to a significant increase in blood sugar.