How many carbs are in a single almond?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to USDA data, a single almond contains a tiny fraction of a gram of carbohydrates, making it an excellent low-carb choice. But how many carbs are in a single almond specifically? We break down the precise nutritional data and explain why this nut is a staple in many low-carb and keto diets.

Quick Summary

A single almond contains a minimal amount of total and net carbohydrates. This article details the nutritional content of a single almond, its low glycemic impact, and compares its carbohydrate load to other common nuts, making it a great snack choice for low-carb lifestyles.

Key Points

Minimal Carb Count: A single almond contains less than 0.3 grams of total carbohydrates and around 0.2 grams of net carbs.
High in Healthy Fats: Most of an almond's approximately 7.7 calories come from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Rich in Nutrients: Each almond is packed with protein, fiber, Vitamin E, and essential minerals like magnesium.
Supports Low-Carb Diets: The low carb and high fiber content of almonds make them a perfect snack for ketogenic and other low-carb diets.
Low Glycemic Index: Almonds have a very low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause significant blood sugar spikes.
Promotes Satiety: The combination of fat, fiber, and protein in almonds helps you feel full longer, which can aid in weight management.
Versatile Ingredient: Almonds can be enjoyed in many forms, including whole, as flour, or as butter, fitting easily into various low-carb recipes.

The precise carbohydrate count of a single almond

While nuts are known for their healthy fats, it is their low carbohydrate content that makes them especially popular for those following ketogenic or other low-carb eating plans. When evaluating how many carbs are in a single almond, it is important to consider both total carbohydrates and net carbohydrates.

According to data from sources like Nutritionix and University Hospitals, a single almond contains approximately 0.24 to 0.3 grams of total carbohydrates. This is a very small number, but for strict dietary tracking, it is the figure to monitor.

The concept of "net carbs" is crucial for low-carb dieters. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the dietary fiber from the total carbohydrates, as fiber is a type of carb that the body does not digest and absorb for energy. A single almond contains about 0.1 to 0.14 grams of dietary fiber.

To calculate the net carbs for a single almond, the formula is:

Total Carbs: ~0.3g
Dietary Fiber: ~0.1g
Net Carbs: ~0.2g

This means that the impact of a single almond on your blood sugar is extremely low, making it an ideal snack.

A complete nutritional profile of one almond

While carbohydrates are a primary concern for some diets, almonds offer a wealth of other nutritional benefits. Here is a more detailed breakdown of what a single, raw almond (average weight 1.3g) contains:

Calories: Approximately 7.7 kcal, predominantly from healthy fats.
Protein: Around 0.3g, contributing to muscle repair and satiety.
Total Fat: Roughly 0.7g, with a healthy mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are vital for heart health.
Vitamin E: A significant source of this powerful antioxidant, which helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
Magnesium: An important mineral for many bodily functions, including blood sugar control.
Fiber: The 0.1g of dietary fiber aids in digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness.

This makes each individual almond a nutrient-dense morsel, offering a lot of health benefits in a very small package. The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and can help with weight management by increasing feelings of fullness.

Comparison of carb counts in different nuts

To put the almond's low-carb nature into perspective, let's compare its carbohydrate content to other popular nuts. This can help individuals on a low-carb diet make informed choices.


Nut (per 1-ounce serving)	Total Carbs	Dietary Fiber	Net Carbs	Notes
Almonds (~23 nuts)	6.1g	3.5g	2.6g	Excellent source of Vitamin E and magnesium.
Pecans (~19 halves)	4g	3g	1g	Lowest net carbs of common nuts.
Walnuts (~14 halves)	4g	2g	2g	High in omega-3 fatty acids.
Macadamia Nuts (~10-12 kernels)	4g	2g	2g	High in monounsaturated fats.
Cashews (~18 nuts)	9g	1g	8g	Significantly higher in carbs, consume sparingly on strict keto diets.

From the table, it is clear that almonds are among the best choices for a low-carb diet, far surpassing cashews in suitability. While other nuts like pecans and macadamias offer slightly lower net carb counts per ounce, the nutritional balance and availability of almonds make them a popular and effective option.

Incorporating almonds into a low-carb diet

There are numerous ways to enjoy almonds while adhering to a low-carb eating plan:

Snacking: A handful of raw or roasted almonds is a perfect, on-the-go snack. The fiber and protein will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Toppings: Sprinkle sliced or slivered almonds over low-carb salads or stir-fries for added crunch and texture.
Baking: Almond flour, made from ground almonds, is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional flour for baking things like crackers, bread, and muffins.
Nut Butter: Opt for natural almond butter with no added sugars. It can be a great addition to smoothies or a dip for celery sticks.
Meal Additions: Add chopped almonds to your oatmeal, yogurt (low-carb variety), or breakfast cereal to increase its protein and fat content.

Conclusion: almonds and low-carb lifestyles

In summary, a single almond is remarkably low in carbohydrates, typically containing less than 0.3g of total carbs and approximately 0.2g of net carbs. This minimal carbohydrate impact, combined with a rich profile of healthy fats, protein, and essential micronutrients like Vitamin E and magnesium, makes almonds an exceptional food choice for anyone managing their carbohydrate intake. Whether you're counting every carb for a strict ketogenic diet or simply looking for healthier snack alternatives, almonds offer a delicious, versatile, and nutrient-dense solution. Remember that portion control is always key, as the calories can add up, but a handful of almonds remains a smart and healthful choice.

For more detailed nutritional information on almonds and their health benefits, you can consult reliable sources like the Almond Board of California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, almonds are an excellent food for a ketogenic diet. They are low in net carbs and high in healthy fats, making them a staple for those following a keto lifestyle.

Total carbs for almonds include all carbohydrates, while net carbs are the total carbs minus the dietary fiber. Since fiber is not digested, net carbs are the number that affects blood sugar levels, and almonds are low in net carbs.

A standard one-ounce serving is roughly 23 almonds. This serving contains approximately 2.6g of net carbs, 6g of protein, and 14g of fat.

No, almonds have a very low glycemic index and a low glycemic load. The high fiber, fat, and protein content help slow digestion, preventing significant blood sugar spikes.

There is no significant difference in carbohydrate content between raw and dry-roasted almonds. The roasting process mainly affects the texture and flavor, not the macronutrient profile.

Almonds are one of the lowest-carb nuts, though pecans and macadamia nuts are slightly lower. Cashews, for comparison, have a much higher carb count and should be eaten in moderation on a strict low-carb diet.

Yes, almond flour is a popular and effective low-carb alternative to wheat flour. It is made from ground almonds and can be used for baking and cooking many low-carb dishes.