Carbohydrates are the primary form of energy. There are many different types of carbohydrates. Three types are: simple, complex, and alternative sugar sweeteners.

For more about carbohydrates visit the Mayo Clinic page on carbohydrates.

Simple Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates contain one molecule called monosaccharides, and double molecules are called disaccharides.

Monosaccharides

Monosaccharides are: glucose (a major source of energy in our bodies), fructose (commonly found in fruits and used commercially in many beverages), and galactose (not normally found in nature alone but found in the disaccharide called lactose). Monosaccharides are sweet foods such as honey and cane sugar. Other foods that contain simple sugars are dairy products, beans, and fruit.

Figure: Monosaccharide (α-D-Glucopyranose)

The stereochemical structure of a cyclic monosaccharide is a building block for polysaccharides.

Disaccharides

Disaccharides are: sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), maltose (malt sugar). Disaccharides are in beverages and baked goods. They are refined for making brown sugar, powdered sugar, and molasses. Lactose is in dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and ice cream. Maltose is found in beer and some breads and grains.

The stereochemical structure of a cyclic disaccharide. This is lactose.