A close look at Carbsnap data shows that people are fairly accurate at estimating carb counts for pasta and noodles. We see this by looking at the average error patients make on pasta pictures, shown to the right.
For at least 50% of the pasta pictures, patients' average error is between −2 and +1.5 grams of carbs. The absolute average error is about 15 grams — meaning that, on average across all pasta pictures, patients are 15 grams off.
As usual, here are a few example pictures:
Note how closely aligned the dietitian and patient ratings are in these graphs — patients are accurate at counting carbs for these pictures, or at least as accurate as dietitians. Pasta dishes are generally high in carbohydrates (our Carbsnap pictures average about 59g), so it makes sense that patients learn to estimate them accurately: a large error here could lead to a dangerous situation.
Box plots
For the first pasta figure above, at least 50% of dietitians picked a range between 47 and 63 grams, while at least 50% of patients picked 50 to 65 grams (median 54). A more thorough guide to reading box plots is here.
Keep using Carbsnap
These insights are only as good as the data we get from Carbsnap usage — keep using the app, and tell anyone who could benefit from sharpening their carb-counting skills. Practice your carb counting →