Carbohydrates are a fundamental fuel source for the body, supplying energy needed to keep cells, tissues, and organs working properly. They are central to both energy production and storage.

Foods that contain carbohydrates are commonly divided into two general groups:

• Complex carbohydrates, which come from nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole-grain breads, pasta, and rice.

• Simple (refined) carbohydrates, typically found in ultra-processed items like cakes, cookies, and white bread. These foods are often high in calories, sugar, and fat, but low in beneficial nutrients such as fiber.

Many people report that once they start eating ultra-processed, refined carb foods, it can be hard to stop. Because of this experience, some have suggested that refined carbohydrates may be “addictive,” similar to certain substances or behaviors.

However, research on this topic does not provide a clear answer.

Some studiesTrusted Source indicate that refined carbs may promote eating behaviors that resemble substance use disorders, while other studies fail to find strong evidence for this claim.

Below is a closer look at whether carbohydrates can be considered addictive and what this means for human nutrition.

Key definitions and ideas

Studies suggest that ultra-processed foods high in carbohydrates may trigger eating patterns that resemble those seen in eating disorders or substance use disorders.

That said, neither “carb addiction” nor “food addiction” is officially recognized as a substance use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).

The phrase carb addiction generally refers to difficulty controlling cravings and compulsive eating, particularly involving foods high in refined carbs, added sugars, and fats.

Although these behaviors may look similar to substance misuse, scientists have not identified a specific chemical in carbohydrates that directly causes addictive responses.

Instead, the effects of refined carbohydrates on the brain and behavior appear to stem from the combined ingredients and processing methods used in many ultra-processed foods.

What does research show about carb addiction?

Researchers have proposed several biological and behavioral mechanisms that could help explain why high-carb foods are sometimes overeaten.

Still, findings are inconsistent, and a large portion of the evidence comes from animal studies rather than human trials.

Evidence supporting the idea of addictive carbs

Some researchTrusted Source suggests that refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and artificial sweeteners share characteristics with substances associated with misuse.

Meals rich in carbohydrates can activate brain regions involved in pleasure, reward, and cravings. This suggests that so-called carb addiction may be linked to the brain’s reward system.

In particular, carbohydrate intake may increase dopamine levels. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, and feelings of pleasure.

When dopamine is released in large amounts, it creates a temporary sense of enjoyment that the brain seeks to repeat.

Over time, repeated stimulation may cause the brain to release less dopamine, meaning greater amounts or more frequent intake may be needed to experience the same pleasurable effect.

The glycemic index (GI), which measures how quickly carbohydrates raise blood sugar, may play a role in this process.

High-carb foods can also affect hormones that regulate appetite—such as insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and GLP-1—potentially encouraging increased food intake.

Additionally, a 2017 review suggests that carbohydrates may activate the brain’s hedonic pathways, which drive eating based on pleasure and reward rather than true hunger or energy requirements.

Evidence against the idea of addictive carbs

Other researchers argue that carbohydrates and foods in general are not truly addictive.

Much of the evidence supporting addiction-like responses comes from animal studies, which often show sugar-related behaviors only when access to sugar is intermittent, rather than as a result of carbohydrates themselves.

Several other factors may also contribute to frequent consumption of high-carb foods and dependency-like behaviors, including:

• limited access to nutrient-dense whole foods

• regular intake of foods high in salt, fat, and sugar

• childhood trauma

• anxiety, stress, or depression

Which carbs are most associated with addictive-like eating?

In 2009, Yale researchers created the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) to help measure compulsive eating behaviors.

In 2015, researchers from the University of Michigan and the New York Obesity Research Center used the YFAS to study eating patterns in students. Their findings identified certain foods most commonly linked to “addictive” eating.

The table below lists these foods along with their glycemic load (GL), which considers both a food’s glycemic index and portion size. GL is often a more accurate indicator of a food’s effect on blood sugar than GI alone.

With the exception of cheese, all of these foods contain substantial amounts of carbohydrates. While cheese does include some carbs, it contains far fewer than the others.

Many of these foods are also high in refined sugar, fat, and salt and are commonly consumed in highly processed forms.

This suggests that compulsive eating behaviors may be influenced by the combination of ingredients and processing methods, rather than carbohydrates alone.

Ways to cope with carb cravings

Certain lifestyle and dietary strategies may help manage cravings for carbohydrates and processed foods, such as:

• emphasizing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins

• following dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet

• increasing protein intake

• managing stress effectively

• staying well hydrated

• keeping convenient, high-protein snacks available

• engaging in regular physical activity

If cravings feel overwhelming or distressing, consider talking with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.

They can help create a personalized plan to better understand your eating habits and make sustainable changes. Since everyone responds differently, some approaches may work better than others.

It’s also important to practice self-compassion. If you give in to a craving, focus on what you can try next time rather than being self-critical. Learning to manage cravings takes time and practice.

Final thoughts

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy.

Some evidence suggests that ultra-processed foods high in refined carbs and added sugars may be linked to behaviors resembling substance misuse, possibly by activating reward-related brain pathways.

However, stronger and more consistent human research is needed to fully understand how carbohydrates affect the brain and behavior.

To better manage carbohydrate intake, consider staying physically active, prioritizing protein-rich meals, or working with a registered dietitian or other healthcare professional to develop a balanced, individualized eating plan.