If you think that nothing healthy can replace pasta’s taste and texture, you are wrong because many brands have entered into the carb-conscious pasta market. You can find zero carbs to gluten-free and protein-rich pasta almost close in texture and taste to the standard pasta.
What Makes A Standard Pasta Unhealthy?
Pasta no doubt is a filling and convenient meal. However, most of its type provide empty carbs; that is; they only add up the calories and offer minimal nutrients.
The unique texture and taste of pasta make it hard for us to resist. Nevertheless, high carb pasta spikes blood sugar level making blood sugar management complicated, especially if you have diabetes.
These days people are more health-conscious and focus on low carbs. Still, keep in mind that carbs have their own place in a healthy diet. Carbs are not your enemy. Whole grains such as rye, barley and oats are packed with zinc, iron, magnesium, folate, fibre and vitamins. Our brain gets energy only from carbs. In addition, they provide fuel for other essential bodily functions. However, highly processed carbs in large servings exceeds the calorie intake without providing any essential mineral or vitamins. Refined carbohydrates are the ones you need to limit.
Low-carb pasta is an excellent addition to your healthy diet. It helps you keep the daily load of carbohydrate low along with satisfying your taste buds.
How Low Carb Pasta Is Made
Typically low carb pasta is made with alternative flour sources such as yam, beans, chickpea or vegetable such as cauliflower. Mostly they are high in dietary fibre. Some low carb pasta also high in protein.
How to buy low carb pasta
Every individual’s texture and taste preference is different, but there are a few points to keep in mind to ensure you get the best low carb pasta or noodle for yourself.
Look for the ingredients list – The short the ingredient list the great it is. Pasta made from alternative sources has extra ingredients to add lots of fillers to bring it close to standard pasta. Look for the product with the short ingredient list. Question anything over 5 ingredients for further information.
The fibre content: Make sure the product you are buying is good at the fibre content. Do remember drastic changes in the fibre intake can have a side effect on your digestive system.
Opt for protein if you are in doubt – Pasta made from pulses are naturally rich in protein and a good choice f you are trying to lose weight or manage blood glucose level.
Most of the low carb pasta have only slightly fewer calories in comparison to regular pasta. To help you chose the best one we have listed top low carb pasta available on Amazon.
Top Low Carb Pasta
Ingredients used – Organic edamame bean flour (green soybeans). Contains soy.
Each serving of it contains 20 grams carbohydrates, 13 grams fiber, 20 grams protein, and 180 calories.
It is easy to make, low in carbohydrates and gluten free pasta. It provide full balance of fibre and plant based protein. It is mild and looks just like regular pasta. The ingredients used are organic, clean and high quality. It is USDA certified, non-GMO and gluten free. It is a perfect vegetarian or easy vegan food. People online claims that it taste like real pasta.
Ingredients – Organic black bean flour
Each serving contains 22 gram protein and 62% of daily fibre.
If you like the taste of black Bean then Tolerant Black Bean Rotini pasta will serve as protein powerhouse. It is a protein plant legume pasta. The product is certified USDA organic, vegan, Non-GMO, low sodium, gluten free, allergen -free and do not contain rice or corn.
Ingredients – Japanease konjac plant
Each serving contains less than one grams carb and zero calories. In fact, the small carb content is from natural calcium and fibre. Else, it is 97% water. It also contains additive such as citric acid to keep noodles in shape.
It is gluten free, soy-free, certified kosher, vegan, sugar friendly, zero carb pasta. The product is made from quality plant waste ingredient. The drawback is that the pasta is 97% water and you may find yourself hungry just 10 to 15 minutes after eating them. In addition, it may not be suitable for the people who are sensitive to high fibre foods. We have added Miracle Noodle Shirataki Angel Hair to out cart as the taste of this delicious noodle satisfies the taste buds of most of our viewers without adding extra calories.
Ingredients – Red lentil flour
One serving contains about 1.5 grams fat, 32 grams of carbs, 13 grams protein and 120 calories.
It is a plant-based pasta that is naturally gluten free and a good source of fibre. It is non- GMO, kosher certified, and free from major allergens. It has a dente texture and delicious lentil flavour.
Ingredient – Chickpea flour
One serving provides with 25 grams of protein.
This product is made up of plant based protein such as chickpeas and peas. It is grain free, soy free, gluten free, non- GMO, vegan, high fibre and high protein pasta.
Ingredients – Sliced hearts of palm, water, salt and citric acid
Each serving of pasta contains 4 grams carb and 20 calories.
The product is non-GMO, gluten free, vegan, kosher certified and sugar free.
Our list of low carb pasta will make your shopping task easy. Nevertheless, keep in mind that low carb pasta may not always be synonymous with healthy food. Look at the nutritional panel and ingredient list before buying if your favourite low carb pasta lacks fiber or protein pair it with beans, broccoli or chickpea to make it an all-round food.
Due to the alternative flours high in fibre content, eating large amounts of low carb pasta may lead to gastric discomfort. This is why we suggest you start with a small serving and acknowledge how your body reacts to it.