Summary of 9 Best Low-Carb Pasta Brands on Grocery Store Shelves:
*Introducing the 9 Best Low-Carb Pasta Brands on Grocery Store Shelves
Are you a pasta lover but worried about the impact of carbs, calories, or gluten on your health and waistline? Well, we’ve got good news for you! The supermarket aisles are now filled with low-carb pasta alternatives that offer the same versatility as traditional pasta without compromising your health and nutritional goals. Whether you follow a gluten-free, low-carb, keto, or other carb-restricted lifestyle, these pasta alternatives can be a great solution. Not only are they low in carbs, but they are also higher in protein and fiber compared to regular noodles. They may also contain more vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. In this article, we’ll explore the unique and fascinating aspects of the 9 best low-carb pasta brands available on grocery store shelves.
Firstly, let’s address the question of whether regular pasta is “unhealthy.” In moderation and with the right dishes, pasta can absolutely be part of a healthy diet. It’s often the portion sizes we enjoy and the high-fat accompaniments that make it unhealthy. A 2-ounce serving of traditional pasta contains 180-200 calories, 0 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of fiber, and 7 grams of protein. Opting for whole grain pasta increases the fiber content to about 7 grams per serving. However, if you follow the Mediterranean diet principles of smaller portions, al dente cooking, and pairing pasta with veggies and plant-based foods, pasta can be a healthy staple. A healthy serving size of pasta is about the size of a baseball.
So, how do you buy low-carb pasta? Here are some tips to help you find the best options at your local supermarket:
1. Fiber: Check the fiber content. Look for pastas with at least 5 grams of fiber.
2. Ingredients: Look for a short ingredient list. Pasta alternatives with no more than 5 ingredients are preferable.
3. Protein: Check the protein content. Pasta made from red lentils, edamame, and other plant-based proteins can provide as much protein as a serving of chicken. Aim for pasta alternatives with at least 8 grams of protein, similar to regular durum wheat-based pasta.
Now, let’s dive into the 9 best low-carb pasta brands you can buy:
1. Barilla Red Lentil Pasta: One 2-ounce serving contains 180 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 34 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 13 grams of protein. Barilla is known as one of the world’s best pasta companies, and their red lentil pasta is no exception. It is made from just one ingredient: red lentil flour. This pasta is nutrient-rich, high in fiber and protein, and gluten-free.
2. Miracle Noodle: One 3-ounce serving contains only 5 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein. These shirataki noodles have been enjoyed for centuries in Japan and China. Made from water, konjac flour, and citric acid, these translucent, plant-based noodles are extremely low in calories, carbs, and protein. They are versatile and absorb flavors well, making them a great choice for Asian or Western dishes.
3. Explore Cuisine: One 2-ounce serving contains 180 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0.5 grams of saturated fat, 20 grams of carbs, 14 grams of fiber, 31 grams of sugar, and 24 grams of protein. This pasta is recommended by experts due to its high protein and fiber content. It is an excellent source of iron and potassium and is also vegan, organic, kosher, and gluten-free. Due to its edamame and mung bean ingredients, it works particularly well in Asian-inspired pasta dishes.
4. Palmini: One 2.6-ounce serving contains 20 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 4 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. Palmini is made from hearts of palm that are farmed sustainably without harming animal habitats or ecosystems. It has a similar texture to al dente pasta and is low in calories and carbs. While it lacks in fiber and protein compared to other options, it is still a great choice.
5. Cece’s Spiralized Zucchini: One 2.6-ounce serving contains 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 3 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. This spiralized zucchini is a perfect replacement for pasta when you want something fresh, chilled, and veggie-based. It is rich in vitamin C and low in calories and carbs. It can be used to create a variety of chilled “pasta” salads.
6. Banza Chickpea Pasta: One 2-ounce serving contains 190 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 35 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 11 grams of protein. Pasta made from chickpeas provides a nutritional punch. Chickpeas are one of the healthiest foods you can eat, and this pasta is a good source of protein and fiber. It is a great option for those following a gluten-free or plant-based diet.
7. Tolerant Foods Organic Red Lentil Rotini: One 3-ounce serving contains 310 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 56 grams of carbs, 15 grams of fiber, 3 grams of sugar, and 21 grams of protein. This pasta is made from organic red lentils and is high in protein and fiber. It is also gluten-free and non-GMO. It is a great option for those looking for a pasta alternative that is nutrient-dense and satisfying.
8. Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame Spaghetti: One 2-ounce serving contains 200 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 15 grams of carbs, 10 grams of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, and 24 grams of protein. This pasta is made from organic edamame and is high in plant-based protein and fiber. It is also gluten-free and vegan. It is a great option for those looking for a pasta alternative that is satisfying and nutritious.
9. Ancient Harvest Green Lentil Spaghetti: One 2-ounce serving contains 210 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 35 grams of carbs, 7 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, and 14 grams of protein. This pasta is made from green lentils and is high in protein and fiber. It is also gluten-free and non-GMO. It is a great option for those looking for a pasta alternative that is nutritious and delicious.
In conclusion, low-carb pasta alternatives provide a great solution for pasta lovers who want to reduce their carbohydrate intake. These alternatives offer similar versatility to traditional pasta, while being higher in protein and fiber. They are available in various forms, such as red lentil pasta, shirataki noodles, and veggie-based spiralized options. By choosing low-carb pasta alternatives with high fiber and protein content, you can enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without compromising your health and nutritional goals. So go ahead and explore the wide range of low-carb pasta brands available at your local grocery store, and discover a whole new world of healthy pasta options!
