Low Carb Pasta
If you’re like me, you love pasta but worry about the carbs. Well, I’ve got great news for you – low carb pasta is here to save the day! This delicious alternative allows you to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes without the guilt.
Low carb pasta is a game changer. It’s perfect for those on a keto diet, diabetics, or anyone looking to reduce their carb intake. From spaghetti to fettuccine, there’s a low carb version for every pasta lover out there.
Types of Low Carb Pasta
Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, often referred to as “zoodles,” are a popular choice. This variety gives us the ability to enjoy our favorite pasta dishes while keeping the carb count low. What’s exciting about zoodles is that they blend well with many sauces and seasonings thanks to their mild flavor.
A 100-gram serving of zucchini contains just 3.11 grams of carbs, which is considerably lower than traditional pasta that has a whopping 25 grams per 100 grams.
There’s a charm in making zoodles right at home. You will need a spiralizer to cut the zucchini into thin strands that resemble noodles. But if you’re not into food prep, there are pre-made zoodles available in grocery stores.
Spaghetti Squash
The Spaghetti Squash comes next to zoodles on the list. As the name suggests, spaghetti squash resembles spaghetti when cooked, and it’s a tasty substitute for traditional pasta. This veggie is sweet and mild, and it pairs well with various sauces.
The carb content in spaghetti squash is higher than zucchini but lower than regular pasta. It has about 7 grams of carbs per 100 grams, but remember, this is still a healthier choice over traditional pasta.
Shirataki Noodles
A less known but fantastic option is Shirataki noodles. These noodles are made from the root of the konjac plant, which is native to Asia. The main component of Shirataki noodles is glucomannan fiber, which is a type of soluble fiber that has virtually no calories or carbs.
With just 0.01 grams of carbs per 100 grams, Shirataki noodles are a superb option for extremely low-carb diets. The noodles have a gelatinous texture, and they take on the flavor of whatever they’re cooked with.
These noodles come packed in liquid and are ready to cook. All you need to do is rinse them under water and sauté them in a pan. Believe me, the possibilities with these noodles in low-carb recipes are endless.
Low Carb Pasta Brands
Given the sheer variety of low carb pasta alternatives out there, it might seem daunting trying to find readymade options that are both tasty and nutritious. Fear not – I’ve handpicked three top-notch brands that are pushing the envelope in the low carb pasta market. Each of these companies offers unique, nutritionally rich options that side-step traditional wheat-based pasta.
Explore Cuisine
First up, let’s take a look at Explore Cuisine. This brand’s built its reputation on harnessing the power of beans, peas, lentils, and rice to create great tasting, healthy pasta alternatives. Their bean-based pastas, in particular, strike a fantastic balance of low carb and high protein. A favorite among health-conscious consumers is the Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine. With a whopping 24g of protein and only 11g of net carbs per serving, it’s a choice that’s hard to overlook.
Banza
Next on our list is Banza. If you’ve ever wanted pasta made out of chickpeas, you’re in luck! By using chickpeas as a primary ingredient, Banza transforms an otherwise carb-loaded meal into a high fiber, high protein delight. Their Chickpea Spaghetti deserves special mention – it packs an impressive 13g of fiber and 25g of protein into each serving.
Miracle Noodle
Lastly, we have Miracle Noodle. True to their name, these noodles are nothing short of a miracle for those following a low carb or keto diet. Featuring shirataki noodles — made from the glucomannan starch of the konjac yam plant — these pasta alternatives are low calorie and tremendously low in carbs. In fact, their Miracle Noodle Angel Hair comes in at an astounding zero net carbs per serving. Yes, you read that correctly: zero!
With these brands, you’ll have no problem curating a variety of low carb pasta dishes to keep your taste buds entertained and your dietary requirements met.
