One of the hardest cravings to kick when you're beginning a low carb journey is the craving for pasta. Well, I'm excited to tell you that you don't have to ignore those cravings anymore. Read my list of the best tasting low carb pasta to see which ones fit into your new lifestyle.
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Why You Should Trust My Opinion On The Best Tasting Low Carb Pasta
- Air Fryer Cookbooks: I have two best-selling air fryer cookbooks, Every Day Easy Air Fryer and Air Fryer Revolution, so you can feel confident in knowing that I use air fryers on a regular basis, I'm quite familiar with how they work and I know what makes a good air fryer.
- Instant Pot Cookbooks: I've written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks that have been authorized by Instant Pot.
- Experienced Reviewer: I've done various air fryer reviews in the past, so I have a wealth of knowledge about air fryers, pressure cookers, and what makes one better than another.
- Low Carb Lifestyle - We have been eating low carb for years, so we have tried almost every pasta replacement under the sun.
Can You Eat Pasta On The Keto Diet?
Well, yes and no. Since traditional pasta has around 43 carbs per serving, it's not favorable for a keto lifestyle. It's no secret that pasta is one of the most addictive comfort foods and it is a hard craving to kick. For this reason, dozens of brands have come up with a way to replicate the feeling of eating pasta without all of the carbs.
So just because you're eating low carb doesn't mean you can't have your pasta. Just make sure to read the labels and grab one with a carb content that fits within your daily macros.
How To Choose A Low Carb Pasta
Shopping for a low carb pasta can be slightly overwhelming if you're not sure what you're looking for. Here are a few things to consider when reading the nutrition facts:
- Grams of Carbs
- Grams of Protein
- Fiber Content
- Ingredients
1. Grams Of Carbs
When living a keto or low carb lifestyle you will generally try to keep your daily carbohydrate intake under a certain number for optimal health benefits. However, it isn't always as simple as a number on a label to stay in ketosis.
While most people try to stay between 20 and 30 net carbs a day, some are able to eat higher amounts and still see the benefits of this lifestyle. This is why I included a variety of low carb pasta brands with varying carb counts.
2. Grams Of Protein
There are three major things you need to monitor if you're living a low carb lifestyle. Those are carbs, fats, and protein. To keep your macros in check, you'll want to make sure you are eating the appropriate portions of all three. If you are eating a larger than normal amount of carbohydrates in one meal, you will want to offset that with protein.
You will see that many of these low carb pasta options have a very substantial protein content to help keep your macros in line.
3. Fiber Content
Depending how how strict you are with your low carb lifestyle, you may choose to calculate net carbs instead of including all carbohydrates listed on the nutrition label.
Calculating net carbs is a very simple process. All you need to do is take the total carbohydrates and subtract the grams of fiber. The higher the fiber content in your low carb pasta, the lower the net carbs will be.
4. Ingredients
Most people that choose to eat low carb are also very aware of the health benefits of the lifestyle. Why make an effort to eat healthier if you're not watching the ingredients you're consuming closely?
Unfortunately, there have been some brands that have tried to find a way to reduce the carb count with less than natural ingredients. When you're reading the labels, check for the quality of ingredients to ensure they're things you're comfortable putting into your body.
Which Pasta Is Lowest In Carbs?
There are dozens of low carb pasta options on the market, but not all of them are created equal when it comes to carb content. They vary anywhere between zero net carbs and 25 net carbs per serving.
If you're trying to keep your carbs as low as possible, you may be wondering which one has the least per serving. From what I've been able to find from my research, Miracle Noodles are the lowest you can find at zero net carbs per serving.
Image | Details Per Serving | Buy Now | |
Sea Tangle | Total Carbs: 3g Fiber Content: 1g Net Carbs: 2g Grams of Protein: 0g | Buy Now | |
Miracle Noodle | Total Carbs: <1g Fiber Content: 0g Net Carbs: 0g Grams of Protein: 0g | Buy Now | |
Explore Cuisine | Total Carbs: 20g Fiber Content: 13g Net Carbs: 7g Grams of Protein: 24g | Buy Now | |
Carba-nada | Total Carbs: 24g Fiber Content: 7g Net Carbs: 17g Grams of Protein: 15g | Buy Now | |
Capello's | Total Carbs: 21g Fiber Content: 3g Net Carbs: 18g Grams of Protein: 6g | Buy Now | |
Trader Joe's | Total Carbs: 35g Fiber Content: 15g Net Carbs: 20g Grams of Protein: 14g | Buy Now | |
Nun Pasta Pack | Total Carbs: 40g Fiber Content: 5g Net Carbs: 35g Grams of Protein: 5g | Buy Now | |
Banza | Total Carbs: 48g Fiber Content: 8g Net Carbs: 40g Grams of Protein: 23g | Buy Now | |
Veggiecraft Farms | Total Carbs: 35g Fiber Content: 4g Net Carbs: 31g Grams of Protein: 13g | Buy Now | |
Barilla | Total Carbs: 34g Fiber Content: 6g Net Carbs: 28g Grams of Protein: 13g | Buy Now | |
Tolerant | Varies on Flavor Total Carbs: 34g Fiber Content: 6g Net Carbs: 28g Grams of Protein: 14g | Buy Now | |
Cybele's Free to Eat | Total Carbs: 35g Fiber Content: 3g Net Carbs: 32g Grams of Protein: 15g | Buy Now |
How Do You Cook Low Carb Pasta?
Most of the low carb pasta varieties that I list as the best tasting are prepared similarly to the way you cook traditional pasta varieties with boiling water. However, there are a few exceptions that do not need to be cooked
What Healthy Low Carb Pasta Replacements Are There?
Low carb pasta doesn't always have to be an Amazon purchase. There are other healthy, affordable options for low carb pasta found as easy as walking to your local produce section or farmer's market. Here are some other popular low carb pasta alternatives:
- Zucchini
- Spaghetti Squash
- Cabbage Noodles
- Eggplant Lasagna
- Sprouts
What Can You Make With Low Carb Pasta?
Just about anything you can make with traditional pasta, you can make with low carb pasta. One thing to consider is the type of pasta you're using. If you're using something like zucchini or Spaghetti Squash, know that it may release extra liquid.
One of my favorite recipes for using low carb pasta is this Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash recipe. It's so delicious you'll forget you're not having the real thing.
The Best Tasting Low Carb Pasta
Best Low Carb Pasta
Low Carb Pasta Under 5 Net Carbs
These Kelp Noodles are an absolute low carb sensation. Only two net carbs per serving and SIX calories. Just soak them for a bit before you prepare them and you'll have a fantastic low carb pasta solution.
The name rings true with these Miracle Noodles. When you look at the nutrition facts, you'll be amazed at how great they are for a low carb diet. They have less than a gram of carbs per serving and ZERO calories. With as delicious as these are, you'll want to buy more than one package at a time.
Low Carb Pasta Under 15 Net Carbs
This Organic Edamame Spaghetti offers more than a low carb pasta substitute, it's also incredibly high in protein. With one serving of this low carb pasta from Explore Cuisine, you'll get 22 grams of protein while only consuming 7 net carbs. Pair it with your favorite low carb pasta sauce or protein for a delicious low carb meal!
These Caba-Nada Egg noodles are a little higher in carbs than some of the options I have previously listed, but they are absolutely my favorite low carb pasta. They taste closer to actual pasta than any of the others I've tried. These have 17 net carbs per serving but also offer 15 grams of protein. Watch your portion size and these can easily fit in to your daily macros.
Low Carb Pasta Under 20 Net Carbs
Cappello's pasta is more than just a low carb pasta substitute. It's also gluten-free, soy-free, and paleo-friendly. It is a little more expensive than other low carb noodles but it tastes just like homemade pasta. It packs a larger carb count (29 net carbs per serving) but if you limit your portion size or are just eating low carb instead of Keto, these noodles will be a lifesaver.
This pasta will add a little color and personality to your next pasta dish. This black bean rotini from Trader Joe's is absolutely delicious. It has 20 net carbs per serving and 14 grams of protein. I love this pasta with some leftover rotisserie chicken and homemade low carb alfredo sauce.
Low Carb Pasta Under 35 Net Carbs
Gluten Free Pasta Variety Pack – Sustainably Made Pasta with Chilean Seaweed (Chickpea & Quinoa)
Banza pasta is one of the higher carb options that I've included in this list, but it is still substantially lower carb than traditional pasta options. It has such a huge following that I felt obligated to include it. This lower-carb rotini has 35 net carbs, 5 grams of protein, and tastes just like traditional pasta without all of the guilt.
If you're familiar with a low carb lifestyle, you'll know virtually everything has been made out of cauliflower at this point. It should be no surprise that they've found a way to make a low carb pasta out of it. This Veggiecraft Farms cauliflower pasta comes in a variety pack so you can experiment with all of your favorite pasta shapes. It is a little higher on the carb count than I traditionally eat, but with 31 net carbs per serving and 14 grams of protein it is a nice occasional low carb dinner splurge.
Barilla has been a well-known pasta brand for many years and it has really stepped up its game with this red lentil low carb pasta. It is a beautiful color and adds the slightest bit of lentil flavor to your pasta dish. One serving of this red lentil pasta has 29 net carbs and 14 grams of protein.
This Tolerant Organic Gluten-Free variety pack offers three different types of low carb pasta. They range between 27 and 29 net carbs per serving but all pack 14 grams of protein. All three varieties are soy-free, grain-free, and dairy-free. They're designed to give your body a steady flow of healthy energy to help power you through your day.
Cybele's Superfood Veggie Pasta is a beautiful addition to this list. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing to look at, but it is also a treat for your tastebuds. It has all of the delicious flavors of traditional pasta but is somehow (in my opinion) even better tasting. It has 31 net carbs per serving, 15 grams of protein, and is packed with several essential nutrients.
My only concern with this pasta is how finicky it can be to cook. Make sure you cook at a gentle boil or it has a tendency to fall apart.
Other Products I Love
- Best Keto Snacks On Amazon
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- Air Fryer Accessories
- Sous Vide Accessories
- Best Bariatric Protein Powders of 2020
- 20+ Amazon Keto Desserts
If you found this article on how to choose the best tasting low carb pasta helpful, make sure to share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can choose the best for their pantry as well.
Originally Published November 10, 2020
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