Low Carb Pasta Options from Popular Bread Brands

Exploring Low Carb Pasta Options from Bread Companies

Pasta is a beloved staple food for many. But traditional wheat pasta can be high in carbs, which may be a concern for those managing diabetes or weight. Some innovative bread companies now offer low carb pasta alternatives made from nutritious ingredients. Let's discuss the low carb pasta options available and their benefits.

What is Low Carb Pasta?

Traditional Italian pasta contains just a few simple ingredients: durum wheat semolina and water. This pasta is high in carbs from the wheat flour. Low carb pasta swaps out regular wheat for alternative low carb flours.

Common types of low carb pasta include:

Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
Spiralized vegetables like carrots or beets
Legume-based pastas from lentils or chickpeas
Protein pastas made with eggs or meat
Nut flours like almond flour or coconut flour
Low carb wheat mixes

This innovative pasta has fewer net carbs and more protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals than traditional wheat pasta. The low carb options provide a nutritious substitute for those monitoring carbohydrates.

Low Carb Pasta from Popular Bread Brands

Several health-conscious bread companies are now producing low carb pasta options alongside their bread products. Here are some of the most popular brands offering tasty low carb pastas:

ThinSlim Foods

ThinSlim makes multi-grain Italian penne and spaghetti style pastas using wheat, quinoa, amaranth, corn, and chia. With 13g net carbs and 7g protein per serving, the pasta has fewer carbs than traditional options. ThinSlim uses patented steam baking for a lower glycemic response.

Great Low Carb Bread Company

This company offers low carb fettuccine, spaghetti, and penne made with wheat protein and oat fiber. Each serving contains 5g net carbs, 14g protein, and 7g fiber for better blood sugar control. They also sell ready-to-eat cauliflower Alfredo and mac & cheese cups.

Outer Aisle Gourmet

Outer Aisle makes headline-free lasagna noodles, fettuccine, and penne from cauliflower, lentils, eggs, and psyllium husk. With just 4-5g net carbs per serving, this clean plant-based pasta has 5g fiber and 13-15g protein for nutrition. It's gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher.

Explore Asian

Explore Asian black bean spaghetti contains 18g protein and 21g fiber per serving for an impressive 5g net carbs. This gluten-free pasta uses a blend of black beans, soybeans, and konjac for a low glycemic index pasta perfect for stir-fries.

Benefits of Low Carb Pasta

Swapping out regular pasta for a low carb alternative provides the following advantages:

Fewer Carbs and Calories

A serving of traditional wheat spaghetti has around 40-50g net carbs while low carb pasta options have just 4-13g net carbs. The lower carbs and calories allow greater flexibility in your diet.

Lower Glycemic Response

Due to the slow-digesting carbohydrates and higher fiber, low carb pasta creates a gentler rise in blood sugar compared to traditional wheat pasta.

More Protein and Nutrients

Protein pasta made with eggs, legumes, or meat packs in extra protein for satiety. Veggie or nut-based options provide more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than plain wheat pasta.

Gluten-Free Options

Those avoiding gluten can still enjoy pasta made from gluten-free ingredients like zucchini, chickpeas, nuts, or certain wheat alternatives.

Versatile Pasta Replacement

Low carb noodles can be used to make keto-friendly pasta dishes, stir fries, casseroles, salads and more for a nutritious substitute.

Choosing the Best Low Carb Pasta

With so many types of low carb pasta available, how do you pick the best option? Here are some tips for choosing quality low carb pasta:

Check the nutrition label for net carb and fiber content
Look for at least 5g fiber per serving
Avoid those with added sugars
Pick pasta made from whole, nutrient-dense ingredients
Consider your nutrition needs and diet preferences
Opt for certified gluten-free if required
Select Non-GMO and organic options when possible
Try various textures and flavors to find favorites
Examine reviews and company standards

Sampling different recommended low carb pastas can help identify the best tasting ones that work for your lifestyle.

Low Carb Pasta Recipe Ideas

Get creative with these delicious recipes using low carb pasta:

Zoodle Bolognese

Swap spaghetti for spiralized zucchini noodles and top with a hearty, low carb tomato and meat sauce for a fresh take on pasta.

Veggie Lasagna

Layer lasagna noodles made from lentils or chickpeas with your favorite vegetables, sauce, and dairy-free cheese for a comforting dish.

Chicken Carbonara

Toss protein-packed shirataki noodles in a rich carbonara sauce with crispy bacon, onions, garlic, peas, and grilled chicken.

Lo Mein Stir Fry

Black bean or mung bean noodles are perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce in a meat or veggie lo mein stir fry.

Creamy Seafood Pasta

Mix cauliflower or chickpea pasta with a velvety cheese sauce and fill with shrimp, scallops, crab, and vegetables for a luxe dinner.

Pesto Chicken Casserole

In a baked casserole, combine pesto, mozzarella, chicken, sundried tomatoes, and vegetable noodles like zoodles or hearts of palm.

Tips for Low Carb Pasta Success

Follow these tips to get the best results when cooking low carb pasta alternatives:

Read cooking directions since methods may vary
Rinse starch after boiling for better texture
Avoid overcooking more delicate pastas
Toss with sauce immediately to prevent sticking
Portion pasta first before adding toppings
Reheat leftovers in microwave with a damp paper towel
Pair with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables
Enjoy in moderation as part of a low carb diet

With the right recipes and preparation methods, low carb pastas open up many nourishing and delicious meal possibilities for a healthy lifestyle.

FAQs

Is low carb pasta healthy?

Low carb pasta made from nutritious whole foods like vegetables, legumes, eggs, nuts, and low glycemic wheat can be very healthy. They provide more fiber, protein and nutrients than regular pasta.

What is the lowest carb pasta?

Shirataki noodles and zucchini noodles are two of the lowest carb pasta options, with about 5-10 calories and 1-3g net carbs per serving. Veggie-based pastas tend to be lowest carb.

Is low carb pasta high in calories?

No, most low carb pasta alternatives contain fewer calories than regular wheat pasta. Per serving, low carb pastas range from 40-120 calories depending on the main ingredients used.

What are the best low carb pastas to try?

Some of the top low carb pastas are made by brands like ThinSlim Foods, Explore Asian, Outer Aisle, and Great Low Carb Bread Company using ingredients like black beans, chickpeas, zucchini, eggs, almond flour, and wheat protein.

Can I make my own low carb pasta?

Yes, you can make DIY low carb pasta at home with ingredients like zucchini, carrots, beets, egg, avocado, mozzarella cheese, protein powder, almond flour, or coconut flour.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.