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12 Best Low-Carb Noodles, According to Registered Dietitians and Culinary Pros

These pastas are made from chickpeas, lentils, butternut squash and more.

By Amy Fischer M.S., R.D., C.D.N. and Becca Miller
italian pasta pattern on a green background top view
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Pasta makes for a cozy and easy weeknight dinner, and it’s always a hit with the family! But often the role of noodles are nothing more than conduits for a good sauce, so why not pick the healthiest types of pasta? There are so many nutritious benefits to incorporating low-carb pasta noodles into your diet, as they can be a tasty way to increase your fiber and veggie intake, two things many Americans are lacking in their diet.

The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen and the registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab tried over 50 pasta and pasta alternatives to find the best low-carb pasta brands to add to your pantry.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Yellow Pea Pasta

    Best Prebiotic Pasta

    ZENB Yellow Pea Pasta

    $20 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Low Carb Fettuccine

    Best High-Fiber Pasta

    ThinSlim Foods Impastable Low Carb Fettuccine

    Read more
  • 3
    Organic Chickpea Pasta

    Best Three-Ingredient Low Carb Pasta

    Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta

    Read more
  • 4
    Chickpea Rotini

    Best Chickpea Pasta

    Barilla Chickpea Rotini

    Read more
  • 5
    Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine

    Best High-Protein Pasta

    Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine

    Read more

If you're wondering what can I use in place of noodles for a low-carb diet, any of these tested options can be a good substitute for regular pasta. "If you’re diabetic or watching your carbohydrate intake, low-carb pasta alternatives can be a great mealtime option that gives a similar taste and texture as the real thing without excessively spiking blood sugar levels," according to Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN. "They can also be a convenient way to incorporate more veggies, legumes, fiber and protein into your diet."

These low-carb pasta alternatives were analyzed for their nutrition facts, ingredient lists, taste, texture, cooking times and more. Our top picks for the best low-carb noodles all have about 30 grams of net carbs or less. We prioritized high-fiber and high-protein picks as well. Our experts looked for minimal ingredient lists and picks with better texture and taste profiles. Below you'll find the best low-carb noodles and pasta alternatives according to our taste tests. Keep reading for more information on how we selected the best low-carb noodles, plus what to look for while shopping for them.

1
Best Prebiotic Pasta

ZENB Yellow Pea Pasta

Yellow Pea Pasta
1
Best Prebiotic Pasta

ZENB Yellow Pea Pasta

$20 at Amazon
Credit: ZENB
Pros
  • High fiber and protein
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Can get mushy when overcooked

What makes this legume product unique is that it's made from 100% yellow peas and not the usual chickpeas or lentils. While this choice has one of the highest amounts of carbs on our list, these noodles still have much fewer carbs than traditional pasta. They deserve a shout-out for the high amount of fiber and protein per serving. Yellow peas are also a good source of prebiotics which act as the food for probiotics to work their magic and boost good gut bacteria.

The key to preparing this pasta is to not overcook it because it can get mushy. Also, keep in mind that quite a bit of foam can form on the surface of the pasta water when cooking, which is normal. Our testers reported that this pasta has a great flavor when paired with sauces.

IngredientsWhole yellow peas (with skin)
Nutrition info (2-ounce serving)200 calories, 1.5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 36 g total carbs, 7 g dietary fiber, 1 g total sugar, 12 g protein
2
Best High-Fiber Pasta

ThinSlim Foods Impastable Low Carb Fettuccine

Low Carb Fettuccine
2
Best High-Fiber Pasta

ThinSlim Foods Impastable Low Carb Fettuccine

Pros
  • Very high in fiber
  • Clean ingredients
Cons
  • Higher in sodium than other options

Our experts are fans of this low-carb pasta because of its super clean ingredient list. At only five ingredients, two of which are fiber sources (from oats and wheat), this noodle is extremely high in fiber, which will keep you full for longer and reduces the risk of blood sugar spikes. Impastable low-carb pasta also makes a variety of shapes, providing lots of versatility to pair with a number of pasta sauces.

When cooking, be sure to keep a close eye on the noodles as they can get mushy quickly. These noodles are also higher in sodium than other picks, so choose sauces that are lower in sodium and be cautious when seasoning. If you are not used to consuming large amounts of fiber, start slowly to avoid digestive issues such as gas and bloating and make sure you are drinking enough water — at least eight cups per day — to avoid constipation.

IngredientsOat fiber, wheat fiber, wheat protein isolate, egg whites, durum flour
Nutrition info (2-ounce serving)65 calories, .5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 222 mg sodium, 44 g total carbs, 26 g dietary fiber, 0 g total sugar, 6 g protein
3
Best Three-Ingredient Low Carb Pasta

Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta

Organic Chickpea Pasta
3
Best Three-Ingredient Low Carb Pasta

Chickapea Organic Chickpea Pasta

Credit: Chickapea
Pros
  • Gluten-free
  • High in protein
Cons
  • Lower in fiber than other options

Made with only chickpea and lentil flour, this low-carb gluten-free noodle is a great source of plant-based protein, with 13 grams per serving. Finding alternative sources of protein is important for those who are eating a vegan diet or cutting back on animal-based sources. While it is lower in fiber than other options, its lower carb count means it still clocks in at under 30 grams net carbs.

IngredientsOrganic chickpea flour, organic yellow lentil flour, organic red lentil flour
Nutrition info (2-ounce serving)210 calories, 2 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 34 g total carbs, 6 g dietary fiber, 1 g total sugar, 13 g protein
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Pros
  • High in fiber
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Water can foam while cooking

Straight from Italy's market-leading pasta maker, this high-fiber chickpea pasta is lower in carbs and is made with only one ingredient: chickpeas. It contain eight grams of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, and is a rich source of potassium. These noodles are available in four shapes and sizes, they have a slightly earthy taste and stay intact while cooking. Our experts loved this versatile pick, exclaiming it was the "best of all the chickpea pasta we tested in terms of taste and texture."

    IngredientsChickpea flour
    Nutrition info (2-ounce serving)190 calories, 3.5 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 34 g total carbs, 8 g dietary fiber (including 4 g soluble fiber, 4 g insoluble fiber), 2 g total sugar, 11 g protein
    5
    Best High-Protein Pasta

    Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine

    Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine
    5
    Best High-Protein Pasta

    Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine

    Credit: Explore Cuisine
    Pros
    • Very high in fiber and protein
    • Gluten-free
    Cons
    • Contains soy

    Made with two simple ingredients, organic edamame and organic mung bean flour, these noodles are a nutritional powerhouse with 24 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber per serving. Although they make a great choice for diabetics and those following a keto diet, they can be enjoyed by anyone. They cook quickly and are sturdy in texture with a good consistency that doesn't fall apart, according to our testers. They have a great flavor.

    IngredientsOrganic edamame flour (green soybeans), organic mung bean flour
    Nutrition info (2-ounce serving)180 calories, 4 g fat, 0.5 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 20 g total carbs, 14 g dietary fiber, 3 g total sugar, 0 gm added sugar, 24 g protein
    6
    Best Nut-Based Low Carb Pasta

    Cappello's Almond Flour Spaghetti

    Almond Flour Spaghetti
    6
    Best Nut-Based Low Carb Pasta

    Cappello's Almond Flour Spaghetti

    Credit: Capello's
    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Grain-free
    Cons
    • Higher in sodium than other options

    Find these almond-based noodles in the freezer section of your grocery store. The brand, which also makes delicious gluten-free pizza bases, is a favorite of both the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen and the Nutrition Lab for its top-notch simple ingredient list and mild flavor. Rather than using a grain or bean base, this pasta is made with almonds, so it is both gluten- and grain-free. While it is higher in sodium than other low-carb pastas, pairing with a low-sodium sauce will help to balance out the flavor and salt levels of this pick.

    IngredientsAlmond flour, eggs, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, sea salt
    Nutrition info (3/4-cup serving)140 calories, 7 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 40 mg cholesterol, 380 mg sodium, 5 g total carbs, 1 g dietary fiber, 2 g total sugar, 4 g protein
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    7
    Best Wheat Pasta

    GoodWheat Single Ingredient Wheat Pasta

    Single Ingredient Wheat Pasta
    7
    Best Wheat Pasta

    GoodWheat Single Ingredient Wheat Pasta

    Credit: GoodWheat
    Pros
    • Very high fiber
    • Good protein source
    Cons
    • Longer cooking time

    Cited by our experts as being the best tasting of all the low-carb noodles and the most similar to traditional white pasta, GoodWheat pasta is made with one ingredient, durum wheat semolina. A disadvantage of the high fiber semolina is it that does take longer to cook at around 14 minutes. GoodWheat is both high in fiber and protein and comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. It can be enjoyed with a variety of sauces and toppings. It is also United States farm grown, non-GMO and kosher certified.

    IngredientsHigh fiber durum wheat semolina
    Nutrition info (1/2-cup serving)180 calories, 1g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 39 g total carbs, 8 g fiber, 1 g total sugar, 9 g protein
    8
    Best Spaghetti Squash Pasta

    SOLELY Organic Dried Spaghetti Squash

    On Sale
    Organic Dried Spaghetti Squash
    8
    Best Spaghetti Squash Pasta

    SOLELY Organic Dried Spaghetti Squash

    Now 15% Off
    Credit: SOLELY
    Pros
    • Quick and easy to make
    • Gluten-free
    Cons
    • One box better suited for two to three people

    If you don't have the 45 minutes it takes to prepare spaghetti squash, these noodles are a super easy stand-in and take only five minutes. Use that time saved to make an incredible pasta sauce. Like a lot of other picks on this list, Solely pasta is made from only one ingredient: organic dried spaghetti squash. These low-calorie noodles can be used in place of almost any pasta recipe and with one portion you're getting one serving of vegetables. While our experts — even the picky ones — loved the taste and hearty texture, the only downside is that one box better serves two to three people instead of the stated four.

    IngredientsOrganic spaghetti squash
    Nutrition info (1/2-cup serving)30 calories, 0 gm total fat, 0 mg sodium, 6 g total carbs, 2 g fiber, 4g total sugar, 0 gm added sugar, 2 g protein
    9
    Best Low Carb Shirataki Noodles

    It's Skinny Low-Carb Konjac Pasta

    Low-Carb Konjac Pasta
    9
    Best Low Carb Shirataki Noodles

    It's Skinny Low-Carb Konjac Pasta

    Credit: It's Skinny
    Pros
    • Ready-to-eat with a neutral taste
    • Gluten-free
    Cons
    • Small portion may lead to less than two servings per bag

    These noodles are made from konjac fiber, a southeast Asian root vegetable, and at 4.5 calories per serving are the lowest in calories on this list. The noodles come in various shapes and they have a neutral taste, so it’s best to eat them in a soup or with sauce. This brand was our testers' favorite shirataki noodle option because the texture was slightly more substantial than other brands. In addition, there are no "fishy" or off-putting odors that characterize so many konjac noodle products. Its Skinny noodles are ready to eat and absorb the taste of whatever sauce or topping they are paired with.

      IngredientsKonjac powder, oat powder, water, calcium hydroxide
      Nutrition info (3.5-ounce serving)4.5 calories, 0g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 10 mg sodium, 0g total carbs, 0 net carbs, 2 g fiber, 0g total sugar, 0g protein
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      10
      Best Edamame Pasta

      Simply Nature Edamame Spaghetti

      Edamame Spaghetti
      10
      Best Edamame Pasta

      Simply Nature Edamame Spaghetti

      Credit: ALDI
      Pros
      • High in protein and fiber
      • Gluten-free
      Cons
      • Take some time to soften

      These spaghetti noodles from GH Nutritionist Approved Emblem-holder Simply Nature at ALDI are made with only organic edamame. They contain a ton of natural fiber — 13 grams — so our experts recommend a bit of extra time when cooking to soften them up. This pasta will likely foam when cooked because it is releasing a combination of proteins and carbohydrates, so keep an eye on them while preparing. They taste great, but we recommend adding a splash of olive oil after cooking to prevent sticking.

      IngredientsOrganic edamame bean flour (green soybeans)
      Nutrition info (2-ounce serving)180 calories, 3.5 gm total fat, 0.5 gm saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 20g total carbs, 13 g fiber, 3 g total sugar, 24 g protein
      11
      Best Hearts of Palm Pasta

      Palmini Hearts of Palm Linguine

      On Sale
      Hearts of Palm Linguine
      11
      Best Hearts of Palm Pasta

      Palmini Hearts of Palm Linguine

      Now 22% Off
      Credit: Palmini
      Pros
      • Ready-to-eat after rinsing
      • Gluten-free
      Cons
      • Slight earthy taste

      You probably have seen these noodles pop up on your social media feeds as they have been gaining popularity due to their versatility and low-calorie profile. Made from hearts of palm, these noodles make a great base for any red sauce dish. They don’t get mushy and remain al dente, holding up well to any topping. Fans describe the taste as being similar to artichoke hearts, with a slightly earthy taste and fibrous texture. Our experts agree that the slight flavor of hearts of palm dissipates with a great sauce.

        IngredientsSliced hearts of palm, water, natural sea salt, citric acid
        Nutrition info (per 75 g serving)20 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 60 mg sodium, 4 g total carbs, 2 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 1 g protein
        12
        Best Butternut Squash Pasta

        Green Giant Butternut Squash Veggie Spirals

        Butternut Squash Veggie Spirals
        12
        Best Butternut Squash Pasta

        Green Giant Butternut Squash Veggie Spirals

        Now 23% Off
        Pros
        • Quick, easy and inexpensive
        • Gluten-free
        Cons
        • Taste is not like traditional pasta

        A favorite with our experts because of its single uncomplicated ingredient — butternut squash — these veggie spirals are also a GH Nutritionist Approved Emblem-holder. They are super convenient because peeling, prepping and spiralizing a butternut squash can be very tough. These spirals are certified gluten-free and a great way to add more veggies into your cooking repertoire. Keep them in the freezer then throw them into a skillet for a meal base in minutes. While they have a different texture from the more legume- and grain-based options, you're getting a full serving of veggies or more in every serving. If you're looking for another veggie option from Green Giant, our experts also loved Green Giant's Zucchini Veggie Spirals.

        IngredientsButternut squash
        Nutrition info (3/4 cup frozen, 1/2 cup prepared)50 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 0 mg sodium, 12 g total carbs, 1 g dietary fiber, 2 g total sugar, 1 g protein
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        How we chose the best low-carb pastas

        "

        At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we are continuously testing all types of foods, food products and nutrition-related services in every category, from healthy snacks and supplements to food subscription boxes and meal delivery services. Our experts are committed to bringing you the best of the best when it comes to quality, performance, flavor, nutrition and more.

        Our registered dietitians and test kitchen experts evaluated dozens of pastas and pasta alternatives, focusing on ingredient lists, fiber counts and protein content. We also took into account cooking times, texture, taste and overall food quality. Our top picks consider a wide variety of dietary preferences, from high-fiber and high-protein options to gluten-free and soy-free offerings.

        What to look for when shopping for the best low-carb pasta

        "

        When choosing a low-carb or alternative pasta, start by considering what you want to achieve:

        ✔️ Reduce carbs: If your goal is primarily about reducing your carbohydrate intake, you might want to consider some of the veggie or shirataki noodle options on this list.

        ✔️ Increase fiber: If your goal is to increase your fiber intake, legume-based pasta could be a great place to start.

        ✔️ Flavor: If you are looking for a mouth-feel similar to traditional pasta or are dealing with picky eaters, we recommend wheat pasta which provides a more familiar experience.

        It's also important to note that low carb doesn't always mean healthiest. "Carbs aren’t the enemy, and the quality of the carbs we consume is just as important as the quantity," Sassos says. When picking carbs to eat, choose ones that are nutrient-dense and complex that will fuel your body. "These include fruits and veggies, whole grains and legumes," Sassos says. "Plus, these foods naturally come packed with nutrients like fiber and even protein which can help stabilize blood sugar levels."

        What type of pasta is lowest in carbs?

        ghk line break 2023

        "Vegetable-based pastas, such as zucchini noodles or hearts of palm noodles, tend to be lowest in carbs and calories," says Sassos. "They are also packed with nutrient-dense vitamins and minerals and are naturally gluten-free. Shirataki noodles and kelp noodles are also quite low in carbs and calories."

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        Why trust Good Housekeeping?

        linebreak

        As a dietitian and low-carb pasta enthusiast coming from an Italian background, Amy Fischer is well positioned as an expert in the field of healthy pasta alternatives. She is always looking for ways to get more fiber, veggies and legumes in her diet and she can't pass up a healthy vehicle for a good sauce. She has worked as a recipe developer for several food companies, and she also has extensive experience in the commercial side of the food business.

        Becca Miller is the associate food editor in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen, where she researches and writes about food all day. She and her team have tested dozens of noodles to find the best in the grocery store, including low-carb pastas and gluten-free noodles, taking into account, flavor, texture and ease of cooking. She also considers herself a pasta connoisseur and is always on the hunt for the best types to buy and top-notch sauce recipes.

        While researching this article, Amy and Becca worked closely with Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT, the Deputy Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab who handles all nutrition content, product testing and evaluation. Growing up with a family in the restaurant business, Sassos was able to combine her nutrition expertise with culinary skills taught to her by her mother and grandmother. She is an avid home cook and a meal prep expert, and she is passionate about incorporating unique flavors from different cuisines into her dishes. Stefani relies on low-carb, high-protein pasta alternatives several times a week to help create convenient and nutrient-dense dinners for her and her family.

        Headshot of Amy Fischer M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
        Amy Fischer M.S., R.D., C.D.N.
        Contributing Writer

        Amy (she/her) is a registered dietitian with the Nutrition Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, covering nutrition- and health-related content and product testing. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Miami University of Ohio and a master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. Prior to Good Housekeeping, she worked at one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York City as a cardiac transplant dietitian. She has authored numerous chapters in clinical nutrition textbooks and has also worked in PR and marketing for food company start-ups.

        Headshot of Becca Miller
        Associate Editor

        Becca Miller (she/her) has been working in the Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen since 2018, where she researches and writes about tasty recipes, food trends and top cooking tools. She graduated from NYU with a liberal arts degree focusing on creative writing. She makes killer scrambled eggs, enjoys a glass of un-oaked chardonnay and takes pride in her love of reality television.

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