

It also smells different in that it actually has a smell, sort of like artichoke or vegetable essence. There are no other ingredients listed on the label, so I have to assume it’s residual from the heart of palm itself.

The noodles are a bit mangy looking and come in a sealed plastic bag with some liquid in it as well. Of everything we tasted, this type of pasta alternative looks the most different from traditional pasta once out of the package. Mcgrane recommends pairing it with nutritionally-rich ingredients, ideally ones that provide protein and healthy fats. We tried this Trader Joe’s brand as well as Natural Haven Hearts of Palm Pasta, and they were identical in taste and texture with nearly identical nutritional profiles.ĭespite being a vegetable, it doesn’t provide much nutritionally speaking. With only one ingredient that’s also a vegetable, this is an attractive option for those hoping to eat fewer calories and carbohydrates. The TLDR: Very spongey texture that’s not similar to regular noodles, but can be a good option for weight loss as long as it’s paired with healthy fats and protein.

Now Foods Organic Quinoa Spaghetti | Skip to review.And many of these products foam up quite a bit more when boiling - some leave behind a bit of a film around the edges of the pot. It’s hard to avoid altogether, but some products get close. First, most of the pasta alternatives have a more grainy taste and texture than regular pasta noodles. But most are gluten-free, some grain free, and some just plain interesting.īefore we dive in, there were a couple universal truths I discovered. And many of them don’t actually cut carbs or calories if that’s your goal.

I also spoke with one of our nutrition editors and dietitians (Hi Kelli!) to determine how these might actually fit into one’s diet.īelieve it or not, you could be missing out on some nutritional value by eating some pasta alternatives if not paired with the right ingredients. Me, too.ĭo those really taste any good? Could that possibly compare to real pasta? I set out to find out, taste testing all the types of pasta alternatives I could get my hands on. Whether it’s because you’re avoiding gluten, trying to reduce your risk of developing diabetes, or just generally want to level out your carb intake, you’ve likely wondered about the packaged pasta alternatives you see cropping up in grocery stores near your go-to spaghetti grab.
