Whether you have a gluten intolerance or are just looking for a lighter dinner option, bean pasta is an excellent alternative to standard wheat noodles. Bean and chickpea pasta are nutritious substitutes that contain more protein and fiber than wheat pasta, keeping you fuller between meals and providing more energy. Ready to try bean and chickpea noodles? Here are our three favorite types to suit any palate or diet.
Tolerant Organic Green Lentil Elbow Pasta
Tolerant’s vegan pasta is made using one single ingredient: green lentil flour. The product is free of major allergens, so it doesn’t contain any nuts, dairy, soy, or wheat, and is made of USDA-certified organic ingredients. This pasta is also a low glycemic index food, making it a safe option for diabetics. With each serving of Tolerant pasta, you get 25 grams of plant-based protein and 44% of your needed daily fiber. Tolerant also makes its green lentil pasta in all of your favorite shapes, including elbows, penne, and rotini.
Though Tolerant Pasta is made of green lentils, it looks and tastes like old-fashioned pasta, so it’s safe to serve to picky eaters. Fans say that it’s delicious both soft and al dente, but doesn’t fall apart or crumble like other gluten-free noodles. Ready to try it out? You can purchase a six-pack of Tolerant Organic Green Lentil Elbow Pasta on Amazon.
Banza Chickpea Pasta Variety Pack
Banza is among the most well-known and widely available wheat-free brands, making everything from pizza crust, to rice, to, of course, chickpea pasta. This pasta has three times the fiber, two times the protein, and half the net carbs of wheat pasta. It’s also non-GMO, vegan, and rates low on the glycemic index. The noodles only contain four ingredients: chickpeas, tapioca, pea protein, and xanthan gum. With such a limited and understandable ingredients list, this pasta brand is great for people with allergies and those on otherwise restrictive diets.
With 4.6 stars and more than 2,500 reviews on Amazon, this brand comes highly recommended. Customers note that the pasta has an al dente texture but doesn’t become gummy or gluey. The taste is similar to regular pasta but slightly nuttier and more complex. As an added bonus, it still tastes great as leftovers, whether you eat it straight out of the fridge or the microwave. Banza sells a few different variety packs of six on Amazon, including Penne/Rotini/Shells, Alphabets/Casarecce/Gemelli, and Rigatoni/Cavatappi/Wheels. They also have boxed macaroni and cheese, making healthy meal prep easier than ever.
Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame & Mung Bean Fettuccine
Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame and Mung Bean Fettuccine is keto-friendly, low-carb, kosher, and vegan. It’s also free of many common allergens like nuts and gluten, but it does contain soybeans. Explore Cuisine develops its products using only the best USDA-certified organic and non-GMO ingredients, including edamame bean flour and mung bean flour. The company also uses sustainable, fair trade farming practices for a truly ethical product.
Customers say the consistency is similar to traditional pasta, but it is much more filling. Another reviewer noted that the flavor was subtle and pleasant, and others agreed that the flavor paired well with their favorite sauces. Plus, the leftovers hold up well in the fridge, so you can still enjoy it days later. The brand also makes edamame spirulina spaghetti, red lentil penne, black bean spaghetti, and chickpea fusilli. You can find six-packs of all these varieties on Amazon.
If your diet asks you to make wheat pasta a thing of the past, your days of spaghetti and meatballs or mac and cheese aren’t over yet. There are plenty of substitutions that are even more nutritious than traditional wheat-based noodles, all while offering the same great taste. While there are many pasta alternatives out there, we love the benefits of low-carb, high-fiber, and high-protein bean pasta that tons of people love just as much as the real thing.
No matter if you have strict dietary restrictions or want to try something different, nutritious, and delicious, any one of these excellent kinds of pasta would make a great addition to your dinnertime routine.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
