By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
Fortunately for those with a dairy allergy, most dry store-bought pasta noodles contain only two ingredients – wheat and water. However, as with any allergy, it is always important to read labels carefully, and when dining out, ask about food preparation to avoid cross-contamination or unexpected dairy ingredients. Read on to learn more about how to avoid dairy when eating pasta and other noodles.
Can I eat pasta on a dairy-free diet? What type of pasta is dairy-free? Does all pasta have dairy?
If you are following a diary free diet, most dry store-bought pasta noodles are safe to eat, as they contain only two ingredients – wheat and water. However, stuffed pastas such as ravioli and tortellini often have cheese in them. It is always important to read the full ingredient list when dealing with an allergy to rule out any hidden dairy such as whey, milk powder, casein, or lactose, especially in freshly prepared pasta.
Is gluten-free pasta also dairy-free? Does no gluten mean no dairy?
Gluten-free pasta is typically made from dairy-free ingredients such as rice, corn, quinoa, or beans, meaning that most gluten-free pasta is also dairy-free. However, because gluten and dairy are their own distinct substances, a gluten-free pasta label does not automatically guarantee a product is dairy-free. Be sure to read the ingredient label on gluten-free pasta to ensure there is not dairy in the product.
Is white pasta dairy-free? Is plain pasta dairy-free?
Traditionally, white pasta is dairy-free, with the primary ingredients being wheat flour and water. There are some fresh pasta recipes that include eggs, however, eggs are not considered to be dairy, so those pastas are safe to eat as well. Just be sure to check the ingredients on fresh pasta to make sure there aren’t other dairy products in the recipe such as cheese, whey, or casein. Plain pasta is often tossed with butter or olive oil. Be sure to check that the butter you are using is plant based, and if you are ordering plain pasta from a restaurant, make sure it is prepared with olive oil or plant based butter.
Does wheat pasta have dairy? Is wheat pasta dairy-free?
Wheat pasta is typically dairy free, as the only ingredients are usually wheat and water. As with white pasta, some fresh wheat pasta contains egg. However, as egg is not considered to be a dairy product, these fresh pastas are safe to eat as well.
Are there dairy-free noodles? Are rice noodles dairy-free? Are udon noodles dairy-free?
There are many options for dairy-free noodles. Rice noodles are made primarily from rice flour and water, so they are naturally dairy-free. Rice noodles are popular in Asian cuisine such as soup and stir-fry dishes. Another dairy-free noodle popular in Asian cuisine are udon noodles. Udon noodles are made from wheat flour, water, and salt meaning they are dairy-free as well. However, be sure to check the ingredient list on both types of noodles to be sure there is no hidden dairy. It is also important to check on preparation when eating at a restaurant to be sure there is no dairy in the sauce or other additives in the dish.
Is tomato sauce dairy-free? What’s the best pasta sauce for a dairy-free diet?
Traditional tomato sauce is typically dairy-free as the primary ingredients are tomatoes, herbs, and spices. However, there are some tomato sauces that contain cream or cheese, such as vodka sauce. The best pasta sauce for a dairy-free diet include Classic Marinara Sauce, made with just tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, and other dairy-free tomato based sauces such as bolognese, a meat sauce, or puttanesca, a vegetable sauce.
What is the best pasta for dairy-free?
The best pasta for a dairy-free diet is a pasta with no dairy that you enjoy eating. There are many options at the supermarket for dry and fresh pasta, or you can make your own. There are also options from ship-to-your-door companies like Wilgrain with dairy-free pasta such as Fresh Tonnarelli, Potato Gnocchi, and Fresh Fettuccine.
Where can I buy the best dairy-free pasta online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh baked goods delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Our popular dairy-free pastas include Fresh Tonnarelli, Potato Gnocchi, and Fresh Fettuccine. We also carry a line of gluten-free pasta, including Gluten-Free Fresh Linguine and Gluten-Free Fresh Shells, and make homemade Classic Marinara Sauce. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
