By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
When it comes to pasta, there are more options than ever before—each with its own set of nutritional benefits. Whether you're trying to eat healthier, follow a specific diet, or just explore new flavors, the variety of pasta available today can make it challenging to know which is the best choice for your health.
Which is healthier: white pasta vs. whole wheat pasta vs. chickpea pasta vs. lentil pasta?
Each pasta has its own unique set of nutritional benefits. Regular pasta is made from refined white flour, meaning most of the nutrients and fiber are stripped out during processing. It contains around 220 calories, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein per one cup serving. Additionally, it is considered to be a high glycemic index (GI) food meaning it may rapidly increase blood sugar levels. Although it is low in fat and provides quick energy, it is less nutritious due to the lack of fiber and other nutrients.
Whole-wheat pasta is made from whole grains, meaning it retains the fiber, vitamin and mineral content of the grain. A one cup serving contains around 250 calories, 50 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein. The GI of whole-wheat pasta is medium, meaning it will spike blood sugar slower than white pasta. If you are looking for more fiber and nutrients and more sustained energy, whole-wheat pasta is a better option.
Chickpea pasta, made from chickpea flour is a plant based and gluten-free alternative to wheat pastas. One cup of chickpea pasta contains around 250 calories, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 6 grams of fiber and 19 grams of protein. Additionally, chickpea pasta has a low GI, which means it will cause a much slower and more controlled rise in blood pressure, preventing spikes and crashes that occur with high GI foods. If you are gluten-free or looking for a higher protein option for pasta, chickpea pasta is a great option.
Lentil pasta, similar to chickpea pasta, is gluten free. It is made from lentil flour and is high in protein and rich in fiber. One cup of cooked lentil pasta has around 220 calories, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fiber, and 18 grams of protein. Like chickpea pasta, lentil pasta has a low GI, providing a gradual increase in blood sugar instead of a quick spike. It has a similar protein and fiber content compared to chickpea pasta, meaning it is also great for weight management and digestive health.
Is lentil pasta better for you than regular pasta? Is chickpea pasta better for you than regular pasta?
Lentil and chickpea pasta both have benefits that regular pasta lacks. Lentil and chickpea pasta both have higher fiber and protein content than regular pasta. These are important nutrients when considering weight loss and digestive health, as protein and fiber leave you feeling fuller for longer, reducing snacking and cravings. Additionally, as lentil and chickpea pasta are both low GI, they will not cause blood sugar spikes and crashes like white pasta, leading to better blood sugar regulation and sustained energy.
Does protein pasta have less carbs than regular pasta? Does protein pasta have less calories than regular pasta?
Protein pasta does have anywhere from 5 to 10 grams less carbohydrates than regular pasta. All four types of pasta have a similar caloric content. However, while most of the calories come from carbohydrates in all types of pasta, more of the calories come from protein in chickpea and lentil pasta than in regular pasta.
Is protein pasta healthier than regular pasta? Is protein pasta really healthy?
Protein pasta is generally healthier than regular pasta. The higher fiber, protein, vitamin, and mineral content in protein pasta will be beneficial no matter your diet, weight loss goals, or medical conditions. Protein and fiber leave you feeling fuller for longer, reducing snacking and cravings. Additionally, as lentil and chickpea pasta are both low GI, they will not cause blood sugar spikes and crashes like white pasta, leading to better blood sugar regulation and sustained energy.
What pasta is best for gut health? Which type of pasta is easiest to digest?
Both lentil and chickpea pasta have higher amounts of fiber than whole-wheat or regular pasta. This is good for gut health, as fiber aids in digestion and feeds the good bacteria in our guts promoting gut health.
The type of pasta that is easiest to digest is highly personal. If you are gluten intolerant, have a gluten allergy, or just avoid gluten because you do not like it, chickpea and lentil patas are the best option for ease of digestion as they are gluten-free. However, the high fiber content in these pastas can be harder to digest, especially if you are not used to eating legumes.
If you have a sensitive digestive system, or if you are in need of a low-fiber meal, regular pasta is the best option as it contains fewer complex nutrients and thus is the quickest to digest. Whole wheat pasta is a good intermediary between the high protein pasta varieties and regular pasta. While it does have more fiber content than regular pasta, it has much less fiber than the high protein varieties. However, even this lower amount of fiber may cause uncomfortable digestive symptoms in those with digestive conditions or that are not accustomed to higher-fiber foods.
What type of pasta is the healthiest? What is the best pasta to eat while trying to lose weight?
The healthiest type of pasta is the one that fits best into your diet. If you are trying to lose weight and can tolerate high fiber foods, opt for higher protein pasta varieties such as chickpea and lentil flours. The low GI combined with higher fiber and protein contents will allow you to feel fuller for longer, leaving you less likely to snack or succumb to cravings. If you can’t tolerate these higher fiber pastas, or you don’t enjoy them, try switching out your regular pasta for the whole wheat variety to gain similar benefits to the high-fiber varieties.
Where can I buy fresh pasta online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine and fresh tonnarelli. 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.
