Love to eat pasta, but want to avoid the calories and carbs? With Shirataki Noodles you can do both!
Sound too good to be true? I know, right. So I decided to do a little research to see just what these noodles are made of.
Shirataki noodles originated in Southeast Asia and are made of glucomannan derived from the tubular roots of the Konjac plant. This exotic plant is also known as Konnyaku, devil’s tongue, vodoo lily, and elephant yam.
Glucomannan is a polysaccharide (sugar) sometimes used as a thickener or gelling agent as well as a supplement for weight loss and blood sugar control. It is Gluten-Free, Kosher, Vegan, and Paleo Diet friendly, but because of its molecular structure, not compatible with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
Noodles made from water, glucomannan, and pickling lime (calcium hydroxide) contain NO fat, NO cholesterol, NO sodium, NO sugars, and less than 1 gram of carbohydrates per 3 ounce serving. They also contain NO calories.
Keep in mind, that’s no calories for a 3 oz serving, which in labeling language means 5 calories or less per serving. If you eat numerous servings, you will be adding some calories and a significant amount of water-soluble fiber (not dietary fiber) to your diet.
This fiber can be difficult to digest, so it’s probably best not to rely on Shirataki Noodles as a primary part of your diet; however, it is a great pasta alternative that feels satisfying in spite of its lack of calories and contains more iron in a serving than one 130 calorie serving of golden raisins.
I know, I know. You’re more concerned about how they taste. Ever heard someone describe grits as that thing on your plate that tastes like whatever it’s next to? These noodles could be described in a similar way. They have virtually no taste on their own, but they do carry the flavor of seasoning or sauce.
If you’re sensitive to food odors, you’ll want to avoid smelling the pickling liquid as you drain it from the package. Once you’ve rinsed the noodles in water and then boiled them, there’s no remaining odd smell.
So, are Shirataki noodles too good to be true? Well, it’s hard to beat a pasta with no calories or carbs! I like the light texture of the fettuccini style noodles and I love it that they cook in one minute. There’s plenty of variety in the choices available: angel hair, ziti, and rice style plus spinach angel hair. The local price runs $3.29 per 7 or 8 oz package depending on the style of noodle. I think they’re a great alternative for gluten-free pasta dishes, but I’m curious what you think? Pick up a package of Shiratakis and let me know.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
