Alternative Pastas

The fact is, when making decisions about what to put in our stomachs only two things matter. Is this delicious and is it nutritious? Of course the first reason can be enough to make a choice, but dinner isn’t the time to be letting our inner child decide. Pasta is generationally loved, from kids to grandparents. Picking what pasta we put on our table is important for this reason. Familiarity hides the ugly truth behind white pasta. The facts are that due to it being made with refined flour, the process strips away its nutrients and minerals basically making it a desert in disguise. Thankfully since conscious buying has trended, many are now aware of this fact and are opting into more wholesome options. 

Quinoa Pasta 

Before any accusations of being biassed (maybe just a little) let's start out by mentioning quinoa in itself has been nicknamed a superfood. It’s packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. All while being a complete protein, meaning it produces the nine amino acids your body needs and can not produce on its own. Since Quinoa is a seed and not a grain it makes it naturally gluten free. Now imagine all these benefits in a pasta, still think we’re being biassed? Not to mention compared to other alternative pasta options, quinoa pasta is indistinguishable to taste, and when made right to texture as well. Making it perfect for picky eaters also known as kids. 

Wheat Pasta

Whole Wheat pasta is made with the entire kernel, meaning you won't have the nutrients stripped away like in traditional white pasta. Whole wheat pasta was the first alternative pasta for most, unfortunately due to it still containing gluten most people aren’t able to enjoy it. It also carries a grainer taste and is darker in colour, making it hard to pass it on as regular pasta to the little ones 

Legumes Pasta 

There's a variety of legume pastas. Some of the popular ones being black bean pasta, red lentil pasta, and chickpea pasta. Legumes are a good source of protein, fibers, and vitamins making it a great choice for a more mature palet. Unfortunately black bean/red lentil pastas are both thicker in texture and come coloured, making it hard to adjust to if you’re looking for a traditional pasta feel (or trying to trick the kiddos into eating healthy). It is gluten free, making it a great alternative for bettering ones health.