Hello friends! I am stoked to share this new find with you.
My friend/cousin hooked me up with Maria’s Noodles a few weeks ago. (Thank you!) I instantly fell in LOVE with this product.
For those who know me, I adore pasta, but sadly, it does not adore me. So when I find tasty, nutritious alternatives to traditional pasta (which I do allow myself to enjoy from time to time) I get super excited.
I received 2 bags of noodles, one was made from green pea flour, and the other from red lentil flour. The ingredients list is a short one, consisting of one type of protein flour (red lentil, or green pea in my case), and water.
Check out the nutrition facts side by side:
Traditional white pasta (organic durum wheat semolina pasta from Pasta Toscana): (85 grams dry)
- Carbs = 71g
- Protein = 11g
- Sugar = 3g
- Fiber = 3g
Red lentil pasta from Maria’s Noodles: (100 grams dry)
- Carbs = 72G
- Protein = 13G
- Sugar = 0G
- Fiber = 6g
To me, the win here is no sugar. Which always rocks. Sugar hides in everything, so when you can get something that doesn’t have any added sugar, go for it. A few more grams of protein rocks and double the fiber is awesome. In addition, lentils are naturally gluten free – so the addition of keeping gluten out (if you’re sensitive to it or looking to reduce inflammation) is a good thing in my view!
Now you’re thinking – the nutrition facts aren’t that much different – but let me tell you – this pasta fills you up. And I’m pregnant and in that “hungry phase”. 100G measured out and tossed with plenty of veggies, some shredded chicken and pesto was what I had for dinner this week – and it kept me satisfied.
The downfall for me is that this product is sold around the Toronto area (at farmer’s markets etc..) I found a list of places it’s sold here. The company does have a website, but it’s down for maintenance so I couldn’t check if I can order online, but I’ll keep checking and update this post accordingly. Until then, lean on your friends in the Toronto area and get them to send you a few bags!