Pasta can be tricky when following a gestational diabetes diet, as it’s typically high in carbs and low in protein. Luckily, there are now some great options available that have added protein to help offset the carbs. We've rounded up some popular protein pasta options to make your choices easier.
Nutritional Info per Serving (2oz/56g = 1/2 cup dry pasta):
Pastabilities penne
24g carbs (7g fiber)
24g protein
Carbe Diem! penne
40g carbs (24g fiber)
8g protein
Al Dente Carba-Nada fusilli
32g carbs (8g fiber)
16g protein
Kaizen fusilli
21g carbs (25g fiber)
20g protein
Barilla Protein+ penne
38g carbs (5g fiber)
10g protein
Goodles penne
38g carbs (7g fiber)
10g protein
Pete's penne
34g carbs (27g fiber)
17g protein
Brami Protein penne
36g carbs (5g fiber)
12g protein
Banza (chickpea) penne
35g carbs (5g fiber)
11g protein
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing Pasta:
Carb content: Look for pastas with higher fiber and lower net carbs, as fiber helps to slow sugar absorption and manage blood sugar.
Protein content: Some options, like Pastabilities Penne (24g protein) and Kaizen Fusilli (20g protein), offer higher protein content to balance out the carbs.
Fiber: Choose pasta with at least 5-7g of fiber per serving to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Serving Size Matters!
Don’t forget to watch your serving size—typically 2oz/56g (1/2 cup dry pasta). Even though protein pastas are a great option, they can still add up in carbs, so sticking to the recommended portion is key. Pair your pasta with plenty of veggies and lean protein to create a balanced meal.