Low Carb Noodles for Diabetics

April 14, 2011

What? Pasta noodles that are low carb, low calories, high fiber, sugar free, dairy free and gluten free? Yes, we are talking about Tofu Shirataki noodles. It has along been a favorite noodles in Japanese diet. The many health benefits have made it grown in popularity among diabetics, dieters, gluten free consumers in the U.S. Take a look at nutrition facts comparisons.

Nutrition Facts:
Serving Size 4oz (113g) prepared (2 servings/pkg)

Calories 20 100 calories / 1/2 cup of regular pasta
Total Fat 0.5 g Low fat for heart health, weight management
Saturated Fat 0 g Good for your heart
Cholesterol 0 mg Heart healthy
Sodium 15 mg A very low sodium food
Total Carbohydrate 3 g Low carb food for diabetics
Dietary Fiber 2g Good source of soluble fiber, a low glycemic index food
Protein 1g   Not high in protein but a low fat protein source
1 Effective Net Carb A great food for blood sugar control
“zero” Weight Watcher points in one serving   Good news for WWs

So what are these noodles?
Tofu Shirataki noodles are yam noodles with tofu. It is a great pasta alternative made from blending the root of the Konnyaku – a member of the yam family and tofu. Konnyaku potatoes are cultivated for food in Japan, but wild forms grow naturally in Southeast Asia and China. They contain fair amount of soluble fiber called glucomannan. You can find glucomannan in a supplement form use for blood sugar control, reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol lowering and as a weight loss aid.

These are thin, translucent, gelatinous noodles. They do not have much taste of their own but absorb the flavors of added sauce and anything else you add in your recipe. They are great as pasta with a sauce, stir fry, or in soups. Tofu Shirataki noodles are one of those foods you either hate or love. Many commenters on the net said they would eat any pasta like product that only has less than 50 calories per 2 serving package and being less than 1 carb as well. Tofu Shirataki noodles comes in a variety of shapes: Spaghetti, Fettuccine and Angel-Hair.  Most reviewers liked the product and a few can’t seem to get used to the bouncy texture.

The plain Konjac shirataki noodles with no tofu was reported to be more chewy, rubber like texture, and is harder to find at local whole foods stores. Tofu shirataki and the plain type are both good low carb products for diabetics, and for weight control.

Preparation is easy. It comes in a bag with liquid.

* Open package into a colander, drain and rinse well with warm or hot tap water. Some reported a fishy smell when first open but goes away quickly during rinsing. I would leave it soaking in water after rinsing while doing other prep work.
* Boil for 1-3 minutes, more cooking seems to be OK.  This process tends to reduce the chewy texture and making it more like regular pasta.
* Some people like to just microwave for 1-2 minutes after rinsing, then add their favorite sauce. They are best tasting in a highly seasoned dish with a lot sauce or broth.

Where to buy shirataki noodles:
Asian markets, whole food stores, and online
I bought mine at health food store for $2.20
if you buy online in bulk – 10 pack for ~$18.

Shirataki is a refrigerated product and will last about 4 to 6 months in the refrigerator. and it should not be frozen. If ordered through online stores, they will be shipped with ice.

{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }

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Megan moore February 25, 2016 at 12:09 am

OK, this stuff just looks nasty. However, I am a diabetic. I eat very very healthy though. I include lots of fruits and vegetables into my diet and very low carb and calorie diet everything.

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RebeccaBeck October 20, 2015 at 3:44 pm

I had a discussion just yesterday with a patient on this very issue. They love pasta but are diabetic. I had just recently gave the talk about different types of noodles that would be acceptable. Rice noodles are always a better option and they are also very tasty.

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Robert Hunter October 9, 2015 at 6:41 am

yes

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Robert Hunter October 6, 2015 at 10:24 am

The best healthy eating practice for me is to continue educating my self and learnig about different fruits and vegetables I’m aware of as well as try out other cultural foods

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Robert Hunter October 6, 2015 at 10:21 am

Pasta is a dish that I love my wife cooks it all the time I’m glad it has positive medic ally value with diabetes

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bekahg September 4, 2014 at 10:38 am

Noodles that are low calorie, low crab, and healthy for you, and I’m just now reading about this. I’m surprised this hasn’t made the Dr. Oz show and other health media.

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rstanton July 25, 2014 at 9:52 pm

rice cakes are filling with no calories also

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RVillegas July 23, 2014 at 10:27 am

I spent some time in Japan and pasta and rice are a huge part of their meals. I usually eat some pasta they day before I have to go on a big run, this was very informative to me and will continue to stock up on pasta.

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msmith July 23, 2014 at 12:16 am

Pasta is a popular dish in my house. I am going to show my dad this as soon as possible. This seems like it would be such an easy transition to make!!

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MSmith April 22, 2014 at 10:15 pm

I love pasta. I printed off this and gave it to my mother who is a diabetic

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ccantrell1 April 22, 2014 at 9:41 am

I might try these just worried it would be too much of a sodium intake

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anorwood June 26, 2013 at 11:07 am

I may need try these out. I love past way too much and sometimes the wheat ones just taste different even thou I know they are good for you.

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emaples3893 January 18, 2013 at 4:31 pm

I found this article very resourceful. Not only was the article was informative about the food it also told you how to cook it healthy. A pasta that can help lower my cholesterol and lose weight sounds great. I have a cholesterol problem and have to watch the food I eat. I also thought pasta was bad for you. Learn something new everyday.

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MSmith April 22, 2014 at 10:16 pm

I liked the idea that it could lower cholesterol as well

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emaples3893 January 17, 2013 at 10:51 am

I love to eat pasta. I found this article very informative. To learn of how it can help lower my cholesterol. That is something I have to watch. I agree with the previous comment. I always thought pasta was fattening.

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Edna Maples June 5, 2012 at 3:44 am

I agree, I always heard pasta was bad. I found this article very enlighting. I love my pastas. A pasta that can help lower my cholesterol and lose weight; what’s not to like.

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ts s2 May 30, 2011 at 12:17 am

Now i`m not to much on asian foods, but i have heard it good to some people, me myself just watch how i cook the food and watch my calories. I have always thought noodles was fat food?

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