Going completely gluten-free or having to stick to a coeliac diet means you won't be able to eat pasta in its original form, but luckily there are some amazing replicas out there nowadays! Another benefit of swapping regular pasta for alternatives made from legumes, corn flour, rice or beans is the nutritional aspect – they often have more protein, fibre and vitamins than wheat.
But which gluten-free pasta tastes the best? Which will go with your favourite pasta sauce, and which brand's recipe is the healthiest? In this article, you'll find a helpful buying guide as well as a ranking of our top 10 dry, fresh and filled gluten-free pastas from Amazon, Tesco, Asda and Waitrose. Also, we have partnered with Nutritionist Tara Corbett for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver the best information to our users.
Quick List - Top Gluten-Free Pastas
mybest UK specialist Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through their nutrition. Tara specialises in helping busy parents specifically improve their eating with ease and without overwhelm, and get back on track so the whole family can benefit.
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Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients to lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through better nutrition. She specialises in helping busy parents improve their diets without overwhelming them with information, and get them back on track so that the whole family can benefit.
Pasta made from ground red and green lentils has become a popular option for coeliacs, and is a great source of natural protein. For those lacking in iron or fibre this could be your saviour as red lentils are packed with both, and as a bonus, it doesn't taste too different to regular pasta either!
The carbohydrate quantities in lentil pasta aren't that different to those in wheat pasta so they can be just as filling and satisfying, although of course this varies depending on brand and portion size. Look for pastas made with 100% lentil flour for the healthiest take.
Corn flour is derived from corn kernels and doesn't involve separation from the bran, germ and endosperm, meaning it retains plenty of beneficial nutrients. It's an ideal gluten alternative as it's loaded with fibre and protein and very easy to digest. Being rich in antioxidants means it will benefit the skin, too.
It's worth remembering that corn and rice (which is often added to corn pasta) break down more quickly than wheat, so if you reheat or overcook this variety, it could easily become a mushy, tasteless mess! Cooking the exact amount or enjoying it cold the next day may be more suitable alternatives to reheating.
If you're looking for something healthier, pasta made from edamame beans is a great low-calorie and low-carb option for those wanting to change it up and try something new.
Edamame beans, or young soya beans, contain plenty of protein as well as healthy fibre and vitamin K, plus their antioxidant properties help to fight against heart disease. Although it has a more distinct vegetal flavour than some, pasta made with these nutritious beans has a soft texture and goes well with tomato sauces.
Brown rice is known as as a healthy alternative to white rice, but it can be used as a gluten alternative in pasta as well. This small grain is high in magnesium and fibre, which naturally lowers cholesterol, helps with digestion, and keeps you fuller for longer.
As well as being nutritious and satisfying, pasta made from brown rice has a chewy texture and a mild flavour so it will go with almost anything you add to it. There are many great reasons to chuck this one in the basket!
Cook up something special at home with our Best Gluten-Free Flours!
Just like regular pasta, dry gluten-free pasta is a cupboard staple and a more convenient option when it comes to storage, as it can be transported and stored for up to 2 years if it's in an air-tight bag or container. However, this means that it takes longer to cook – usually at least 10 minutes in boiling water – and doesn't have as much of a soft, fresh feel to it which often better imitates wheat pasta.
People buy fresh pasta for its authenticity and delicious taste, as well as the wholesome elements associated with it. It has higher cholesterol and fat content than dried pasta, due to the eggs in the recipe, but there are also plant-based options on the market. Fresh pasta needs to be stored in the fridge and consumed within a few days or weeks of purchasing, and once it has been opened it doesn't keep for too long.
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Waitrose LoveLife Red Lentil Pasta | ![]() | Red Lentil Pasta That Counts as One of Your 5-a-Day | |
2 | Difatti Gluten-Free Plain Gnocchi | ![]() | Filling and Simply Delicious Italian Gnocchi | |
3 | Barilla Gluten-Free Fusilli|Pack of 6 | ![]() | A Popular Shape Perfect for Pasta Salads | |
4 | Wicked Kitchen Rockin Ravioli | ![]() | Award-Winning Vegan and Gluten-Free Ravioli | |
5 | Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne | ![]() | The Perfect Pre or Post Workout Meal | |
6 | Dell Ugo Gluten-Free Fresh Penne | ![]() | Wholesome Fresh Penne Pasta Suitable for Coeliacs | |
7 | Barilla Gluten-Free Spaghetti No. 5 | ![]() | Italy’s Favourite Spaghetti Brand | |
8 | Ciemme La Gnoccheria Gluten-Free Potato Gnocchi | ![]() | Delicious Potato Gnocchi With a Corn Flour Base | |
9 | Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame Spaghetti | ![]() | An Excellent Organic Protein and Fibre Source | |
10 | Seggiano Organic Red Lentil Fusilli | ![]() | Artisan Slow-Dried Red Lentil Fusilli |
If you can get one of your 5-a-day from pasta, you know you're winning. A very nutritious option that's delicious too, Waitrose's own-brand lentil pasta is ideal for families, couples, individuals and anyone who loves leading a healthy lifestyle full of great food.
This pasta is dry so can be kept in the cupboard for a long period of time and enjoyed whenever you fancy. The packaging is even made from recycled paper and pulses too, making it sustainable and eco-friendly. An all-round winner!
This Difatti Italian gluten gnocchi makes the perfect evening meal for two to share. A tasty pasta option made from corn, rice and potatoes, it's suitable for vegans as well as coeliacs. You could add some cheese or nuts to this pasta, as due to the filling ingredients it doesn't always need to be served with a heavy sauce.
This is an excellent price for a gluten-free gnocchi, especially one that only takes a few minutes to boil and is packed full of fibre and protein. It's probably not the best pasta to reheat, so why not share with someone and enjoy the whole lot in one go?
This bulk-buy of Barilla's dried fusilli is ideal for storing if you'd like to have portions throughout the month, or for those who have a full gluten-free household. A 400 g box is a great size, and in this pack of six it works out at around 30p per portion! It is also available individually if you prefer.
You won't notice you're eating pasta without wheat when indulging in this corn and rice flour fusilli, as the taste and texture is just like the regular stuff. Children love the screw-like shape, and due to its small size, and it's easy to eat and pack in a lunchbox for work as a pasta salad or meal.
Awarded gold at the Free From Food Awards in 2020, this is a must try. Each little parcel is a mini taste sensation, filled with spinach, maize, wild garlic, onion and a coconut cheese substitute that won't disappoint. This unique combination of ingredients come together to make a divine fresh pasta that will satisfy any savoury cravings.
There is enough for two to share in the 250 g pack, or if you'd like it all for yourself you can have this pasta twice in a week – just be aware it lasts for 2 days in the fridge once opened. Those with busy lifestyles will love how convenient this ravioli is, as it only takes 2 minutes to cook in boiling water!
Whether you prefer exercising before or after lunch or dinner, this high-protein penne by Explore Cuisine can act as an awesome snack or energy-inducing meal. Enjoy it a few hours before exercising, or a while after a work out to refuel.
Lentils are known for being naturally high in protein and iron and there's brown rice flour included too, so you can't go wrong with this pasta. In fact, it's much more nutritious than regular pasta and has a very similar texture. There is enough in the 250 g box for two or three portions.
Dellugo's fresh, plant-based penne is a great choice for coeliacs and vegans as it contains no egg, dairy or nuts. In fact, it's free from 14 allergens, so you can practically feed this to anyone! The penne shape makes every bite satisfying too, as the sauce coats each piece and mixes wonderfully.
This pasta only takes a few minutes to heat up, making it a great option for a quick lunch or evening dinner with a tomato or cheesy sauce. Remember, fresh pasta doesn't last as long as dry, so you would need to consume this choice within a few days of purchasing.
Barilla's gluten-free spaghetti is one the whole family can eat together, as there's definitely enough for everyone in the 400 g pack. However, if you only want a small portion of spaghetti you can of course save the rest in the cupboard.
This pasta is extremely convincing, just as you'd expect from the experts at Barilla. It can be enjoyed with a homemade sauce, a sauce you've bought in a jar, or even a simple sprinkle of cheese. Tuck in and enjoy every mouthful of this pasta made in Italy's favourite pasta shape!
If you're on the search for something filling and gluten-free, this gnocchi could be your new favourite. La Gnoccheria is reasonably-priced considering its 250 g packet weight, plus it has great reviews and still tastes great without any gluten, dairy, or egg.
The main ingredient in this gnocchi is of course potato, but the gluten alternative is corn flour, which is easy to digest and full of fibre. If you're thinking of reheating this pasta after cooking it once, it's good to remember it might go mushy so perhaps avoid doing so.
A full balance of plant-based protein and fibre makes this spaghetti a perfect lunchtime energy booster. Edamame beans are a great alternative to wheat, as they're low carb and contain antioxidants – they'll make your skin glow and keep your stomach happy!
Explore Cuisine's products are dried so they'll keep in the cupboard without needing to be consumed quickly, and this 200 g box is ideal for 1-2 people. However, the unique taste isn't for everyone, so you might want to try a single box before purchasing a larger amount.
Though it's one of the more expensive options, the price of this organic artisan fusilli reflects the slow-dried process Seggiano perform to make it more than suitable for gourmet dining. If you like to keep it simple, all you need to add to this is a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a little bit of pesto.
As it's made with 100% red lentil flour, this pasta is high in protein and fibre and has a good consistency. It's also fairly high in calories, but this isn't a bad thing as you won't need much to feel full! The 250 g packet provides a few servings, too.
Written and researched by Charlotte Lillington
No. 1: Waitrose LoveLife|Red Lentil Pasta
No. 2: Difatti|Gluten-Free Plain Gnocchi
No. 3: Barilla|Gluten-Free Fusilli|Pack of 6
No. 4: Wicked Kitchen|Rockin Ravioli
No. 5: Explore Cuisine|Organic Green Lentil Penne
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