Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s now made with beans, legumes, rice, and even hearts of palm! These 12 gluten-free and vegan pasta brands are must-haves to whip up warm mac ‘n’ cheese or pasta Bolognese.
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The Only Bean
The Only Bean is exactly that—a one-ingredient, bean-based noodle! The edamame fettuccine provides 25g of plant protein and 11g of fiber per serving from organic edamame beans. The easy-to-prepare noodles require only 4-5 minutes to cook and make for a great addition to a cold noodle salad or a veggie stir-fry. Check out their website for plant-based recipes.
Tolerant Foods
Tolerant Foods lentil-based pasta comes in various designs—we’re talking letters, animals, and space-inspired shapes! These aren’t just for kids though, as we love that they are high in protein and crafted with just one ingredient—red lentils, green lentils, or chickpeas. The fall season calls for warm vegan chick’n alphabet soup.
Banza
Chickpeas—the main ingredient in Banza—are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. The cooked penne, wheels, shells, and more provide a similar texture to good ole al dente wheat pasta, making them an ideal substitute for those looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Natural Heaven
Natural Heaven pasta available in three varieties—angel hair, spaghetti, and lasagna—is made with hearts of palm. You heard right! The mildly flavored plant is shaped into nostalgic noods and ready to use in your favorite dish for a lighter meal.
Barilla
Barilla is known for their classic blue box and wheat-based options. Their gluten-free corn and rice pasta and newer legume-based line (in penne, rotini, casarecce, and spaghetti) do not disappoint.
Explore Cuisine
Explore Cuisine crafts noods in all shapes and sizes—everything from fettuccine to fusilli and rigatoni. Boil water, dump in a box of Explore Cuisine, and serve with vegan pasta sauce.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s released a new hearts of palm linguine this fall—and it flew off the shelf. The product uses lower carb and higher fiber hearts of palm that highlights the flavor of sauces, spices, and roasted veggies. We love to douse it in vegan pesto and a sprinkle of cashew parm.
Photo credit: eatingwell.com
Thrive Market
Thrive Market has you covered with pantry staples including gluten free, vegan pasta alternatives. Choose from brown rice, chickpea, and even a supergrains version (made with sorghum, quinoa, amaranth, and chia flour), all organic and vegan.
Modern Table
Modern Table developed a recipe consisting of a blend of peas, rice, and lentils to achieve a taste and texture ideal for any dish. The options are endless—whip up a cold pasta salad or throw into a warm chili for a nutritionally balanced meal.
Tinkyada
All 18 varieties of Tinkyada products are made using brown rice and water and offered in both organic and non-GMO options. The preparation is simple, just cook in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, switch off the stove, and cover the pot for 20 minutes before it’s ready to serve.
Cybele’s Superbfood
Cybele’s Free to Eat strives to provide foods that cater to allergies. The brand’s lentil- and vegetable-based rotini, elbows, penne, and shells have added kale, cauliflower, beet, spinach, carrot, and more—an ideal way to sneak in some extra vitamins and minerals to an already veggie-full meal.
Jovial
Jovial offers a grain-free option that utilizes cassava flour instead of rice and legumes, formulated without gums, starches, or lectins for those eating paleo. Cassava flour works similarly to it’s brown rice counterpart—with the end product cooking up to a firm texture.