There’s nothing like diving into a large bowl of pasta at the end of a long day. Come rain or shine, the versatile comfort food always hits the mark - whether it’s a hearty spaghetti dish, a healthy summer salad, or a full-blown carb fest.
For those who are gluten-intolerant however, pasta poses quite the issue. For many years, gluten-free pasta had a reputation for being, well, stomach-churning. Supermarkets only stocked gloopy offerings which would congeal as soon as they touched the plate. Yum.
Many gluten-free foodies opted to go without pasta, that was until the food market upped its game. Thanks to increased awareness about food intolerances, allergies, and conditions such as IBS and Coeliac disease, more brands have been investing time and money into quality gluten-free products. The results have been overwhelming, with supermarkets including Waitrose, Sainsburys, Tesco and more expanding their free-from sections.
What’s inside gluten-free pasta you ask? Well, it depends on the brand, but many options today are crafted from quinoa, corn, rice or buckwheat.
There are pros and cons of gluten-free pasta. As they are without gluten, many packs are often hyper-processed, especially the cheaper options and having food intolerances tends to come at a higher price.
Yet, some gluten-free pasta picks are rich in amino acids which promote healthy muscles, skin and bones. This tends to be applicable to grain-based pasta such as buckwheat and quinoa. Bean pasta, brown rice noodle pasta, green pea pasta, chickpea pasta, spinach pasta and red lentil pasta provide high protein, high fibre and low-calorie choices for those wanting to expand their restricted taste buds. Some even count as one of your five-a-day - what a result.
It’s important to note that if you suffer from a sensitive stomach, some of these options may not agree with you. It’s really a case of trial and error. And if you’re in need of some inspiration, you may even find that brands offer delicious recipes on the box to help you get started so cooking up a storm at home has never been so painless, literally.
In order to save you the hassle of taste-testing a vast amount of gluten-free pastas up for grabs, we’ve done the hard work for you. Discover which options tickled our taste buds and took care of our tummies…
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Waitrose Free From Gluten Green Pea Pasta
Our top pick goes to Waitrose’s green pea pasta. The low-fat, vegan-friendly product offers a light bite with a refreshing pea taste - perfect for summer pasta salads. While it has a slightly more bitty texture than regular pasta, the flavour is subtle yet delicious and would make for a healthy, anti-bloat alternative to ultra-processed gluten-free pasta choices.
Plus, the packaging is streamlined and made from 100 per cent recycled pulses, meaning non-biodegradable plastics can be avoided at all costs. For just £2.45, you can help save the planet and your stomach.
Buy now £2.45, Waitrose
Sainsbury's FreeFrom Casarecce
You would never know that this dried Casarecce pasta was gluten-free. The Sainsbury’s product is made from rice, corn and amaranth flours and features an attractive, not to mention satisfying, curling shape to sink your teeth into.
The texture is ultra-smooth when cooked al dente and would be delicious when served with fresh produce. Sainsbury’s recommends a mix of oyster mushrooms, kale and toasted pine nuts. For such a reasonable price, why not give it a go?
Buy now £2.00, Sainsbury's
Sainsbury’s Buckwheat Penne
Buckwheat is a kingpin of the nutrition world - and for good reason. Sainsbury’s buckwheat pasta is another nutritious, lightweight alternative to traditional pasta and is great for those who aren’t fans of the grainy texture of pea and lentil pasta.
Serving up a more moist, nutty experience with a noodle-like feel, buckwheat pasta is an acquired taste for those willing to experiment in the kitchen. It cooks quickly so is ideal for those in a rush during the working week.
Buy now £1.70, Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury's Deliciously Free From Penne
Having food intolerances often comes at a price. Most gluten and dairy-free products aren’t cheap, meaning both our taste buds and bank accounts suffer. However, Sainsbury’s free-from penne is an affordable purchase for those with families to feed.
The dried penne pasta is made from rice, corn and quinoa flour and has a solid consistency. It doesn’t go soggy when boiled, but when served cold the next day it does harden up, so bear that in mind. Serve with a rich tomato sauce and fresh basil for a simple, straightforward meal.
Buy now £0.75, Sainsbury's
Waitrose Free From Gluten Brown Rice Penne
Feeling peckish? Brown rice pasta will leave you feeling full. With its subtle flavour, the pasta is great for kick-starting any gluten-free journey. Note, it takes a while to cook (longer than 9 minutes as suggested on the box) so you do have to keep track before you snack. We recommend serving it with broccoli, pine nuts and pesto for a mean green carbolicious dream.
Buy now £2.00, Waitrose
Sainsbury's Red Lentil Penne
Red lentil pasta is a hot favourite among many intolerant foodies - that is if your stomach can hack it. People with IBS may have to stay clear of this one as red lentils are high in hard-to-digest oligos and fructans. Yet, if you have a strong stomach, then this could be the pasta for you.
Lentils, a member of the legume family, are high in fibre and a good source of protein. A vegan must-have, they further help heart health and the management of blood sugar levels. Sainsbury's offering is a light, divisively grainy pick which would be a great base for a veggie bolognese.
Buy now £1.70, Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's Green Pea Fusilli
Of course, food is subjective. Sainsbury's green pea pasta, while it wasn’t our favourite, is still a protein-packed pasta alternative. Although we preferred Waitrose’s version as it tasted more pea-like and was lighter in feel and taste, this is slightly cheaper for those on a shoestring. If a pea pasta craving arises and there’s a Waitrose nearby, you know where to go.
Buy now £1.70, Sainsbury's
Waitrose Free From Gluten Spaghetti
One should never regretti the spaghetti. This certainly goes for Waitrose’s free-from rendition, which is hard to distinguish from regular, gluten-filled spaghetti. It takes slightly longer to cook than penne or fusilli, but it’s worth it for the refined taste. Team with some carbonara sauce and you have an enviable dish.
Buy now £2.00, Waitrose
