Pasta is a versatile staple food made from wheat flour and water, typically shaped into various forms cooked by boiling.
Here's an approximate breakdown per 100 grams of cooked pasta:
- Calories: 150-175 calories
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Fat: Less than 1 gram
- Fiber: About 2-3 grams
Pasta is mostly a carbohydrate; it contains a small amount of protein, but it's an incomplete protein. It has similar calories to other popular carb sources.
Pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy. It contains some B vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium, but it's not highly nutrient-dense.
Pasta is not super satiating compared to how many calories it contains, which makes it a valuable addition to your diet when bulking.
Pasta is often affordable and provides substantial value in calories and carbohydrates, making it a budget-friendly, accessible option for many people to include in their diets.
Facts:
- Generally vegan, not keto or carnivore
- No artificial sweeteners
- Intolerance risk: medium (gluten)
- Not nutrient-dense
Alternatives
- Noodles
- Rice
Noodles are often made the same way as pasta but taste differently. It has very similar macros and prices.
Rice is cheaper and lower in calories, meaning it is better for weight loss; however, it is an entirely different food, but it can often be a substitute for pasta, as it is a good carb source.