Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Shavy Jain

We have already talked about all the rage gluten-free pasta is today. One of the most popular gluten-free pasta variants is brown rice pasta. It is pretty self-evident that this feel-good food is made from the fiber-rich grain, brown rice.

People who are averse to whole wheat and flour based products usually find their refuge in this nutritious alternative. Mild-flavored and just the right amount of chewy, brown rice pasta can easily be your next pick for a sumptuous lunch.

However, like the dispute between the nutritive profile of brown bread and white bread, rice-based pasta is also subject to this debate. While rice-based pasta is a great alternative to wheat and flour pasta, people are doubtful if it is as good as durum wheat pasta or not, when it comes to taste and nutritional profile.

The 6 Best Brown Rice Pasta and Noodle Brands

We understand that with so many products around, you might be averse to the tactics of greenwashing. What if your brown rice pasta isn’t actually made of it and is not ethically sourced?

This is why we bring to you our curated list of the best brown rice pasta brands we could find. If you are thinking about beginning your tryst with this wholesome alternative, your search ends here. Pick any of the following and cook up a storm!

Due to the excessive refinement and processing that food products like pasta go through, we’d say that it is valid enough to be concerned about the amount of actual nutritious content left in them. Branding and marketing such foods as superfoods, thus, can be misleading and breach consumer trust.

While rice noodles and pasta are gluten-free products & great for those with gluten intolerance, concerns around their nutritional profile are valid because gluten-free does not necessarily mean healthy. Therefore, this article will tell you all that you should know about brown rice pasta and how healthy it actually is. Look out for our suggestions for the 6 best brown rice pasta brands as you read below.

What is Brown Rice Pasta?

Currently, the market is brimming with alternatives to wheat pasta. Among these choices are lentil pasta, quinoa pasta and pasta made from chickpea and corn. However, the most popular gluten-free pasta on the shelves is rice pasta made from both white and brown rice.

And there are no points in guessing what brown rice pasta is made of.

Brown Rice vs Pasta – What’s Better?

Brown rice is often dubbed as a superfood by many, and for valid reasons. A single serving of such pasta consists of nearly three grams of fiber as compared to regular pasta. It can also supply you with an ample dose of micronutrients like selenium, manganese and magnesium.

Pasta made from brown rice is singled out for its texture and taste. You need not worry about your pasta turning mushy from some extra cooking time in the water. Pasta made from brown rice is sturdier and you can never go wrong with it.

Coupled with a lip smacking sauce, your choice of veggies and a sprinkling of nuts on top with some good old olive oil- brown rice pasta with its mildly chewy texture will surely impress you.

As for whether it’s healthy or not, that depends largely on your diet, generally speaking. It’s important to balance your macronutrients and micronutrients, and figure out where brown rice pasta fits into it.

But integrating a serving or two of this gluten-free goodie makes it easier for you to achieve a well-rounded diet profile than regular pasta. Due to its lower carbohydrate content, higher fibre content, and better micronutrient profile, brown rice pasta sounds like a treat which is also full of health benefits.

Are Rice Noodles Gluten Free?

Yes, rice based noodles are absolutely gluten free. It has additional benefits, besides being palatable to those who are allergic to gluten.

One of these benefits is that brown rice noodles are quite filling and can help you in reducing some weight. If you find yourself wondering why Asians have a comparatively less obesity ratio despite eating like literal kings (Don’t fool us by saying you haven’t drooled over Vietnamese Pho, Pad Thai or a scrumptious and healthy looking bowl of Japanese Ramen), it’s because they thrive on rice and rice based products coupled with other nutritive sources such as soy-based products like Miso, foods that are mostly steamed rather than fried and including fresh greens.

Of course, it depends on you on how you wish to cook it. But gluten-free rice pasta yields the best possible results only when they are consumed in a way without destroying their whole grain profile, as well as small portions that prevent you from overeating in order to finish everything on your plate.

Along with being rich in manganese and selenium, rice noodles like brown rice pasta are also abundant in phosphorus. Besides being gluten-free, rice noodles are also quite healthy.

What’s So Special About Brown Rice Pasta and Noodles?

Brown rice pasta is considered a specialty by many. Aside from being one of the best gluten-free pasta alternatives, pasta made from brown rice is preferred because of its nutritional value. We all love experimenting with different grains. The obsession goes beyond replacing them with each other as and when the need for it arises.

Replacing whole wheat or refined flour with a whole, unprocessed grain like brown rice in pasta and noodles isn’t really new, but it is special. Given the mild and chewy texture, brown rice noodles and pasta are a hit among gluten-free consumers and those who like that perfect amount of bite and flavor in their pasta dishes. It also has an earthy taste to it which is quite unique.

Anyway, taste and texture aside – rice pasta and noodles are all the rage due to their nutritional value.

Surely, durum wheat pasta is considered to be a wholesome meal on its own, but some cuisines where rice is the staple ingredient make their noodles and pasta from rice flour.

We must have also mentioned that rice pasta is a gluten free alternative and is preferred mostly by those who like to savor flour based food, but can’t because Celiac disease or gluten intolerance holds them back.

However, the drift towards products made from whole grains has made brown rice pasta immensely popular today.

Whole grains and legumes have significantly more fiber and protein than processed, refined grains. This is also the reason why they are considered as one of the most effective superfoods that can keep your gut healthy , prevent bloating and keep you energized throughout the day.

This is why food made from whole grains and legumes like buckwheat, chickpea, red lentil, millets and corn are replacing refined flour based food products.

There are more benefits of transitioning to such whole grain foods like brown rice pasta. Here are some details that will help you figure how to incorporate it in your diet.

Calorie Count

Delving into the nutritional value of brown rice pasta, we find that it has a moderate calorie count. It isn’t too high on calories like pasta made from refined flour, but it isn’t so low that it doesn’t fulfil your calorie requirements.

A cup of cooked brown rice pasta has 190 calories which means that it can meet up to 10 percent of your daily calorie needs. Eating small servings in moderation is a good way to incorporate this food in your diet.

Bringing the Best of Both Worlds

It will be a better way to look at the merits of brown rice pasta as the best of both worlds. Brown rice is high in antioxidants and a moderate glycemic index.

It means that it can keep you full for a longer time as it takes longer to digest and reduces unnecessary calorie intake. You won’t find yourself reaching out for a bar of head achingly sweet chocolate or potato crisps after having a go at a small bowl of brown rice pasta.

Pasta is a food that is highly rich in complex carbs and therefore, has a moderate glycemic index. This makes it safe for people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, brown rice pasta brings to you the best of both worlds – and you won’t feel like you have settled for less, even if you’re eating it over regular pasta because you cannot eat gluten.

Protein, Carbs and Fiber Galore!

Brown rice pasta is perfect for those who are looking for a power punch of carbohydrates, fiber and protein. A single 2-ounce serving of this gluten free pasta/noodle alternative can give you 40 percent carbs, 3 grams of fat and 4 grams of protein.

Another fun fact about brown rice pasta is that it can supply about 8 percent of your daily Iron needs. Brimming with antioxidants, a serving of brown rice pasta paired with veggies is good in preventing the risk of chronic disease. It also contains manganese, magnesium, selenium and phosphorus.

What’s Our Take on Gluten-Free Pasta Made from Brown Rice?

Brown rice pasta is excellent for those who need to eat gluten-free or who need a lower carb, higher fiber alternative. However, you must remember to watch out for valid certifications that tell you whether the pasta is organic (USDA organic), non-GMO (Non-GMO Project) and fairly made (B-Corp, Fairtrade).

For a transition that is truly healthy, it must not just suit your body, but also be something that you like and will be able to consistently maintain. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach as far as gluten-free pasta is concerned. Choose wisely, take your budget into account and invest in whole grain food after consulting your physician or nutritionist and listening to what your body needs.

Brown rice pasta isn’t going to pump up your health on its own unless it is accompanied by an ample dose of vegetables, protein, additional fiber and some control on your part. Couple your diet with enough exercise to reap the benefits of this gluten-free, superfood-derived product and you are good to go!

If you’re trying out some brown rice pasta, how about adding some delicious pasta sauce to the mix? Shop now for healthy, sustainable picks from our eco-friendly store!