Is Whole Wheat Pasta Lower in Carbs? Are our whole wheat pasta and regular wheat pasta any different when it comes to carbs? Learn all the differences between them and find out which one is better for you!
Whole wheat and regular wheat pasta are far from the same, even though they look similar. Comparing them can help you determine which one is better for you and your diet goals. Find out how many carbohydrates each contains, plus the other differences between them here.
What are the Differences between Whole Wheat and Regular Wheat Pasta?
Whole wheat pasta is made from whole wheat grain, which makes it more dense and nutritious than regular pasta. It’s higher in fibre, vitamins, minerals and proteins, but has the same number of carbs as regular wheat pasta. Regular wheat pasta is usually made from only the interior part of the grain, making them much lighter and easier to digest. They still contain carbs, but not as much fibre or protein as whole wheat pasta.
Whole wheat pasta is a great option for those looking to eat healthier, as it offers more nutrients per serving. However, when it comes to carb count, there is not much of a difference between whole wheat and regular wheat pasta. Overall, whole wheat pasta provides better nutritional benefits than regular pasta and can be a good choice if you’re looking to increase your fibre or protein intake. Just keep in mind that both types should be eaten in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet.
How Many Carbs Does Each Type of Pasta Contain?
While whole wheat and regular wheat pasta contain about the same carbs, there is a slight difference in their nutritional profile. A 1/2 cup serving of cooked whole wheat spaghetti contains 37 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, and 2 grams of fibre. Regular wheat pasta has slightly fewer carbohydrates with 34 grams per 1/2-cup serving, but fewer fibre and protein at 2 and 3 grams respectively.
The most significant difference in the nutritional profile of whole wheat and regular wheat pasta lies in their glycemic load. The glycemic index measures how quickly carbohydrates are broken down and turned into blood sugar, with low glycemic load foods having a score of 10 or less. Regular wheat pasta has a higher glycemic load than whole wheat pasta. A 1/2-cup serving of cooked regular spaghetti has a glycemic load of 17, compared to 11 for the same serving size of cooked whole wheat spaghetti. As such, they are eating whole-grain plates of pasta is more likely to manage their blood sugar levels over time.
Does Whole Wheat Versus Regular Pasta Have Additives and Preservatives?
Generally, whole wheat pasta has fewer additives and preservatives than regular wheat pasta. While regular wheat pasta often contains extra ingredients like malt syrup and colouring agents, whole wheat options generally just contain the two main ingredients – flour and water. Whole wheat pasta is usually fortified with additional vitamins to increase its nutritional value as well.
Whole wheat pasta also generally has a lower carb content than regular wheat pasta. This is because whole wheat contains more fiber, which helps keep your blood sugar low and steady. The addition of vitamins to the whole wheat pasta also makes it a much healthier option for those looking to watch their carb intake or stay on a healthy diet.
Additionally, since there are usually fewer additives and preservatives in whole wheat pasta, it can have a lighter texture and taste fresher when cooked than regular grocery store varieties.
How Can I Cook Whole Wheat and Regular Wheat Pasta Differently?
Cooking both types of pasta is not very different. For whole wheat, use a bit more water than you would for regular wheat and make sure to stir the pot often so it doesn’t stick together. Whole wheat usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook, whereas regular wheat only needs about 6-8 minutes. Additionally, be sure to drain the cooked pasta immediately and serve it with your favourite sauce.
That being said, the difference lies in the nutritional content. Whole wheat pasta is more nutritious than regular wheat pasta as it is higher in fiber and has a lower glycemic index. Whole wheat pasta contains more protein, B vitamins, and minerals than regular wheat. Additionally, whole wheat pasta is lower in carbs than regular, with 13gm per serving compared to 19gm per serving for regular. Furthermore, whole wheat can help to regulate blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels due to its high fibre content.
Is One Healthier Than the Other?
When it comes to carbs and health benefits, whole wheat pasta has an advantage over regular. The recipe contains roughly twice as much fibre as common wheat, making it a great choice for those interested in keeping their diet low in simple carbohydrates.
Pasta also is a significant source of iron, thiamin, niacin and other B vitamins, whereas regular does not contain these vitamins. For those looking for more nutrition out of their noodles, whole wheat is the healthier option.
In terms of carbohydrates, both regular and whole wheat pasta contains about the same carbs per serving. If keeping carbohydrate levels low is your primary goal, you may want to consider switching to brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta, which contain more fibre and protein than wheat varieties. Quinoa and brown rice kinds of pasta are higher in calories but have fewer calories from carbohydrates because they are not made with refined grains.