KETO VERDICTAVOID
White pasta should be avoided on keto. With ~23–26g net carbs per 100g cooked, it will quickly exceed daily carb limits; swap for zucchini or shirataki noodles to keep carbs low.
Is White Pasta Keto?
Pasta & Noodles
White pasta should be avoided on keto. With ~23–26g net carbs per 100g cooked, it will quickly exceed daily carb limits; swap for zucchini or shirataki noodles to keep carbs low.
- Net carbs (100g)24g
- Protein (100g)5–6g
- Fat (100g)0.8–1.2g
- Keto verdictAvoid on keto
NUTRITION FACTS
Per 100g (raw)
Net Carbs
24g
Total Carbs
25.5g
Fiber
1.5g
Protein
5–6g
Fat
0.8–1.2g
Calories
120–150
Source: USDA FoodData Central
WHY IT'S NOT KETO-FRIENDLY
- Not keto-friendly: ~24g net carbs per 100g cooked crowds out your daily carb budget
- Portion distortion: A typical serving (150–200g cooked) can exceed 35–45g net carbs
- Rapid glycemic impact: Refined starch can spike blood sugar/insulin
- Better swaps: Zucchini noodles, shirataki, or spaghetti squash provide similar formats with far fewer carbs
HEALTH BENEFITS
- Provides some B vitamins from wheat (e.g., folate if enriched)
- Contains small amounts of minerals such as iron
- A modest protein source compared to many starches
- Cooling after cooking can form limited resistant starch
- Pairs well with nutrient-dense sauces (e.g., pesto) when using low-carb noodle alternatives
PREPARATION SUGGESTIONS
LOW-CARB “PASTA” SWAP
Use zucchini-noodles or shirataki-noodles; toss with olive-oil, pesto, and parmesan-cheese for a keto-friendly bowl.
SPAGHETTI SQUASH BOWL
Roast spaghetti-squash, then top strands with meat sauce (ground-beef-90-10) and pecorino-romano for a lower-carb comfort dish.