Pasta is part of the average American’s diet – for some a large part – but since traditional pasta is made with wheat, it is off-limits to those who can’t tolerate gluten. The thought of never eating pasta again doesn’t sit well with most people so when they find out that gluten-free pasta exists, they are apt to let out a big sigh of relief.
All gluten-free pasta is not created equal and different brands contain different ingredients. Even though there are rumors abound that the best-tasting gluten-free pasta is not even sold in the United States, there are plenty of wonderful options here. In fact, the sheer number of choices might overwhelm someone new to the gluten-free diet. Several of the best versions sold here are even made in Italy.
Through much research about every brand of gluten-free pasta sold in the U.S., the brands listed below are my personal Top 5 picks. These are not necessarily the best-selling brands, in part due to the cost and/or the limited availability of some of them.
- Bi-Aglut – a blend of corn, potato, and lupin (lupin may cause allergic reactions for those with peanut allergy)
- Schar – a blend of corn and rice
- Bionaturae –a blend of rice, potato, and soy
- Ancient Harvest– a blend of quinoa and corn
- Andean Dream– a blend of Bolivian quinoa and rice (also dairy-free, corn-free, soy-free, egg-free, nut/peanut-free, and Kosher)
Tinkyada gluten-free pasta is the most widely available gluten-free brand in the U.S. It is made of white or brown rice and rice bran, and there are organic and non-organic versions of each. Rice pasta is not the most flavorful product on the market, but it’s often the lowest-priced option. Because Tinkyada is also corn, soy, and dairy free, it appeals to a larger market than many of the other gluten-free pasta.
The brands listed in my Top 5 list tend to offer a taste closer to wheat pasta than plain rice pasta. But it really relates to how particular the gluten-free consumer is. Many people are “foodies” and plain rice pasta will not excite their taste buds. However, the majority of people living gluten-free love absolutely love Tinkyada pasta.
Andean Dream is the most nutritious gluten-free pasta on my list, with Ancient Harvest coming in second. This is due to the quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) those brands are made with. Because of its fiber, iron, and protein content, Quinoa is one of the most nutritious grains available in the world today. Only recently has it become more widely discovered (and used) in the American food market.
Please tell us what your favorite gluten-free pasta is in the comments section below!
My family has always been dedicated fans of Tinkyada pasta. In fact, if you can believe it, my in-laws who are not on a gluten free diet actually prefer it over standard wheat pastas.
Great post!
Our absolute favorite is imported from Italy: Le Veneziane pasta on-line at http://www.quattrobimbi.com.
Excellent suggestion! I am always up for trying new brands and I’m sure stuff imported from Italy would be very good.
Finally tried the Le Veneziane pasta…it is phenomenal! I will keeping it in stock from now on! Thanks for the tip Kristine!
You are most welcome Tiffany ..,and the folks at http://www.quattrobimbi.com/pasta.aspx are great to work with also.
As an Italian (living in Italy) celiac boy, my son’s preference goes to Le Veneziane. You almost can’t tell the difference with wheat-flour pasta! I got to this blog looking for gluten-free food shops and/or supermarket because we are planning a holiday in San Francisco. Any suggestion is welcome! Thanks!
Thanks for the comment Laura!
As far as San Francisco, you may find some additional information here. Have fun on your trip!
Oh no….I didn’t know they finally started selling that Le Veneziane here! Well, there goes my food budget…I have got to try that pasta now after reading about people wanting to move to Italy to be able to enjoy it. Thanks for the tip! I always learn something new every day from our readers!
For San Fran (our fave city in the U.S.) check out http://www.cravebakery.com. They have a gluten-free product line that is sold in local Whole Foods stores. I’ve heard their stuff was incredible! Scoma’s on the Wharf (and their location across the bay in Sausilito) can do exceptional gf meals. Have fun!
Thank you Kyle and Tiffany! Now I have a lot of good names and tips, I’m sure our stay in SF will be fantastic without having to gwet worried everytime my son says “I’m hungry”.
I will keep an eye on this blog, it’s an incredible source of info. Thanks a lot!!
Glad we could help Laura! When I travel, I Google the name of the city we’re headed to and “gluten free”. This will bring up local support groups (if they are online) or local gluten free blogs which can be a great source of info on dining/food shopping. Have an excellent adventure in my favorite city by the Bay!
Yep! Tinkyada hands down! It’s the best for EVERYTHING!
I have some Le Veneziane in my pantry right now. I bought mine at Gluten-Free Trading Co. in Milwaukee.
Hi all,
Thank you Kristine for the endorsement !
Although we periodically add new promotions (i.e. $$$ off, free-shipping), don’t forget that you can always get 10% your entire purchase @ http://www.quattrobimbi.com by using coupon code SAVE10.on checkout page.
A full list of stores which carry our products is also listed on our website (GF Trading Co is one of them !)
Happy GF living everyone !!
Giorgio
Quattrobimbi – GF from Italy
Try ORGRAN ITALIAN STYLE PASTA.
It’s Australian made and available in the US. & 50 other countries
http://www.orgran.com/
They have all shapes.
For anyone who is interested in the vast range of products they make……..they are all kosher
I just did a search “orgran products in the us” and a whole load of suppliers came up.
They must have at least a hundred products in their range
Yes Orgran also makes a very,very nice product!!. You can read a review we did here:
http://www.glutenfreeda.com/product_testing-feb09.asp
Since that review they have increased their distribution considerably. I am personally fond of the Riso Mais spirals and purchase it by the case from Amazon. Reheats beautifully for lunches the next day without no stickiness or gummy texture.
Their Italian Style is even bettr in my opinion.
They have a huge range of products,
Bread mixes, cake and muffin mixes, pastry mixes, pancakes, gravies, soups, sauces,falafel,biscuits an biscuit mixes.
It’s an endless list Check out the web site
This a a link from a good number of mail order outlets in the US. One says they carry the entire range
I am so glad there are so may people talking about gluten free foods. I want to learn as much as possible. Please send any reciepies you many have to my blog at easyrecipies28.foodblog.com. THANKS!