Dr. Oz has named kelp noodles the new, “No-carb pasta” because they are very low in carbohydrates and calories. A whole package is only 20 calories! So, if you are looking for a healthy, gluten-free pasta substitute, then give these noodles a try. They are so easy to use that they don’t even require cooking.

What Are Kelp Noodles?

Kelp noodles typically have 3 ingredients; kelp, sodium alginate and water. Kelp is edible brown seaweed and sodium alginate is a salt derived from seaweed. These simple ingredients make these noodles a healthy alternative to pasta because seaweeds are nutrient-dense and are full of minerals. Kelp noodles contain zero fat, zero cholesterol and zero sugar. On top of all that, they are gluten-free! These noodles also contain no protein and have only 1 gram of fibre per serving, so it is best to eat them with natural sources of protein and fibre, like legumes to balance your meal.

How To Use Kelp Noodles

Kelp noodles are used in cooking and as a comfort food substitute. Making diet and lifestyle changes is challenging, however, there are ways to make it easier and tastier. Using these noodles in place of pasta or other high-calorie noodles is one way to make your transition easier.

Kelp noodles are great for those individuals who want to lose weight because they are very low in calories and one serving has less than 10 calories. Since they are gluten-free, they make a great choice for anyone who is avoiding gluten or has gluten allergies. These noodles are rich in iodine, which is important for thyroid health and preventing hypothyroidism.

You can use these noodles if you are following a raw food diet because they do not require cooking in their preparation. However, not all kelp noodles are raw, so be sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s label.

Key Health Benefits & Nutrients of Kelp Noodles

Since kelp noodles are made from kelp, they have many of the benefits that eating kelp does. Kelp is naturally rich in iodine and contains over 70 minerals and trace elements like potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Iodine is a trace mineral and essential nutrient that you need to get through your diet by eating sea vegetables like kelp. Iodine is used by your thyroid to make thyroid hormones and plays a key role in metabolism and thyroid function. However, like all foods, moderation is the key to balance. You can get too much iodine, which can make some thyroid conditions worse, so do not consume more than 3-4 servings of these noodles per week.

Using This Gluten-Free Pasta

Kelp noodles do not require cooking and can be used right out of the bag. Just rinse under water, pat dry and incorporate into your favourite dishes. Rinsing reduces the salt content and taste. Kelp noodle’s neutral taste makes them a great addition to flavorful salads, stir-fries, hot broths and casseroles. While you expect them to taste like a noodle because they are shaped that way, they have no taste and tend to pick up the flavour of whatever they are mixed with. The texture is mildly crunchy or a little like al dente pasta.