Put to the Test: Slim Pasta. Does Carb-Free Pasta Actually Taste Good?
Slim Pasta, made from konjac flour, promises pasta enjoyment without the carbs. We bought it, cooked it, and tasted it ourselves. Here's our honest verdict.
Last week someone told me about a so-called Slim Pasta — a "noodle" with no carbohydrates at all. That got me curious right away. So I picked some up at a local health food shop (200 grams cost about £2.50 at the time) and put it to the test for you.
A quick note first: in my own kitchen, I generally recommend going easy on carbs, which means being a bit cautious with classic pasta too. That made the question even more interesting: can a carb-free pasta alternative actually hold its own on taste?
What is Slim Pasta?
Slim Pasta is made mostly of water and konjac flour (also called moyu). Konjac flour comes from the konjac root, which is high in fibre and binds water very strongly — a property the food industry has learned to make good use of. I'd come across konjac root before: as glucomannan, it turns up in various products marketed around dieting.
At the time, the manufacturer marketed Slim Pasta as carb-free and sugar-free, with just 0.2% fat, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, and suitable for people with diabetes. These are the manufacturer's own claims from back then, not a recommendation from us.
Nutritional values as stated on the packaging at the time
For reference, here are the figures per 100 grams as given by the manufacturer at the time (estimated values):
- Energy: 7.7 kcal
- Fat: 0.2 g, of which saturates 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g, of which sugars 0 g
- Sodium: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Plant fibre: 2.7 g
How it's prepared
Preparation couldn't be simpler, since the noodles are already fully cooked. They're packed in a calcium hydroxide solution and need a thorough rinse under warm water before use. After that, just warm them through for 2 to 3 minutes in your sauce of choice.
Taste and texture
The taste and texture reminded me more of glass noodles, just a bit thicker. I served mine with a classic tomato sauce and even let them sit in it for over an hour so they'd soak up more flavour. I paired it with scrambled eggs for some protein on the side. One tip: make sure you drink enough water after eating this type of pasta.
My verdict: does carb-free pasta actually taste good?
Taste-wise, this one didn't win me over. Given the choice, I'd rather have a small portion of "real" pasta than reach for a substitute like this. And luckily, there's always courgette noodles (a.k.a. "zoodles") as an option — they taste far better to us anyway.
Frequently asked questions
What is Slim Pasta?
Slim Pasta is a pasta alternative made mostly of water and konjac flour. Konjac flour comes from the konjac root, which is rich in fibre and binds water strongly.
How do you prepare Slim Pasta?
The noodles come pre-cooked, packed in a calcium hydroxide solution. Rinse them thoroughly under warm water, then warm them through for 2 to 3 minutes in your chosen sauce.
What does Slim Pasta taste like?
The taste and texture are similar to glass noodles, just a touch thicker. In our test, it didn't really convince us, even after letting it sit in tomato sauce for an hour.
How many calories does Slim Pasta have?
According to the packaging at the time, around 7.7 kcal per 100 grams, with 0 grams of carbohydrates and 2.7 grams of plant fibre. These figures are for general orientation only.
Note: This article is for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice and is no substitute for diagnosis or treatment by doctors or qualified nutrition professionals. If you have any health concerns, please see your doctor.