Zero Calorie Pasta...

I'll agree with Sunshine. Spaghetti squash is the best. And you just reminded me to get some next time i'm at the grocery store. Great stuff.

You have to rinse them for about 20 minutes for the odd smell to go away. They tasted OK, but eh, not my thing. I'm with everyone else, rather just have a small portion of real pasta.

But yes, they are zero calories, but they aren't even really a food. They have no nutritional value, and act solely as a filler. BTW, they don't even make you full, not even a little.

Too stinky. Blah!

Spaghetti squash is much better IMO

Must agree with this! I couldn't get past the fishy smell of the shirataki noodles to even try and put them in my mouth!! Spaghetti squash is way better!!

They're not a really a pasta, they're a traditional Japanese noodle, therefore they are not going to have any of the same characteristics as pasta, other than being long and stringy. They are made from konjac, which is a root, a sort of yam. They are pretty much soluble fibre.

They are rubbery, which, if that is the texture you enjoy, then you'd like 'em. If not, then steer clear. The tofu variety contains a small amount of carbohydrates, which changes the texture to something less rubbery.

They are stored in water, which is how they are preserved, they contain a fishy smell, some of which can be washed away by cooking and/rinsing.

I don't love, nor dislike them but if you're desperate for noodles and don't want carbs, they may be the alternative you're looking for. You just have to know what to expect.

My Mom taught me as a small child that if something smells rancid when you open it, it is better not to eat it! Bought some, opened them, gagged, took them outside to the trash can instead of my kitchen trash... Lesson learned!

If you like eating out of a minnow bucket they might be good...nope still would be gross. Think nasty fish smelling rubber bands. They are really that gross.

Shirataki are about 20 calories a serving, NOT 0. They require more work to prepare, like rinsing and drying in a skillet. They also need a very flavorful accompaniment. Do they replace spaghetti? No, but they work rather well in any recipe that would have originally used a rice noodle. They are chewier, but the fishy smell and flavor can be reduced with the proper preparation.
I love it in stirfrys, it bulks up the meal and I can add more calories with better foods.

Miracle noodles,the clear ones are 0 calories a serving. I put them with a laughing cow cheese wedge, parm cheese, broccoli and chicken.

I have used it before, It was approved by my GI Dr & Nutritionist.
It is basically a derivative from the aloe vera plant - or some plant ;-)
It comes in single serving packages and does have somewhat a stinch when you first open the pack.
You rinse them & then blanch them in boiling water, redrain and put on a paper towel.
I have used the rice with a turkey rice dinner and it it did 'absorb' the flavor or what I was eating.
They are very filling because it is basically fiber.
I have used the Garlic and Herb pasta with some Garlic and Molly McButter before - not the best but I was
hungry and just wanted a little filler.
Anyway - they are different but can be an option on those days you are extra hungry and want to stay within your calories.
Just MY two cents.

Dr Oz swears by them!!! :happy:

So there's a reason to question their real value. :grumble:

Not a big Dr Oz sellout fan.

If you want low-calorie "spaghetti", I would recommend getting a julienne peeler and making spaghetti out of zucchini. It's pretty much flavorless, so you can put whatever you want on top, plus it cooks quickly and is obviously very good for you!

Or just buy a spaghetti squash and cut it open? Hard part's already done and waiting for you on the inside.

I have tried both of these options and they are awesome! My favorite however is the spaghetti squash.

Shirataki are about 20 calories a serving, NOT 0.

Not according to the package I just pulled out of my fridge. All zero's except Total carbs are listed as "Less than 1" and Iron is listed as 8%. Even if I assumed it contained 1 gram of digestible carbs per serving (3oz) I could eat a whole pound and only consume 20 calories. That's less than celery.

I use both the miracle noodles and the tofu Shirataki noodles. One has 0 calories and the others have 40 calories a bag. You have to rinse them very well and dry them and the I just cook them in the microwave for a minute. I like them better than normal pasta.

I agree. Rinse them well and they cook just fine. They take on the taste of whatever seasoning you apply to it. I think you should give it a shot and see for yourself. Some like the texture (like me) and others don't.

I used it in stirfry and veggies dishes.

Remind anyone else of Mealz from Good Omens? Or perhaps Snakz?

On topic- I'd recommend spaghetti squash over the fake noodles. We bought a spiralizer and make our own noodles from zucchini, squash, carrots- whatever we want. Eggplant noodles are great too! It's very low-cal with the added benefit of fiber.

you know they can label it zero calories as long as its under 10 cals per serving so if there are 10 servings per packet thats a 100 cals, only things that are 0 cals actually are water and salt some having 1 or 2 but still have some they do add up