When eaten in moderation, pasta can be part of a healthy diet. Whole-grain pasta may be a better choice for many, as it is lower in calories and carbs but higher in fiber and nutrients. However, in addition to the type of pasta you pick, what you top it with is just as important.

Is pasta a clean carb?

Chips, french-fries, fruit-juices from concentrate, breads and pastas are what we call “empty carbs”, meaning they don’t have much or any nutrition, and can spike your insulin levels leading to weight gain.

Is pasta healthier than rice?

For lower calorie and carbohydrate content, rice comes out top. But if protein and fibre is your aim, pasta wins over rice. That said, both can play a part in a healthy diet – and as the nutritional differences are quite small, it often comes down to which you would prefer.