Gluten vs. Gluten-free

Facts About Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and related grains in the wheat family like barley, rye, spelt, faro and bulgur. Foods made from wheat such as breads, cereals, and pasta, contain gluten. Gluten helps pasta maintain its many shapes and gives it the slightly chewy texture.

Most people enjoy products that contain gluten without any side effects. For those individuals who chose not to eat gluten or have been diagnosed by a doctor with a gluten sensitivity, there are numerous gluten-free pasta options that allow them to enjoy a wide variety of pasta dishes.

Several types of pasta, spikelets of wheat  on white
Curried Coconut Mussels over Rice Noodles
Curried Coconut Mussels over Rice Noodles

Gluten-free Pasta

Gluten-free pasta is interchangeable in all recipes. The biggest difference you will find when replacing wheat pasta for gluten-free pasta is a difference in texture. Cooking times also vary with gluten-free pasta in particular, so it is important not to overcook. Check out our healthy Pasta Fits recipes here, including this Curried Coconut Mussels over Rice Noodles, which was created especially for those following a gluten-free diet.

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