Best Gluten Free Pasta in UK for 2024

Whether you’re searching for a gluten-free alternative or want to try something new, we prepared the best gluten-free pasta in the UK in 2024.

Pasta has long been one of the UK’s most loved foods, but unfortunately, it’s also one of the most avoided. This is because pasta contains gluten, which has become associated with many different types of gut and health problems. 

In order to cater to those who are sensitive to gluten or are diagnosed with celiac disease, manufacturers have created and released gluten-free versions of their products.

Top 10 Best Gluten-Free Pasta In The UK

The gluten-free craze is still going strong, and it’s not hard to see why. More people are diagnosed with an intolerance or allergy to gluten, making a gluten-free diet beneficial. 

But how can you be sure that you’re choosing safe, nutritious and tasty pasta? Whether you need rice spaghetti, mung bean pasta or rice penne, we’ve provided a list of the best gluten-free pasta UK.

1. ZENB Yellow Pea Penne Pasta

ZENB is an online plant-based food brand on a mission to make delicious plant-forward products accessible and convenient, creating food that works for you and the planet, not against it.

ZENB’s pasta contains only one ingredient: yellow peas. Instead, they incorporate the husks in the manufacturing process, which provides additional fibre and nutrients to the noodle and results in a superior texture.

When I first saw the label, I was sceptical. Only peas? But I think these pasta pioneers were privy to a secret that the rest of us weren’t since the texture of this pasta is unrivalled in a celiac world.

Their name comes from the word zenbu (全部) – the Japanese expression for whole. We’ve used this idea to fuel our approach to developing products that embrace the whole plant, whole food experiences, across the whole day.

ZENB’s award-winning pasta is made from 100% yellow peas and nothing else. It’s gluten-free, high in protein, and high in fibre. And the most exciting part is that you don’t need to compromise on the taste, thanks to their cutting-edge technology that creates firm and al dente texture.

Furthermore, the pasta contains only one ingredient: yellow peas. Instead, they incorporate the husks in the manufacturing process, which provides additional fibre and nutrients to the noodle and results in a superior texture.

The pasta is available in three, six, or nine packs, but you can also get a set of just one cut, such as the FUSILLI.

With a little under £9 for a 3-pack, you get not just a delicious alternative to regular pasta but also a box of pasta at a fantastic price. Try ZENB’s delicious pasta and let us know what you think! 

Whatever selection you choose, you’ll receive a bowl full of delight that is GMO-free and has 10 grams more protein per serving than traditional wheat pasta. 

With so many brands out there, this is one of the best gluten-free pasta brands in the UK. Fortunately, I know where to look anytime I’m looking for the best gluten-free pasta near me.

You may want to check our review of ZENB UK to know more about their products.

Try out some of the Best Gluten Free Pasta at ZENB today.

2. Difatti Gluten-Free Plain Gnocchi Pasta

The Difatti brand has been around since 1868, offering delicious and authentic Italian products. The Difatti gluten-free plain gnocchi is made with high-quality ingredients that allow it to cook up light and airy.

Difatti Gluten-Free Gnocchi is delectable Italian dumplings handcrafted in the sun-drenched area of southern Italy. 

It is expertly created from the best potatoes, rice, and cornflour to deliver gnocchi’s typical flavour and texture.

This classic Italian recipe will bring Italy into your home. These kinds of pasta are delicious, from a simple butter and sage sauce to a hearty handmade bolognese. 

It is made with potato, maise, and rice! There are no GM ingredients. It’s highly versatile. 

You can use it just like regular pasta or pair it with your favourite sauces or toppings. It is one of the best gluten-free pasta for families. Vegans are welcome.

Zenb also features in our places to eat in London section.

Shop Gluten-Free Pasta Now.

Visit www.difatti.co.uk

3. Barilla Gluten-Free Fusilli Pasta

This fusilli pasta from Barilla is an excellent example of how gluten-free doesn’t have to mean flavour-free. The quality of ingredients used also contributes to its good taste and texture. 

This bulk purchase of Barilla’s dried fusilli is excellent for storing if you want to have portions throughout the month.

A 400 g box is a good size, and this pack of six works out to 30p each part! If you like, it is also available separately.

When you indulge in this rice flour fusilli, you won’t realise you’re eating wheat-free pasta because the taste and texture are identical to ordinary pasta.

Children enjoy the screw-like form, and it’s easy to consume and carry in a lunchbox for work as a pasta salad.

Visit www.barilla.com

4. Wicked Kitchen Rockin Ravioli

This is a must-try after winning gold at the Free From Food Awards in 2020. Each small packet is a little flavour delight, loaded with spinach, wild garlic, maise, onion, and a delicious coconut cheese alternative.

This exceptional mix of ingredients results in a delightful fresh pasta that will fulfil any savoury hunger.

You can prepare this pasta in minutes. Firstly, bring a large pan of water to a rolling boil. Add salt and pepper, then add your pasta and stir immediately to stop it from sticking together. 

Once tender (this should take around six minutes), drain it thoroughly and put it into a warmed serving bowl with a little olive oil to stop drying out. 

Mix in your sauce, topping with more freshly ground black pepper and extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

The 250 g bag has enough pasta for two people to share, or if you want to eat it all by yourself, you may enjoy it twice a week – keep in mind that it only lasts two days in the fridge once opened. This is one of the best gluten-free pasta for pasta salad. You can also view our article on the best gluten free noodles if you’re feeling inspired. 

Visit www.wickedkitchen.com

5. Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne

Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Penne is a superb choice for those seeking gluten-free pasta that’s chock full of nutrients. 

Whether you choose to exercise before or after lunch or dinner, Explore Cuisine’s high-protein penne may serve as an excellent snack or energy-boosting meal. Enjoy it a couple of hours before working out or afterwards to replenish.

Because lentils are naturally strong in protein and iron, and brown rice flour is included, you won’t be disappointed with this pasta. 

It is considerably more nutritious and has a comparable texture to regular pasta. The 250 g package contains enough for two or three servings.

It is easy to prepare, just like regular pasta. Boil for 7-9 minutes. Add a sauce for a quick and healthful lunch that the whole family will appreciate. 

Because Green Lentil Penne is more gritty and less slippery than regular pasta, it holds the sauce better, enhancing the whole flavour experience.

Visit www.explorecuisine.com

6. Dell Ugo Gluten-Free Fresh Penne

Because it includes no egg, dairy, or nuts, Dellugo’s fresh, plant-based penne is ideal for coeliacs and vegans. In addition, it is free of fourteen allergies so that you may serve it to everyone!

Every mouthful is delicious since the sauce coats and blends well with the penne.

You can prepare this pasta in only a few minutes, ideal for a fast lunch or late supper with a tomato or cheese sauce.   

For extra flavour, toss in some vegetables and meatballs just before serving. You can also try Dellugo’s gluten-free spaghetti and fusilli noodles and their other products, including rice flour pastries and bread.

To prepare, place water to a boil in a large pan over high heat. Once boiling, add 3 ounces of Dellugo penne pasta and reduce heat to medium-high. 

Visit www.dellugo.co.uk

7. Ciemme La Gnoccheria Gluten-Free Gnocchi

This gnocchi may become your new favourite if you’re looking for something hearty and gluten-free. La Gnoccheria is competitively priced for its 250 g packet weight and tastes fantastic even without gluten, dairy, or egg.

This delicious gnocchi is made from rice flour and potato. It has a fabulous texture that is almost indistinguishable from gluten-filled gnocchi. 

It is an excellent alternative to traditional pasta dishes and tastes great tossed with some pesto or a light garlic sauce. 

If you plan on reheating this pasta after cooking it once, keep in mind that it may get mushy, so avoid doing so.  

So, Ciemme La Gnoccheria will be a great addition to your diet for those looking for gluten-free pasta. It’s simple to cook and tastes fantastic.

Visit www.ciemmealimentari.it

8. Explore Cuisine Organic Edamame Spaghetti

While it might be hard to believe that soybeans can make a great noodle substitute, you’d be surprised by how many of us enjoy them every day. Explore Cuisine spaghetti is healthy, filling and delicious. 

This product is made from wheat-free, gluten-free edamame flour with added vitamins and minerals. Not only is Edamame spaghetti a tasty source of protein but also a great alternative to traditional pasta.

This spaghetti is a great lunchtime energy booster since it has a good amount of plant-based protein and fibre. 

Edamame beans are a terrific low-carb and antioxidant-rich alternative to wheat — they’ll make your skin glow and keep your tummy happy!

Explore cuisine’s goods are dried so they may be stored in the pantry without being used immediately, and this 200 g box serves 1-2 people. 

However, the distinct flavour isn’t for everyone, so you might want to test a single box before investing in a bigger quantity.

Visit www.explorecuisine.com

9. Seggiano Organic Red Lentil Fusilli

Despite being one of the more costly alternatives, the price of this sustainable artisan fusilli reflects the gentle method used by Seggiano to make it more than adequate for gourmet dining.

If you like to keep things easy, all you need to do is drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle with pesto.

This pasta is strong in protein and fibre and has an excellent consistency since it is made entirely of red lentil flour. 

But this isn’t always a negative thing because you won’t need much to be satisfied! The 250 g package also contains a couple of servings.

Since red lentil pasta is light and soft, it is ideal to be served with a clear broth or creamy sauce. Do not overcook! The texture can become mushy very quickly.

Visit www.seggiano.com

10. Barilla Gluten-Free Spaghetti

Barilla, one of Italy’s best-known pasta brands, has recently released a range of gluten-free pasta. 

This product comes in spaghetti and tagliatelle shapes. It is made with cornstarch and rice flour blended to create a natural taste.

Barilla’s gluten-free spaghetti is suitable for the entire family since there is enough for everyone in the 400 g packet.

If you want a tiny bit of spaghetti, you may store the remainder in the pantry. This spaghetti is convincing, as you’d expect from Barilla professionals.

It may be served with a homemade sauce, a jarred sauce, or simply just a sprinkling of cheese. Tuck in and savour every bite of delicious spaghetti in Italy’s favourite pasta form. 

Visit www.barilla.com

What Are Gluten-Free Pasta?

Before talking about the top best gluten-free pasta, let’s first discuss gluten. Gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, rye and barley.

For people with Celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can lead to unpleasant side effects such as bloating, cramping and diarrhoea. 

More precisely, Gluten-free pasta has been created without wheat or other allergen components by substituting them with maise, rice, or even potato flour. As a result, they are available in all of your favourite pasta shapes and sizes.

Why Should You Eat Gluten-Free pasta?

Gluten is a protein in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. Most UK restaurants serve pasta prepared with wheat flour and high levels of gluten. Grains such as corn, amaranth, rice, quinoa, and buckwheat provide gluten-free choices. 

These components have the same texture and flavour as gluten-free pasta. Below are some reasons why you should eat gluten-free pasta.

No Intolerance:  Allergies are another reason why people choose gluten-free pasta. Some people have a wheat allergy, which means that they cannot consume any wheat products.

Level of Protein Content: Corn-based pasta has other advantages over regular pasta. When you eliminate gluten from your diet, you can eliminate digestion issues and clear up serious skin problems like dermatitis and eczema.

Additional Nutrients: Gluten-free pasta tastes great, providing extra nutrients. The best part is that gluten-free pasta is more affordable than regular wheat-based pasta.

What to Look for in Gluten-Free Pasta

There are some things you should look at when buying gluten-free pasta.

Before buying gluten-free pasta, it’s essential to check its nutrition facts label. Just because pasta is gluten-free doesn’t mean it won’t pack on calories and fat. 

Unfortunately, many packaged gluten-free pasta offers little nutritional value beyond their high carbohydrates and fat content. 

Plus, some gluten-free pasta has added sugars or even artificial ingredients. To find a good option, look for one low in calories and fat and has at least 3 grams of fibre per serving. 

It ensures you get enough nutrients without consuming too many calories or unhealthy fats. You should also avoid any products with higher grams of saturated fat per serving. 

In addition to checking nutrition labels, it’s important to note what type of pasta you’re buying—and whether it will work with your recipe.

Gluten-Free Pasta Cooking Tips

• Make sure you use a large pot. It may lead to foam, but that is to be expected!
• Never use oil instead of salt.
• Give the spaghetti a thorough toss once it’s in the boiling water. Then, keep stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking together. You did hear us! Stir again and again.
• Cooking time varies based on making corn, rice or legume gluten-free pasta. After around 6 minutes, check the pasta. Some pasta cooks in about 6 minutes, whereas others take 10 minutes.
• Chickpea pasta, for example, cooks in around 7 minutes (al dente), but brown rice pasta takes a while due to the whole grain. In any case, the gluten-free pasta should be thoroughly cooked but not too soft or spongy. On the other hand, you don’t want goopy spaghetti, which gives gluten-free pasta a poor name.
• Drain the pasta just like you do your regular noodles. Unless otherwise specified in the guidelines. Because of the distinct flavour or residue, this is usually done while making quinoa pasta.
• Gluten-free spaghetti absorbs liquid quickly and dries out if not used immediately in a sauce.

Best Gluten-Free Pasta Dishes

Pasta is one of my all-time favourite meals. It’s quick and simple, ideal for weeknight dinners and more formal events.

Pasta is a blank canvas for whatever is seasonal and tasty at the moment, and here are the best gluten-free pasta dishes for you to try out. 

• Spicy Sausage Pasta and Sweet Peppers 

This is a great pasta dish to make if you want to add some spice to your life. The red pepper adds a nice kick, while roasted sweet peppers add a bit of sweetness.

• Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad with Shrimp:  

This is a great pasta salad to make when you want something light but filling. The shrimp, spinach, and pesto are all great protein sources, making it a perfect dish to serve at lunch or dinner.

• Pasta Puttanesca 

If you’re looking to add some Italian flair to your gluten-free pasta dishes, look no further than pasta puttanesca. So rich on the garlic, chilli, and salt tastes from the anchovy paste and olives- there is a lot of flavour for such little work.

• Pasta with Bacon, Pumpkin and Fried Sage 

If you want a pasta dish perfect for fall, look no further than pasta with bacon, pumpkin and fried sage. The pumpkin flavour will remind you of cinnamon rolls while providing more nutrition.

• Smoked Salmon Lemon Pasta and Mint Butter Sauce

If you’re looking to add a bit of luxury to your pasta dishes, look no further than smoked salmon lemon pasta. The mint butter sauce is rich and creamy while contrasting the salmon and lemon flavours. It is the best gluten-free pasta recipe to try out on a cold day.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gluten-free pasta healthier than regular pasta? 

Not necessarily. While many gluten-free kinds of pasta are lower in calories and fat than their traditional counterparts, some varieties can be higher in sugar and sodium, so it’s essential to read labels. 

Does gluten-free pasta taste the same as regular pasta?

It depends on what you’re used to. For example, many people who have been eating gluten-free pasta find that it tastes much like regular pasta, and some of the best gluten-free pasta restaurants now offer gluten-free pasta as an alternative to their traditional dishes. However, some people do report a difference in taste, mainly if they are used to whole wheat or high-fibre varieties of pasta.

Does Barilla pasta have gluten?

No! But, to obtain a familiar pasta taste and texture, this gluten-free pasta is prepared using a delightful combination of maise and rice. Furthermore, it is made on a gluten-free line, suitable for consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What is the healthiest type of pasta?

Whole grain pasta has fewer calories, vitamins and minerals than white, refined pasta, making it a healthier option. In addition, whole grains are rich in fibre and slow-release carbohydrates, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Conclusion

The gluten-free trend has continued to grow into 2023 over recent years, and with more options than ever before, it’s easier to stay on track without sacrificing your favourite dishes. 

From a wider variety of bread and pizza bases to pasta and even noodles, there are several ways you can enjoy your favourite recipes without having to worry about going off track.