Kelp Noodles: An Alternative to Pasta

So, what are kelp noodles? They are clear, thin noodles made from kelp, a kind of brown seaweed that is notable for its high iodine content.  And the ingredient list is simple: kelp, sodium alginate (a form of salt), and water.

Why are kelp noodles great? Kelp noodles are a negative calorie food. Negative calorie foods are the foods that take more calories to digest than they contain. Some great examples are cabbage, celery, broccoli, turnip, watermelon and grapefruit.

Not only are kelp noodles a negative calorie food, but they are low carb (1g per serving), gluten-free, fat-free, and contain only 6 calories per serving. To top that off they are filling and delicious. You can’t find a better pasta/rice substitute! Kelp noodles are perfect for people with diabetes or if you are trying to watch your carbohydrate intake.

What do kelp noodles taste like? I think they taste very neutral. They take on any flavor. They’re a little crunchy if you eat them raw like in a salad.

How do I cook kelp noodles? Kelp noodles come ready to use, no cooking required. All you have to do is rinse them with water, drain and add to any dish. Depending on what dish you are adding the noodles to, you may want to cut the noodles into smaller pieces.

I love using kelp noodles in soups and stir-fries but they are great in salads and as a spaghetti substitute! They taste great with pesto, marinara or any wide variety of sauces.

Where can I find kelp noodles? Kelp noodles are sold in Whole Foods, some natural-foods stores and Asian grocery stores and are also available for purchase online.