Are Rice Noodles Plant Based?

Though native to East Asian cuisine, rice noodles are popular across the world and prepared in several ways. Noodle lovers often have a lot of questions when they try a new diet. One such concern is seen among those who have switched to a plant-based diet. 

So, are rice noodles plant-based? Yes, rice noodles are plant based. The basic ingredients in Rice Noodles come from plants. Rice Noodles generally don’t contain anything that keeps them from being classified as plant-based.

In this post, let us try to understand what rice noodles contain to help you find out if you can make them a part of your plant-based diet. 

Why Rice Noodles Are Plant Based?

Rice noodles are a simple food generally made from plant-based ingredients. They don’t need any animal-derived components or dairy ingredients that could make them inappropriate for a plant-based diet. Noodles are made through a simple process that does not involve chemical processing or additives most of the time.

However, it is best to check the label for ingredients to make sure the product you are using does not contain ingredients that could interfere with your plant-based diet. 

What Are The Main Ingredients in Rice Noodles?

Rice noodles are mainly made from rice and water. The flour of rice is mixed with water to form a dough which is then cut into noodles. However, some other ingredients like tapioca or corn starch are often added to improve the texture of the noodles. 

While most rice noodles contain plant-based ingredients, there are brands that add eggs or gelatin which could make them inappropriate for a plant-based diet. Apart from this, some instant noodle varieties come with animal-based flavorings. Rice noodles are plant-based as long as they contain no animal-derived ingredients. 

Rice Noodles Nutrition

Rice noodles are one of the best options for everyday meals due to their mild flavor and great texture. They are available in a few varieties like brown and white rice and offer endless possibilities to incorporate them into daily diet. They don’t offer a lot of nutrients and are high in calories and carbs. This is why you should be cautious on the portion when using rice noodles as a part of a healthy diet plan.

Here is the nutritional info for 1 cup of cooked rice noodles.

• Calories – 186
• Carbohydrates – 42 g
• Fat – 0.4g
• Fiber – 1.8g
• Protein – 3.1g
• Sugar – 0.05g
• Sodium – 440mg

Apart from their carbs, protein, fiber and fat content, rice noodles contain small amounts of calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium. They are a good source of energy and a gluten-free option. These noodles are also free of common allergens like soy, eggs, dairy, wheat and nuts. 

Conclusion

So, you can add rice noodles to your plant-based diet without any concerns. Their mild flavor lets you cook them in multiple ways to suit your dietary requirements and taste. However, make sure you eat them with other plant-based foods and limit the portion if you are watching you