Are Glass Noodles Healthy? (DETAILED ANSWER)

Glass noodles are also known as cellophane noodles and before you make them your go-to dinner every night, you should know if they are healthy or not. Due to the name, there have been many speculations about glass noodles being unhealthy. However, glass noodles are made from water and starch such as potato starch, mung bean starch, green pea starch, canna, and tapioca.

This type of noodle is not made with flour and 1 cup of serving has about 160 calories which is lower compared to regular ramen. Many Asian countries tend to produce glass noodles in their distinct form and they are fat-free.

Glass noodles are not healthy and not entirely unhealthy, either. They are an excellent source of carbohydrates which makes them a good fuel for your body, and even though they are high in carbs, they do not cause a spike in blood sugar. Glass noodles’ nutritional content is similar to that of white flour-based pasta, they won’t spike your sugar level. Still, they are not a great source of fiber, protein, or vitamins.

Korean glass noodles as they are popularly known are like clear glass when you cook which is where they got their name. Glass noodles are very popular in Southeast Asian cuisines and often they can serve hot or in cold preparations in soups. Learn more about glass noodles and their health benefits.

What Are Glass Noodles?

Glass noodles are a type of transparent noodle and they are very popular in the East. This type of noodle is made from starch such as mung bean starch, sweet potato starch, potato starch, tapioca, and green pea starch.

They are white when they are raw but when cooked, they turn opaque and they are produced in many distinct forms. These are not made with flour and contain 160 calories.

This type of noodles is relative to wheat noodles but they are slightly heavier and softer. If you have ever made a dish with glass noodles then you will understand how they got their name. It is also why they are called cell phone noodles, mung bean threads, or bean threads. This type of noodle is popular in the majority of Asian countries’ cuisines.

Glass noodles are very different from traditional noodles and pasta as they are made from mung bean starch and not flour. Glass noodles are lighter than other types of noodles but they do contain the same amount of carbs as regular spaghetti. They are delicious and easy to make and there are so many ways you can cook them.

Are Glass Noodles Healthy?

Glass noodles are not rich in nutrients but they are low in calories and ideal for including in a weight loss diet. Glass noodles can be described as healthy in terms of high carbohydrates so they do not cause a spike in sugar and they offer a gluten-free alternative as well, but the downside is that they are not a great source of protein, fiber or vitamins.

A cup of cooked glass noodles can provide you with about 6 percent of the daily value of iron, niacin, and selenium but you are not going to get a measurable amount of any other form of nutrients. However, there are so many ways glass noodles can be included in your diet and their calorie content is very low.

You can consider putting glass noodles on your diet plan if you need to boost carbs or if you are on a carbohydrate-loading diet. They are fat-free and make good inclusion in a weight loss diet as it takes time to digest and also support high-endurance sports or high-intensity exercise.

So, while glass noodles might not be that healthy but one cup serving will provide 36% of your daily carbs and there are so many varieties of dishes you can create with them. Glass noodles are a great substitute for wheat noodles, they are light, aid digestive health and are lower in glycemic index.

Japchae: Korean Glass Noodles Recipe

Glass noodles tastes are springy and light so they often seem like the healthier option compared to other types of noodles. However, if you do love Thai foods then it’s pretty hard not to want these translucent noodles and due to their gluten-free and sugar-free benefits, they are actually great to include in your weight loss diet.

The next time you do see glass noodles on the menu at a cuisine, they are actually worth trying. They might not be high in protein, fiber, and vitamins but they are delicious and also versatile. Check out the Korean glass noodle recipe, it is delicious and nutrient-filled.

Get the Korean glass noodle recipe here.

Are Glass Noodles Healthier Than Rice?

Yes, glass noodles are healthier compared to rice. Glass noodles can absorb more water than rice and wheat noodles so since there is more water in it a plate tend to contain fewer carbs. Also, they are gluten-free.

Glass noodles are also higher in iron and choline but they are lower in protein and fiber compared to rice.

In Conclusion

Glass noodles can be put on the menu if you are looking to boost your carb intake but when it comes to other health benefits, it’s not exactly the best choice of food.

Also, this noodle rates as low glycemic carbohydrates so you do not have to worry about it boosting your sugar.

Glass noodles are fat-free so they make good inclusion in a weight-loss diet. They are very versatile food items and they can be used in dishes like salads, soups, hot pots, and spring rolls.