Goodles: The Healthier Pasta That Actually Passed My Family’s Taste Test

As a mom of two little ones, I can tell you that mac and cheese is more than just a dish in our house—it’s practically a lifestyle! 

My kids could practically live off it if I let them, but as much as they love the cheesy, gooey goodness, I’m always on the lookout for something healthier.

 I mean, who wouldn’t want their kids’ favorite comfort food to be not just tasty, but also packed with nutrients?

 I’ve experimented with so many ‘healthy alternatives,’ like chickpea pasta, but they always seemed to lack that comforting, satisfying essence of the ‘good stuff.’ 

Until I found Goodles. 

To be honest, I didn’t have high hopes at first. After all, I’ve been disappointed by many ‘healthy pasta’ brands in the past. But let me tell you, Goodles is a game-changer! 

It’s not just another healthy noodle—it’s a protein-packed, delicious pasta that my kids devour without a clue about how good it is for them! 

What is Goodles?

Goodles, in their own fun words, is “noodles made gooder.” But what does that really mean? Simply put, Goodles is a reimagined pasta that marries the timeless taste of classic noodles with a boatload of nutrition and sustainable sourcing.

The ingredient list is the heart and soul of Goodles. Their Cheddy Mac version starts with organic pasta made from wholesome organic wheat flour. 

Goodles’ cheese component isn’t left behind in this health revolution either. They use dried cheddar cheese derived from cultured, pasteurized milk and non-animal enzymes. 

This guarantees the cheesy goodness we all crave in our mac & cheese, but without any synthetic additives or animal byproducts that some might prefer to avoid.

But it doesn’t stop at the cheese and pasta. 

A closer look at the ingredients reveals an array of thoughtfully included items: tapioca starch, corn starch, and a mix of butter, nonfat milk, and whey for that rich creaminess. 

The use of coconut oil instead of less healthy oil options is another smart choice that not only adds to the dish’s nutritional profile but also imparts a unique flavor twist.

The pasta is then rounded off with ingredients like sunflower lecithin, cultured whole milk, and cultured whey, which lend a depth of flavor and creamy consistency to the mac & cheese.

Goodles is a brilliant reinterpretation of a classic pasta dish. It’s made with carefully sourced ingredients that aim to nourish without compromising on flavor.

 It’s a protein-packed, feel-good option for anyone who wants to take a familiar comfort food to the next nutritious level.

Flavors

Currently there are a few different flavors available. Goodles is available in:

Cheddy Mac and Cheese – their traditional macaroni and cheese – think Kraft Mac and Cheese

Shella Good – Shell pasta with white cheddar sauce

Twist My Parm – Shells with a mix of Parmesan and Asiago cheeses

Mover and Shaker – Cacio e pepe inspired pasta

They have also come out with a vegan version of their pasta, but I haven’t tried that yet.

Related Post: How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better

Nutrition

Let’s take a look at the nutrition inside the Chedy Mac and Cheese:

Per serving( 74g dry mix):

3.5 g Fat

47g Carbs

6g Fiber

14g Protein

Each box has 2 1/2 servings.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients inside a box of Cheddy Mac and Cheese:

Goodles Noodles (Wheat Flour, Chickpea Protein, Wheat Protein, Nutrients Extracted From [Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Sunflower Seed, Cranberry, Chlorella, Maitake Mushroom, Shiitake Mushroom]), Cheddar Cheese Blend (Cultured Milk, Whey, Buttermilk, Salt, Disodium Phosphate, Color [Annatto, Paprika, Turmeric], Enzymes), Butter (Cream, Salt, Enzymes), Salt, Tapioca Flour, Dried Maple Syrup, Lactic Acid.

My Verdict on Goodles

I first stumbled upon Goodles while scrolling through one of my Facebook groups. Like many other moms singing its praises, I was intrigued but remained a little skeptical. 

How many times had we been promised the ‘perfect healthy pasta’ only to be let down? 

Still, something told me to try it, so when I saw it at Target a few weeks ago, I decided to pick up a box instead of our usual Banza.

To my surprise, Goodles tasted just like the good ol’ Kraft Mac and Cheese that we all know and love. 

Yes, you read it right! 

A healthier version of pasta that doesn’t taste like cardboard – it’s the dream!

As for cooking it, the process was a breeze. Unlike other healthy pastas that tend to become overly foamy and are harder to manage while boiling, Goodles behaved just like regular pasta. 

The real test, though, came at the dinner table. Would my picky eaters detect the switch?

 I held my breath as my husband and kids took their first bites. 

To my delight, they devoured it. 

Every. Single. Bite. 

I could barely contain my joy as I realized I’d finally found a healthier pasta option that my family genuinely enjoyed.

The best part is that you can now buy Goodles in stores like Target! No longer do you have to exclusively order it online and wait patiently (or not so patiently) for it to arrive or have to buy huge quantities to get free shipping. It’s just there, waiting for you during your usual grocery run.

We’re definitely adding Goodles to our future shopping lists. It’s fantastic to find an easy-to-make, healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on that classic mac & cheese taste. 

Goodles, you’ve won over this family, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with next!

Goodles vs. Banza

When it comes to healthy pasta alternatives, two names that often come up are Goodles and Banza. Both aim to provide a nutritious twist to the classic pasta we all love, but how do they stack up against each other? 

Let’s dive in.

Starting with Banza, it’s a chickpea pasta that has garnered quite a following due to its high protein and fiber content. However, as far as taste and texture go, Banza falls into the “you can tell it’s not regular pasta” category. 

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially if you’re accustomed to alternative pasta. But for those looking for an exact match to classic pasta, it might not fully hit the mark.

As for cooking Banza, the process and cook times are similar to that of regular pasta. 

However, be warned, Banza has a foaming issue. 

While boiling, it tends to foam excessively and can easily overflow if not monitored closely. This requires a bit more attention and diligence during cooking to prevent a messy kitchen situation.

On the other hand, Goodles is a standout in the taste department. It’s near-identical to the classic Kraft Mac and Cheese, a feat that many other alternative pastas have tried but failed to achieve.

Goodles doesn’t have the foaming issue that Banza has, making the cooking process much more straightforward and manageable.

Nutrition Comparison

Now, let’s talk about nutrition. For a 64g serving, Banza boasts 210 calories, 3.5g fat, 35g carbs, 14g protein, and 6g fiber.

Goodles, on the other hand, for a slightly larger serving of 74g dry, delivers 260 calories, 47g carbs, 3.5g fat, and 14g protein. 

Neither of these calculations include the optional milk or butter you may add, so keep that in mind when planning your meals.

While Banza offers a nutritious alternative with its high protein and fiber content, the taste, texture, and cooking experience fall a bit short compared to Goodles. 

Goodles not only delivers on nutrition but also closely mimics the taste and texture of traditional pasta, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on the familiar flavors they love.

Choosing Between Goodles and Banza

When deciding between Goodles and Banza, your personal dietary goals, taste preferences, and cooking styles come into play.

Calories

If you’re specifically counting calories and aiming for a lower calorie intake, Banza might be a better choice for you. With fewer calories per serving compared to Goodles, Banza can help you maintain your calorie count while still enjoying a satisfying pasta dish. 

Taste and Texture

However, if the taste and texture of traditional pasta are important to you, Goodles would be a superior choice. Goodles remarkably replicates the taste and feel of classic pasta, making it a great option for those who want to maintain the traditional pasta experience while adding some extra nutrition.

 It’s also an excellent choice if you’re cooking for kids or others who might be picky about alternative pasta options.

Cooking

For those who prefer a more straightforward cooking process, Goodles takes the lead. Unlike Banza, which can get quite foamy and requires more attention while cooking, Goodles behaves like regular pasta in the pot, resulting in less kitchen stress and mess.

Ultimately, the choice between Goodles and Banza largely comes down to your individual preferences and dietary goals. Whether you’re prioritizing taste, texture, calorie count, or cooking process, both pasta alternatives offer unique advantages. 

Choose the one that best aligns with your needs, and enjoy a delicious, healthier take on your favorite pasta dishes.

Where to Buy

Goodles can be bought through their website, on Amazon, and at traditional retailers like Target.