Low-Carb Noodle Showdown: Hearts of Palm vs. It’s Skinny

In the world of low-carb and gluten-free noodles, there are quite a few players and even more claims. From sweet potato noodles to zucchini noodles (aka "zoodles") to pasta made from chickpeas and beans, there's a lot out there, and it can be hard to choose.

Today, we decided to break down the difference between It’s Skinny Shirataki pasta vs. Heart of Palm pasta. If you're looking for a great alternative to traditional pasta, here's what you need to know.

Understanding Shirataki Noodles

Why do folks want low-carb noodles anyway? You might consider a low-carb diet and seek out a low-carb pasta alternative for many reasons. Weight control is one big factor, but some folks need to cut out gluten due to allergies, prefer a low-calorie pasta option, or need to watch carbohydrate intake due to a condition like diabetes.

Fortunately, It’s Skinny Pasta works for any and all of the above situations. It’s gluten-free, low-calorie, and plant-based with zero net carbs. How do they do it? How do they make delicious noodles without carbohydrates? Let’s meet konjac root.

The konjac plant is native to Asia and predominantly used in Japanese cuisine. The root of the plant resembles a turnip, potato, or radish. Inside the konjac root is a special type of fiber known as glucomannan, which helps keep blood sugar levels steady.

Shirataki noodles are low-carb, low-calorie, and high in filling fiber. The noodles have a neutral taste, and their texture absorbs flavors well. They cook up quickly, too. Simply open the pack, drain, and add the noodles to your pan at the end of cooking the other ingredients. Within 3-5 minutes, you'll have a yummy pasta dish with no guilt!

What are Hearts of Palm Noodles?

Hearts of Palm noodles are sold under several brand names, like Palmini and Natural Heaven. You may also find store brands and canned hearts of palm, which can be used as a swap for pasta as well as certain types of seafood. It’s also a common option for salad.

Hearts of Palm are derived from the inner core of a palm tree. The tree used for Hearts of Palm typically comes from Central and South American countries such as Costa Rica, Ecuador, or Brazil. Many of the indigenous peoples from these regions have used Hearts of Palm for centuries.

Hearts of Palm pasta is also quite low in calories and carbs. Most pasta varieties feature about 20 calories per serving and about 2 grams of net carbs (slightly higher than shirataki noodles). They also have high dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for people looking for low-carb pasta options.

The unique ingredient has a nutty, vegetal flavor and a crisp texture. In some types of cooking applications, the noodles can become mushy or watery after heating. Generally, hearts of palm are best when used in traditional dishes like Brazil’s salada de palmito (hearts of palm salad), where the softer texture works well.

Stacking Up the Health Benefits: Hearts of Palm vs. It’s Skinny

So, when you put the two types of pasta alternatives head-to-head, who comes out on top?

• · Low-Calorie & Low-Carb: Both It's Skinny and Hearts of Palm Noodles, like Palmini, are low in calories and carbs. It’s Skinny has only 9 calories per pack and ZERO net carbs. Palmini has about 20 calories per pack and about 2 net carbs.
• · Suitable for Many Diets: Hearts of Palm Pasta and It’s Skinny noodles are low-carb, gluten-free, and plant-based. It's Skinny is available in organic varieties as well as traditional with several shapes, including Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Angel Hair, Rice Shape, Couscous, and Pappardelle.
• · High Fiber Content: Both types of noodles have high fiber content. It's Skinny has better numbers and contains a particularly wonderful kind of fiber called glucomannan, which benefits digestive health and helps keep you fuller longer. Glucomannan has prebiotic properties for gut health, too.

While both noodle options have healthy benefits and work for diets like keto, low-carb, and low-calorie, It’s Skinny offers a few more health benefits and helps keep you feeling full. It's also an excellent choice for those concerned about glycemic index.

The Versatility of Noodles

Likely, you’re already familiar with just how versatile traditional noodles can be. Well, It’s Skinny noodles are just as versatile (some would argue even more so.

Use It's Skinny in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to soups to salads. Plus, they couldn't be easier to prepare. Simply drain, rinse, and set aside until your other ingredients and preferred sauce are done cooking. Add It’s Skinny to the pan, and it's ready in just a few minutes. There's no need to boil water or wait for the ideal al dente texture.

Better still, It’s Skinny noodles take on the flavors of the surrounding ingredients. Unlike some noodle and pasta alternatives, there’s no aftertaste. The texture is right and with all the varieties available, it’s easy to get into this pasta alternative and it's the healthiest way to satisfy your carb cravings.

Hearts of palm are similarly versatile, but due to their distinct taste they can overpower some dishes and some folks find them off-putting. You can often combat this with a little extra seasoning.

Hearts of palm noodles are also quite easy to prepare. Some diners report that they get a little soggy or mushy, which can add more water content to certain dishes. It’s important to get the preparation right for the best results.

The Availability of Shirataki & Hearts of Palm

Shirataki noodles come from a root called konjac. Konjac root happens to be extremely easy to farm with minimal environmental impact. Although most konjac is grown in its native Asia, it’s a versatile product that is good for consumers and the environment.

The ingredients for hearts of palm pasta come from the heart of the palm tree. Heart of palm pasta is also harvested using an environmentally sustainable process in most cases. However, there are some concerns about the harvesting of palm trees and the environmental impact, including deforestation and habitat loss.

Both noodle alternatives are affordable and available in stores and online. As shirataki has grown in popularity over the last several years, it’s become a pantry and kitchen staple. We often encourage It’s Skinny customers to order a 6 pack of their favorite shape or a variety pack to get several options. This helps ensure that you always have It’s Skinny noodles on hand and ready to go.

Add your own ingredients to It's Skinny dishes, like tomato sauce, pesto, or Asian-inspired stir fry. This low-carb pasta substitute pairs perfectly with other ingredients, just like regular pasta, but it won't increase your carb count. Choose your favorite noodle shape and choice of sauce and get ready to dig in guilt-free.

Who Wins Hearts of Palm vs. It’s Skinny?

So, who wins the battle of the noodle? The truth is that while both low-carb noodle options are popular, It’s Skinny has several advantages compared to Palmini and other hearts of palm noodles.

Shirataki noodles are lower in calories and net carbohydrates. It's Skinny plant-based alternative noodles have a similar texture to "real pasta." Konjac root, the base of shirataki noodles, contains high levels of satisfying glucomannan fiber—helping you stay full and stick to your diet.

It’s Skinny is easy to prepare and so fun to cook with. You’ll love it when you realize you can makeover all your favorite dishes with low-carb, delicious It’s Skinny noodles. Even beginning cooks will feel like kitchen rockstars when they make some of the amazing dishes from our It’s Skinny recipe database.

It’s Skinny is also great for experimentation. It’s good enough to eat plain—and as Intermittent Fasting expert Jorge Cruise points out, you can eat It's Skinny noodles with a little salt and butter or olive oil, and you won’t even break your fast!

Whether you’re following the keto diet, or have a lifestyle or diet that calls for low-glycemic, gluten-free pasta, It’s Skinny will keep you feeling happy and satisfied. Don’t miss out! Try It’s Skinny today. You’ll be happy that you did!