One of the most common types of questions that I get from people newly diagnosed with celiac disease is about what types of gluten-free pasta are my favorites. Between the dozens of companies offering gluten-free pasta in its varying shapes and sizes and then the range of ingredients that are available, white rice, brown rice, corn, and even quinoa — there are so many options (depending on the store you’re shopping in), it can make your head spin.

For now, let’s focus on spaghetti as it’s arguably the most cooked pasta in the world. While I believe I’ve tried the vast majority of the gluten-free pasta products on the market, both here in the U.S. and in Europe, my favorite by far has to be the Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta. It’s texture is perfect and the taste is nearly indistinguishable from its durum wheat or semolina cousins. The only noticeable difference would be its slight difference in color — it’s a little more on the brown side than the yellowish color of traditional pasta.

I’ve used it in a traditional spaghetti and meatballs dinner, I’ve used it with a thai inspired peanut sauce and we’ve even gone as far as using it in one of my daughter’s favorite dishes, Spaghetti and Cheese (she’s always liked spaghetti more than elbow macaroni — it has something to do with the ability to slurp it up :) It always turns out perfect and it is even loved by our non-GF guests. It’s also great for people with food allergies as it is corn, egg, dairy, casein, meat, soy, and nut free.

Tinkyada is a Canadian company based in Scarborough, Ontario, but their products are widely available throughout the U.S. and Canada. I’ve even found it at my local Ralph’s market (Kroeger). If you can’t find it in your local market, you will definitely find it at supermarkets like Whole Foods.

So all of this being said, my advice is to buy it, try it, and be happy knowing that you’ve found a gluten-free product that is as good (or better) than the real thing and a heck of a lot better for you.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with Tinkyada and how you’ve used it in new and interesting ways.