Do Egg Noodles Have Health Benefits? (2024)

Do Egg Noodles Have Health Benefits? (1)
Medically Reviewed by Kathleen M. Zelman,RD,LD,MPH on May 22, 2022

Written by Logan Smith

5 min read

Pasta and noodles are core foods in many cultures. You can find noodles almost anywhere as a side or main dish going back hundreds of years.

Pasta and egg noodles have a few varieties, but the foundational recipe has stayed the same despite the cultures and generations that separate them.

What Are Egg Noodles?

Egg noodles are a type of noodle made from eggsand flour. Other types of noodles, like store bought pasta commonly used in spaghetti, use water and flour.

Making dough for egg noodles involves mixing eggs and flour until they're like clay. Then, you knead them.

Kneading a water-based dough activates the gluten protein network of glutenin and gliadin. Pushing and pulling incorporate the gluten network and give the dough its elasticity.

Eggs introduce new proteins into the dough, so thorough kneading is vital. Kneading encourages the proteins in the egg to join the proteins in the gluten network.

Once you've kneaded the dough, roll it out and cut it into your preferred noodle shape. You can also use a pasta maker to make larger amounts of noodles.

It is best to use, dry, or refrigerate egg noodles once made to prevent bacterial growth. You can refrigerate noodles for up to 3 days.

How to Dry Homemade Egg Noodles

If you make homemade egg noodles, you can preserve them by air-drying the noodles. Hang the noodles on a drying rack or place them on a floured baking sheet for 1 to 2 hours.

You can also use a dehydrator set to 135 degrees for 2 to 4 hours to safely dry the noodles.

Once they are dried, you can freeze the noodles in an airtight container or sealable bag. Frozen egg noodles will stay safe for up to 6 months.

How to Cook Egg Noodles

Cooking egg noodles is like cooking any other fresh pasta. Bring four quarts of water to a boil for each pound of fresh noodles. Cook the egg noodles for 2 to 4 minutes.

Follow the package instructions if you're using store bought egg noodles.

Whole Versus Refined Grains

In the United States, foods that contain grains are typically whole or refined.

Whole grainsstill have the entire grain kernel, which contains essential nutrients and fiber. Refined grains have parts of the grain kernel removed for texture and preservation, but manufacturers fortify the grains with nutrients later.

The type of flour used provides some of the health benefits of egg noodles. Manufacturers will fortify or enrich with different nutrients, so always read the nutrition labels on the flour you use.

Egg Noodles Nutrition Facts

Why should you choose egg noodles over pasta noodles? Some people prefer the taste that the eggs add to the noodles. Others prefer the texture that the egg proteins add to the dough.

Given the nutritional drawbacks of certain, conventional pastas, you may be curious about the nutritional benefits of switching to egg noodles. The best way to understand the benefits of egg noodles is to compare them to their alternative: pasta.

Calories.Egg noodles beat pasta when it comes to calories. A hundred grams of egg noodles has around 20 fewer calories than an equal amount of spaghetti.

Protein.Despite having eggs in them, egg noodles have less proteinthan pasta. Egg noodles have about 1.3 fewer grams of protein than pasta (per 100 grams).

Cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol is a fatty substance that you find in animal products like meat fat, dairy, and eggs. Cholesterol supports your cells’ membrane structures, digestion, and hormone production.

Eggs are high in cholesterol, which can cause problems for people with diabetes or at risk for heart disease. If you’re watching your cholesterol intake, eggs can easily make up your daily value of cholesterol.

Egg noodles have a much higher amount of cholesterol than pasta noodles. Egg noodles have around 46 milligrams of cholesterol, while pasta has almost none.

Calcium.Egg noodles have almost twice as much calciumas pasta. Egg noodles have 12 milligrams of calcium, whereas pasta only has 7 milligrams.

Other nutrients.Egg noodles outrank pasta with respect to several other nutrients, including:

  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Phosphorus
  • Niacin
  • Folate
  • Folic acid

Store Bought Versus Homemade Egg Noodles

Making egg noodles gives you more control over the ingredients. You choose the flour and eggs you use, giving you control of the noodles' nutritional content. Of course, some flours may respond differently when making dough, so you may have to use slightly more eggs to prevent the dough from being too dry.

Depending on your dietary restrictions or whatever flour you have in the pantry, you may need to experiment with your egg noodle dough. For example, some people may assume egg noodles are gluten-free. Since most egg noodles are made with wheat flour,though, they contain gluten. Making your egg noodles at home with another type of flour will let you fit your needs.

Store bought egg noodles.Most retailers will have a variety of noodles available, including whole-grain egg noodles. Since whole-grain noodles offer different nutrients than enriched noodles, you should adjust your meals to fit your dietary needs.

Condiments Make the Difference

In many categories, egg noodles perform better than typical pasta noodles, but the most significant difference in the egg noodles' health benefits depends on your toppings and condiments.

For example, the store bought tomato sauce you use for spaghetti will often have extra sodium and sugar added for taste and preservation. Opting to make a homemade sauce instead of only switching to egg noodles will make the meal even healthier.

Another pasta favorite is alfredo sauce, but it’s not necessarily healthy. It’s loaded with cheese, butter, and heavy cream—which means it’s heavy in fats and salt.

You can opt for a plant-based approach to many of the ingredients to cut out some of the fat. It may not be the same creamy alfredo you’re used to, but your heart will thank you.

Are Egg Noodles Healthy?

Egg noodles can give you extra nutrients that regular pasta won't, though they also lack in some areas compared to pasta.

Still, you don't have to choose only one.

Add both to your pantry for a well-rounded diet and supplement each with vegetables, proteins, and other sources of nutrients.

Do Egg Noodles Have Health Benefits? (2024)

FAQs

Do Egg Noodles Have Health Benefits? ›

Are Egg Noodles Healthy? Egg noodles can give you extra nutrients that regular pasta won't, though they also lack in some areas compared to pasta. Still, you don't have to choose only one. Add both to your pantry for a well-rounded diet and supplement each with vegetables, proteins, and other sources of nutrients.

Are egg noodles healthier than rice? ›

Rice noodles are lower in calories, fat, and protein than egg noodles.

What is the healthiest noodle? ›

Rice noodles are often considered one of the healthiest options available. They are naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and easy to digest. P'Nut Asian Kitchen incorporates rice noodles into many of their dishes, including the popular Pad Thai and Wonton Noodle Soup.

What is the healthiest pasta? ›

Whole-wheat pasta is an easy-to-find nutritious noodle that will bump up the nutrition of your pasta dish. Made from whole grains, every cup of cooked pasta (140 grams) boasts 43 g of carbohydrate, 3 g of fiber and 8 g of protein per serving, per the USDA.

Are egg noodles good for your stomach? ›

Egg noodles are easy to digest because of their high carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are an essential source of energy for the body, and unlike protein and fat, they do not require as much digestive effort to break down. The egg in egg noodles also helps to make them more easily digestible.

Why are egg noodles high in carbs? ›

Since they're made with regular flour, egg noodles carbs can lead to unwanted weight gain as well as a spike in your blood sugar. This makes egg noodles even more damaging for those struggling with obesity or diabetes.

Are egg noodles good for building muscle? ›

Those foods are egg noodles, sweet potatoes, canned beans and legumes, oats, and eggs. These food options are great carb and/or protein options that can be easily added to muscle-building meals in a variety of ways. I hope you found the information in this article helpful to achieve your health and fitness goals!

Are egg noodles junk food? ›

However, they are also high in carbs, contain gluten, and could contribute to weight gain if consumed in high amounts. Therefore, while egg noodles can definitely fit into a healthy diet, it's important to watch your portion size and be mindful of which ingredients you pair them with.

Are egg noodles better for you than pasta? ›

Are Egg Noodles Healthy? Egg noodles can give you extra nutrients that regular pasta won't, though they also lack in some areas compared to pasta. Still, you don't have to choose only one. Add both to your pantry for a well-rounded diet and supplement each with vegetables, proteins, and other sources of nutrients.

What is the lowest carb pasta? ›

  1. Shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) and tofu shirataki noodles. If you're counting carbs and craving pasta, these are your best bet. ...
  2. Zucchini noodles. Also known as zoodles, these are simply long strands that have been spiralized from whole squash. ...
  3. Hearts of palm noodles. ...
  4. Spaghetti squash noodles.
Oct 31, 2022

Do healthy noodles exist? ›

You can pick from several types of healthy noodles, such as whole wheat, chickpea, veggie, and red lentil noodles.

Which is healthier, noodles or spaghetti? ›

Beyond the sensory experience, Pasta made from Durum Wheat Semolina offers notable nutritional advantages over noodles made from maida. Durum wheat semolina is rich in essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

What is the most unhealthiest pasta? ›

15 Of The Unhealthiest Store-Bought Pastas
  • Buitoni chicken parmesan ravioli - Buitoni.
  • Ronzoni gluten-free penne rigate - Ronzoni.
  • Osem Israeli pearl couscous - Osem.
  • No Yolks broad noodles - No Yolks.
  • Buitoni three cheese tortellini - Buitoni.
  • Trader Joe's gluten-free pasta - Trader Joe's.
  • Barilla spaghetti pasta - Barilla.
Oct 1, 2023

What pasta is best for gut health? ›

For those people with gut health issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, a serving size over ½ cup of wheat-based pasta introduces fructans which can trigger tummy upsets. Gluten-free, buckwheat or quinoa pasta are likely to contain less fermentable short-chain carbohydrates (FODMAPs).

Why use egg noodles? ›

Egg noodles are generally richer, denser, and more pliable than their water-based siblings, with a subtle but distinct savoriness that helps them stand out in heavier sauces. If you want proof, you only need two eggs to make Simeon's recipe, which is 2,046 less than you need to film a TikTok.

Which noodles are best for gut? ›

Glucomannan fiber in shirataki noodles acts as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This can promote the growth of these bacteria, leading to a healthier gut microbiome overall!

Can diabetics eat egg noodles? ›

Egg noodles are typically not better than pasta for diabetics - typically pasta is better than egg noodles for diabetics. This is because egg noodles are high in carbohydrates (40 grams per 1 cup serving) compared to white pasta (30 grams per 1 cup serving).

Can I use egg noodles instead of pasta? ›

Yes, you absolutely can substitute noodles for pasta, and vice versa, in a recipe. While it is up to personal preference, note that egg noodle recipes typically suggest cooking the noodles until they are soft and tender, while pasta recipes recommend cooking the pasta al dente (slightly firm).

Is egg noodle healthier than rice noodle? ›

However, rice noodles are a healthier option than egg noodles, as they are lower in calories, fat, and protein while containing more carbohydrates.

Is rice healthier than pasta? ›

In conclusion, both pasta and rice can be healthy options when consumed in moderation and paired with nutrient-dense ingredients. However, if we were to compare the two, whole-grain pasta is generally considered a healthier option than white rice due to its higher fiber content and lower glycemic index.

Why do bodybuilders eat rice and not pasta? ›

Informed athletes and bodybuilders recognize the high glycemic value of white rice to provide quick fuel for hard workouts and facilitate muscle recovery.

Will I gain muscle if I eat eggs everyday? ›

Eggs provide all of the nine essential amino acids (also known as the building blocks of protein), making them an effective food for maintaining, building and repairing muscle.

Which is healthier to eat rice or noodles? ›

Rice contains vitamins and minerals that pasta does not, including folic acid, B vitamins (unless the pasta is fortified), iron, and zinc, but Rizzo says the amounts are very small. For those following a gluten-free diet, rice is a good option.

Can I use egg noodles instead of rice noodles? ›

Chinese egg noodles are a versatile substitute I often use for rice noodles. They bring a slightly richer flavor due to the egg content, complementing both broth-based and stir-fried dishes like Pad thai and Chow Mein.

What's healthier egg fried rice or noodles? ›

Steamed or boiled rice is healthier for many reasons, not least because noodles tend to be cooked in sauce. Fried rice will also often contain soy sauce or other flavour enhancers, so treat with caution.

Are noodles healthy for weight loss? ›

Despite being a low-calorie food, instant noodles are low in fibre and protein which may not make them a good option for weight loss. Protein has been proven to increase feelings of fullness and decrease hunger, while fibre moves slowly through the digestive tract, thus promoting feelings of fullness.

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