The Surprising Truth About Noodles & Company's Alfredo
For many, a rich and creamy alfredo is the ultimate comfort food. Noodles & Company's Alfredo MontAmore is a popular menu item, but its nutritional profile, particularly the carbohydrate content, often goes overlooked. A regular-sized portion of this dish contains a substantial amount of carbohydrates, derived mainly from the fettuccine noodles and the creamy, cheesy sauce. Knowing the exact numbers can help diners make more informed choices, especially those with dietary restrictions or health goals.
Breakdown of the Alfredo MontAmore's Carb Count
The most recent nutritional information available from various tracking services indicates that a regular-sized serving of Noodles & Company's Alfredo MontAmore is very carb-heavy. For instance, data from Nutritionix and MyFoodDiary show a total carbohydrate count of approximately 104 to 110 grams for the regular serving. This number is composed of both digestible and non-digestible carbohydrates, though the majority is digestible starch from the pasta itself. When you add protein, such as parmesan-crusted chicken, the calories and other macros increase, but the fundamental carb load from the base pasta and sauce remains high.
Where Do All the Carbs Come From?
The primary source of carbohydrates in this dish is the traditional egg fettuccine noodles, which are made from enriched durum wheat semolina. A single portion of these noodles can account for a large portion of the meal's total carbs. While the alfredo sauce itself (made with heavy cream, butter, and cheese) is lower in carbohydrates, it's the combination with the pasta that creates a very high-carb meal. The sauce also contains ingredients that may add to the total carb and sugar count, though to a lesser degree compared to the pasta.
Comparison of Alfredo and Other Noodles & Company Dishes
To put the Alfredo's carb content into perspective, let's compare it with other popular dishes on the Noodles & Company menu. This table highlights just how carb-dense the classic pasta options can be.
| Noodles & Company Dish | Size | Total Carbohydrates (approx.) | Primary Noodle Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alfredo MontAmore | Regular | 104–110g | Fettuccine (Egg Noodle) |
| Crispy Chicken Bacon Alfredo | Regular | 108g | Fettuccine (Egg Noodle) |
| Pesto Cavatappi | Regular | 97g | Cavatappi |
| Zucchini Alfredo MontAmore with Grilled Chicken | Small | 16g | Zucchini Noodles |
This comparison shows that while the standard Alfredo is high in carbs, there are dramatically lower-carb alternatives available, particularly those using zucchini noodles as a base.
Strategies for a Lower-Carb Noodles & Company Experience
For those who enjoy the creamy flavor of alfredo but want to reduce their carb intake, Noodles & Company offers several modifications. One of the most effective strategies is to swap the high-carb pasta for a vegetable-based alternative. The restaurant's menu features zucchini noodles, which can significantly slash the total carbohydrate count of your meal.
Simple swaps to reduce carbs:
- Swap noodles: Instead of the standard fettuccine, ask for zucchini noodles or cauliflower-infused rigatoni. The Zucchini Alfredo MontAmore with Grilled Chicken has only 16g of total carbs in a small size.
- Order a small size: If you stick with regular pasta, opting for the smaller portion size is an obvious way to decrease your overall intake. A small Alfredo MontAmore has less than half the carbs of a regular bowl.
- Focus on protein: Add extra protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to your dish. The high protein content will help increase satiety and balance the meal, allowing you to feel full on a smaller portion of the carb-heavy components.
- Limit the sauce: Request light sauce. The creamy alfredo adds flavor but also contributes to the overall calorie and carb count, so using less can be an effective strategy.
Conclusion: A Carb-Conscious Approach to Noodles & Company
A regular bowl of alfredo from Noodles & Company is undeniably a high-carbohydrate meal, with total carb counts often exceeding 100 grams. This is primarily due to the large portion of enriched egg noodles that form the base of the dish. For individuals on a carb-controlled diet, such as keto or simply trying to reduce their overall intake, this traditional menu item may be a problematic choice. Fortunately, the restaurant has adapted its menu to offer more health-conscious options. By opting for zucchini noodles or a smaller portion, diners can still enjoy the savory flavor profile of alfredo while staying on track with their nutritional goals. The key is to be aware of the default nutrition and to customize your order strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is Noodles & Company's Alfredo good for a keto diet? Answer: No, a regular bowl of Alfredo from Noodles & Company is not suitable for a keto diet due to its very high carbohydrate content, typically over 100 grams. Keto dieters should use the zucchini noodle alternative.
Question: Can I ask for less pasta at Noodles & Company? Answer: Yes, you can customize your order. To significantly reduce carbs, ask to replace the traditional pasta with a lower-carb option like zucchini noodles.
Question: What is the lowest-carb pasta option at Noodles & Company? Answer: The lowest-carb option is to use zucchini noodles. The Zucchini Alfredo MontAmore, for example, has significantly fewer carbohydrates than the traditional pasta version.
Question: How does the small Alfredo's carb count compare to the regular? Answer: A small Alfredo MontAmore has significantly fewer carbs than the regular version. A small size with chicken contains around 59g of total carbs, while the regular has over 100g.
Question: Are there any hidden carbs in the Alfredo sauce itself? Answer: The alfredo sauce primarily consists of heavy cream, butter, and cheese, which are low in carbs. However, store-bought or restaurant sauces can sometimes contain thickeners or added ingredients that contribute a small number of carbs, though the main carb load comes from the noodles.
Question: What are the ingredients in Noodles & Company's Alfredo sauce? Answer: The ingredients include heavy cream, milk, a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano cheeses, butter, and seasonings like onion, garlic, and black pepper.
Question: Is the Alfredo at Noodles & Company gluten-free? Answer: No, the traditional alfredo at Noodles & Company is not gluten-free as it uses standard egg fettuccine. For a gluten-sensitive option, consider a dish made with the gluten-sensitive pipette mac or zucchini noodles.
