Is Barilla Red Lentil Pasta Keto Friendly?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to official nutritional data, a single 2-ounce serving of Barilla red lentil pasta contains 28 grams of net carbs, a number too high for most ketogenic diets. This article explores why Barilla red lentil pasta is not considered keto friendly and reveals superior alternatives for low-carb enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

Barilla red lentil pasta is not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet due to its high net carb count. Learn why lentils are carb-dense and discover better keto pasta alternatives.

Key Points

High Net Carbs: A single 2-ounce serving of Barilla red lentil pasta contains 28g of net carbs, significantly exceeding typical daily keto limits.
Legume-Based: As a legume, lentils are naturally high in carbohydrates, making them generally unsuitable for a strict ketogenic diet.
Not a Keto Substitute: While healthier than traditional wheat pasta, its carb load prevents it from being a viable keto-friendly option.
Derails Ketosis: Consuming a normal portion of red lentil pasta will likely kick an individual out of ketosis due to its carb content.
Better Alternatives Exist: Safer, low-carb pasta options include shirataki noodles, hearts of palm pasta, and vegetable-based noodles like zoodles.

Understanding the Ketogenic Diet and Net Carbs

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan that forces the body into a metabolic state called ketosis. To achieve this, dieters must drastically reduce their daily carbohydrate intake, typically limiting it to 20-50 grams of net carbs per day. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting the fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrates, as fiber is not digested and does not raise blood sugar levels. This calculation is critical for keto dieters because it determines whether a food will disrupt ketosis. When evaluating products like Barilla red lentil pasta, understanding its net carb profile is the key to determining its compatibility with a keto lifestyle.

The High-Carb Truth About Barilla Red Lentil Pasta

Despite being a healthier, gluten-free option compared to traditional wheat pasta, Barilla red lentil pasta is still a legume-based product, and legumes are naturally high in carbohydrates. This inherent characteristic makes it problematic for strict keto dieters. While it offers a good dose of plant-based protein and fiber, these benefits do not outweigh the carb load for those aiming to maintain ketosis. A single serving uses up a large portion, or even exceeds, the daily carb limit for many people on a ketogenic diet, leaving little room for other foods.

Decoding Barilla Red Lentil Pasta's Nutrition

Let's break down the nutritional facts for a standard 2-ounce (56g) serving of Barilla Red Lentil Pasta:

Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Net Carbs: 28g (34g total carbs - 6g fiber)
Protein: 13g
Total Fat: 1.5g

As you can see, 28 grams of net carbs is a significant number for someone following a 20-gram per day keto diet. Consuming a typical serving of this pasta would immediately knock most individuals out of ketosis.

Barilla Red Lentil Pasta vs. Alternatives

To better understand why Barilla red lentil pasta is not suitable for keto, let's compare its carb content to other popular pasta types and keto-friendly alternatives. This comparison highlights just how unsuitable the legume-based pasta is for a carb-restrictive diet.


Feature	Barilla Red Lentil Pasta (2 oz)	Traditional Wheat Pasta (2 oz)	Shirataki Noodles (Serving)	Hearts of Palm (Palmini) (Serving)
Net Carbs	28g	~38-40g	~1-2g	~4g
Main Ingredient	Red Lentil Flour	Wheat Semolina	Konjac Root	Hearts of Palm
Keto Friendly	No	No	Yes	Yes
Protein	13g	~7g	<1g	~1g
Texture	Firm, slightly gritty	Standard al dente	Jelly-like, chewy	Firm, similar to linguine

Keto-Friendly Pasta Alternatives

For those on a keto journey, there are several excellent alternatives that provide the satisfaction of pasta without the high carb count. These options won't jeopardize your metabolic state and allow you to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes:

Shirataki Noodles: Also known as miracle noodles, these are made from the konjac yam and are almost carb-free. They absorb the flavor of any sauce they are paired with, making them a versatile choice.
Hearts of Palm Pasta (Palmini): Made from the core of a palm tree, this pasta alternative has a mild flavor and a texture that closely mimics traditional pasta. It comes in various shapes like linguine and angel hair.
Lupin Flour Pasta: Made from lupin beans, this is another legume-based option, but certain brands are specifically formulated to be very low in net carbs. Always check the nutrition label, but it is far more suitable than lentil pasta for keto.
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Made from spiralized zucchini, this fresh vegetable noodle is a classic and very low-carb choice. It's a great way to add nutrients to your meal.
Spaghetti Squash: This vegetable naturally cooks into spaghetti-like strands and is a wholesome, low-carb base for any sauce.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Barilla Red Lentil Pasta

In conclusion, Barilla red lentil pasta is not keto friendly due to its high net carb content, which is primarily a result of its legume base. While it is a healthier choice than traditional pasta, especially for those seeking gluten-free or high-protein options, it is incompatible with the very low-carb requirements of a ketogenic diet. A single portion could easily exceed a person's entire daily carb budget. Instead of trying to fit this square peg into a round hole, individuals on a keto diet should explore the many low-carb pasta alternatives available, such as shirataki noodles, hearts of palm pasta, or vegetable-based substitutes like zoodles or spaghetti squash. These options allow for the enjoyment of delicious pasta dishes without disrupting ketosis.

Healthline provides a great overview on why lentils are not keto-friendly

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 2-ounce (56g) serving of Barilla red lentil pasta contains 28 grams of net carbs, which is calculated by subtracting the 6 grams of dietary fiber from the 34 grams of total carbohydrates.

While it has fewer carbs than traditional wheat pasta, Barilla red lentil pasta is not considered low enough in carbs for a typical ketogenic diet. Its 28g net carbs per serving will consume or exceed most daily carb allowances for keto.

Lentils, as a type of legume, are naturally high in carbohydrates. Most keto diets restrict or avoid legumes due to their high carb content, and the carb load from lentils makes it difficult to maintain ketosis.

For most individuals on a strict keto diet, even a small portion would be difficult to accommodate without derailing ketosis. While some might fit a very small amount, it is not recommended as it uses a significant portion of the daily carb budget.

Excellent keto-friendly substitutes include shirataki noodles, hearts of palm pasta (Palmini), and vegetable-based options like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Both Barilla red lentil pasta and traditional wheat pasta are too high in net carbs for a ketogenic diet. While the red lentil version has slightly less carbs and more protein, its carb count is still prohibitive for keto followers.

Yes, Barilla red lentil pasta is naturally gluten-free as it is made with a single ingredient: red lentil flour. However, this does not mean it is suitable for a ketogenic diet.