Gluten-free pasta doesn't have the best reputation in the world. In most cases, I'd rather cook with gluten-free Asian noodles than a way too chewy or mushy imitation of Italian-style pasta. But Jovial brown rice pasta promised "traditional Italian taste & texture," so I thought I'd give it a try…
Jovial brown rice pasta contains two ingredients – organic brown rice flour and water – and comes in five shapes: spaghetti, capellini, penne rigate, fusilli, and caserecce. The company claims that this is the "most authentic" gluten free pasta on the market, as it's crafted by "master artisans" in Tuscany with over a century of pasta-making experience.
I don't follow a gluten-free diet, but I am health conscious and enjoy trying new foods, so I picked up two packages of the penne and fusilli. They were both surprisingly good, with a pleasant, nutty flavor and perfectly firm texture that held up well to sauces. In short, this was the best gluten-free pasta I've ever had. It also surpassed most of the whole wheat pasta I've tried, so I'll definitely be buying it again.
Have you tried Jovial brown rice pasta? What did you think? Or do you have another gluten-free pasta to recommend?
Apartment Therapy Media makes every effort to test and review products fairly and transparently. The views expressed in this review are the personal views of the reviewer and this particular product review was not sponsored or paid for in any way by the manufacturer or an agent working on their behalf.
Related: Product Review: Ka Me Gluten-Free Rice Crackers
(Image: Emily Ho)
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I am confused as to why eat gluten-free if you are not gluten-intolerant?
Trying to incorporate a variety of grains into my diet is why I choose to eat food that is gluten-free despite having no problems with gluten. I also have a lot of friends that are intolerant or celiac and it's good to know what can be prepared for them.
I haven't seen this brand in stores in my area yet but I look forward to trying it when I come across it. So far my favorite gf pasta is the quinoa and corn blend. The texture is great and if I'm craving pasta but feel like I've had a lot of wheat products already it's a great alternative. Thanks for the review!
Gluten free is essential to those of us with Celiac or a gluten intolerance. Gluten-lite should be essential for *everyone* I was just recently diagnosed as having a gluten intolerance and have been doing tons of research. It's a good idea as Emily mentioned to vary your diet and incorporate a wide variety of food sources. Many people's diets rely on a small variety of wheat grains - this over-reliance is not only limiting for eaters, it's limiting for the environment and the development of varied food products. Being on the lookput for variety in ALL that we eat is a good practice - it keeps us away from packaged and over processed foods.
If you take a week to be 'gluten-aware' you'll be amazed at how much we take in even when we try to eat healthy...it's everywhere!
thanks for the review Emily! I had never heard of this product and avoided alot of gluten free pastas like the plague for the gluey chewy ick factor. I have tried and liked several corn+quinoa blend pastas as well.
I've been meaning to order a few boxes of this ever since Shauna featured it on Gluten Free Girl. After yet another overwhelmingly positive review, I can't wait to try it!