Is Fusilli N°48 Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why Fusilli N°48 fails the keto test, we need to look closely at its composition. The pasta is marketed as a gluten-free alternative, but gluten-free does not automatically mean low-carb. The ingredient list reads like a checklist of high-glycemic carbohydrates that spike blood sugar.

The first ingredients listed are always the most abundant. In this case, brown rice and yellow corn take the lead. Brown rice, while containing fiber, is still a grain that is dense in net carbohydrates. For a keto dieter, a single serving of rice-based pasta can consume the entire daily carb allowance. Similarly, white corn adds to this carbohydrate load. Corn is essentially a grain, not a vegetable, and its starch content is significant.

Further down the list, we find potato starch. This is a common binder in gluten-free products, but it is a pure starch derived from potatoes. It has a very high glycemic index, meaning it causes a rapid spike in insulin levels—exactly what the keto diet aims to avoid. Finally, the inclusion of mono-and diglycerides of vegetable origin acts as an emulsifier to improve texture, but it does not contribute to the nutritional profile.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating a product for the ketogenic diet, the primary focus is on net carbohydrates (Total Carbs minus Fiber). Fusilli N°48 is high in calories and carbohydrates, primarily derived from the rice and corn blend. A standard serving contains a significant amount of starch, which translates to high net carbs.

While the product is low in fat (which is typical for pasta), the keto diet requires high fat intake. Therefore, this product does not fit the macronutrient ratios required for ketosis. The high starch content from the potato and rice ingredients makes it calorically dense without providing the satiety of fats or proteins.