Is Linguine N°13 Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why Linguine N°13 fails the keto test, we need to look at the label. The primary and essentially only ingredient listed is Durum wheat semolina. As a food scientist, I can tell you that semolina is a coarse flour derived from the endosperm of high-protein wheat varieties. While it is excellent for creating pasta with a firm texture and satisfying bite, it is a dense source of carbohydrates. On a keto diet, the goal is to limit net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) to a specific range, usually under 20-50 grams per day. A single serving of this linguine would likely consume your entire carb allowance for a meal.

The remaining ingredients—niacin, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid—are simply enrichment vitamins added back into the flour after processing. These are standard in most refined grain products to replace nutrients lost during milling. They have no impact on the keto status of the pasta, but they also offer no defense against the high carb count of the semolina itself.

Nutritional Value

From a general nutritional standpoint, Linguine N°13 is a standard refined carbohydrate source. It is low in fat (which is required in high amounts for keto) and moderate in protein. The caloric density comes almost exclusively from the wheat flour. Because the wheat is refined, it has a high glycemic index, meaning it will cause a rapid spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. This insulin response is the exact biological mechanism that the keto diet aims to avoid. Therefore, even if the calorie count seems reasonable for a meal, the metabolic effect makes it incompatible with the diet.