If you’re like me, giving up noodles is probably one of the hardest parts of managing your blood sugar. Whether it’s laksa, fish bee hoon, ramen or ban mian, noodles are a comfort food that many of us in Singapore enjoy regularly.
The good news? You don’t have to give up noodles completely. One of the best alternatives I’ve discovered is konjac noodles, also known as shirataki noodles.
What Are Konjac Noodles?
Konjac noodles are made from the root of the konjac plant, a vegetable native to Asia. They’re rich in glucomannan, a natural soluble fibre that slows digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Unlike regular noodles, konjac noodles contain very few digestible carbohydrates.
Nutrition (Per 200g Pack)
- ✅ Calories: 10–20 kcal
- ✅ Carbohydrates: 1–3g
- ✅ Fibre: 4–6g
- ✅ Fat: 0g
- ✅ Protein: 0g
This makes them an excellent option for people living with diabetes, pre-diabetes or anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake.
Why I Like Konjac Noodles
As someone who wears a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM), I can see how different foods affect my blood sugar in real time.
Traditional noodles such as the following can cause significant glucose spikes, especially when paired with sweet sauce:
- Rice noodles
- Bee hoon
- Yellow noodles
- Udon
Konjac noodles, on the other hand, have minimal impact on blood glucose because they contain very little digestible carbohydrate.
My Favourite Ways to Enjoy Konjac Noodles
🥢 Japanese Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
Grilled chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, sesame seeds and konjac noodles with a light soy-ginger sauce.
🍜 Fish Soup
Swap the usual bee hoon for konjac noodles. Add sliced fish, tofu, tomatoes and plenty of leafy vegetables.
🌶️ Tom Yum Soup
Konjac noodles work surprisingly well in a spicy tom yum broth with prawns and mushrooms.
🦐 Garlic Prawn “Pasta”
Stir-fry prawns, garlic, spinach and mushrooms with konjac noodles for a satisfying low-carb meal.
🥗 Korean Bibim Noodles
Mix konjac noodles with cucumber, kimchi, boiled egg and grilled chicken for a refreshing lunch.
Where to Buy in Singapore
Konjac noodles are becoming much easier to find.
Look out for them at:
- Don Don Donki
- FairPrice Finest
- Cold Storage
- CS Fresh
- Meidi-Ya
- Little Farms
They’re also widely available on Shopee, Lazada and Amazon Singapore.
Common names include:
- Shirataki Noodles
- Konjac Noodles
- Konnyaku Noodles
- Miracle Noodles
Cooking Tips
Don’t be surprised if there’s a slight smell when you first open the packet. This is completely normal.
To improve the taste and texture:
- Drain the liquid.
- Rinse under cold water for 1–2 minutes.
- Boil for 2–3 minutes.
- Dry-fry in a pan for another 2–3 minutes before adding your sauce.
This simple step makes a huge difference.
💡 Retirement-SG Tip
When dining out, ask yourself:
“Can I swap part of my noodles for vegetables, or enjoy konjac noodles at home instead?”
Small changes, repeated consistently, can make a big difference to your long-term health.
Have you tried konjac noodles? Share your favourite recipes or brands in the comments below!
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