2020 update! Namaste Pasta Dinners were the original allergy-friendly quick meals. I first reviewed them way back in 2006. They underwent a formula change about a decade later, and now it looks like the Say Cheez variety might be discontinued. But the Taco Pasta and Pasta Pisavera are still available.
Namaste Pasta Dinners are an Allergy-Friendly Convenience
The second iteration of Say Cheez was much creamier than the first version, but it had a light cheesy taste. It also didn’t thicken very well. I’m hoping they bring it back with a bigger boost of flavor and a thicker formula. In the meantime, they have the varieties below. If you try either, make sure to leave your rating and review below!
Taco Pasta
Ingredients: brown rice pasta (whole grain brown rice, rice bran, water), salt, tomato powder, paprika, onion, garlic, oregano, ground red pepper and cumin.*
Nutrition (per 1/4 package): 220 calories, 1.5g fat, 46g carbs, 3g fiber, 0g sugars, 5g protein.*
Pasta Pisavera
Nutrition (per 1/4 package): 220 calories, 1.5g fat, 46g carbs, 3g fiber, 0g sugars, 5g protein.*
Say Cheez
Ingredients: brown rice pasta (whole grain brown rice flour, rice bran, water), rice milk powder, quinoa flour, garbanzo bean flour, non-dairy cheddar cheese flavor, onion powder, turmeric and paprika.*
Nutrition (per 1/4 package): 230 calories, 1.5g fat, 47g carbs, 3g fiber, 1g sugars, 5g protein.*
More Facts on Namaste Pasta Dinners
Price: $5.59 per 8.25-ounce box
Availability: Namaste Pasta Dinners are sold at Albertsons/Safeway stores, Kroger stores, and other chain and independent grocers throughout the U.S. You can also buy them direct from the company via their website below, or order them on Amazon or Vitacost.
Certifications: Namaste Pasta Dinners are Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Kosher Parve, and Non-GMO Verified.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Namaste Pasta Dinners are airy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian.*
For More Product Information: Visit the Namaste Foods website at www.namastefoods.com.
*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy.Â
Good flavors, convenient
The big noodles cook very quickly, and aren’t bad. We aren’t fans of brown rice noodles, so I would rather they use another type, but compared to some brands they’re pretty good. The flavors in the seasoning are good, and make for a quick meal with some veggies and protein added.
6 Comments
I live in Northeast Ohio…what stores would I find this product at in my area? I live close to Cleveland. Typical stores I shop at are Heinen’s and Giant Eagle. How would I find out where I could buy these products to try them?
There is a store locator on their website Sheri – http://www.namastefoods.com/where-to-buy/. But I bought it online, from Vitacost I believe.
Thank you!
I only use one pot for creating it: cook the pasta as directed, then drain and rinse it in a collander. Using the SAME pot, which you left on the heat, mix/heat the “sauce”, then stir in the pasta, mix to cover it, then you’re done. The only catch with this is with the hot pot you have to immediately start stirring the sauce.
Also, I agree with the PP, this in no way resembles “cheese”. I do like it, but it is not replacement for real mac and cheese, rather it is an alternative because I have a dairy allergy and cannot have the real stuff. But I absolutely know what I am missing and this does not properly fill that gap.
Thank you so much for sharing your tips and review of the Namaste Say Cheez – very helpful!
I would disagree in only one respect: “Say Cheez” blend does not, to my mouth, taste anything remotely like cheese. I love it now, but the first time I tried it (expecting something sort of cheese-like) my taste buds tried to escape my tongue in revolt. I tried it again a few days later, after squashing all memories or thoughts of cheese, and I loved it. It’s a great, spicy –as in very flavorful, NOT hot– dish, which only comes out creamy if you add some milk or non-dairy cream cheese substitute; as it comes in the package, it’s just the consistency of pasta with some butter-like liquid, with small bits of firmer things.
Good stuff but very, very different from anything I’ve tried before. I would expect kids to hate it if they’re given cause to expect something cheese-like.