Egg noodles may be shelved beside the pastas in the market, but their ingredients and nutritional profiles differ somewhat, mainly because egg noodles must be at least 5.5 percent egg products to earn their name, according to AskDrSears.com. Nevertheless, both pasta and egg noodles can be a nutritious part of your meals.
Calories, Fat and Cholesterol
Although enriched spaghetti and enriched egg noodles have the same calorie content, with 110 calories per 1/2-cup serving of both cooked foods, egg noodles have more fat and cholesterol. Per serving, egg noodles have 3 percent of your recommended daily value of total fat, 2 percent of saturated fat and 8 percent of cholesterol. Spaghetti has just 1 percent of your recommended daily value of total fat, no saturated fat and no cholesterol.
Carbohydrates, Fiber, Protein and Sodium
Eat a serving of enriched egg noodles and you'll get 7 percent of your recommended daily value of carbohydrates, 4 percent of dietary fiber, 4 g of protein and no sodium. That same amount of enriched spaghetti provides 7 percent of your recommended daily value of carbohydrates, 5 percent of fiber, 4 g of protein and no sodium.
Vitamins and Minerals
Enriched egg noodles and enriched pasta provide no vitamin A or C. A serving of egg noodles gives you 2 percent of your recommended daily value of calcium and 6 percent of iron, while a serving of spaghetti gives you no calcium but 4 percent of iron.
Ingredients
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, spaghetti is made from durum wheat semolina and water. Thiamin, iron and other nutrients are added to enriched it. Enriched egg noodles are also made with durum flour or semolina and water but include egg products as well. Egg noodles, too, are enriched with nutrients.
Variations
In recent years, companies that market pastas and egg noodles have begun to provide a wider selection of alternative products. For instance, some egg noodles are made with only egg whites, leaving out the cholesterol-laden yolks. Companies also sell pastas made with whole grains rather than more refined grains, providing you with more fiber and other nutrients.
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