BARILLA FIORI, ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT scores 62/100, indicating a good nutritional profile primarily driven by its **protein and micronutrient content**, despite being a processed food.
This BARILLA product scores 62/100 (Good) on FoodScore.
It provides 12.5g of protein and 3.61g of fiber per 100g serving.
The product is classified as NOVA 3 (processed) due to its ingredient list.
It offers significant amounts of iron (18% DV) and folate (54% DV) per 100g.
Contains 0g of added sugar and 0mg of sodium per 100g.
Scores +21 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
12.5g
25% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (12.5g)+8
Micronutrients (Iron, Folate, Riboflavin)+6
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 62
BARILLA FIORI, ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT achieves a FoodScore of 62/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and its processed nature. The product receives positive points for its protein content, providing 12.5g per 100g, which contributes to satiety. It also earns points for its fiber content, with 3.61g per 100g. Micronutrient bonuses are awarded for the presence of iron (3.21mg, 18% DV) and folate (54% DV), along with riboflavin, which are added through enrichment. However, a penalty of 5 points is applied because it is classified as NOVA 3, indicating it is a processed food made from refined ingredients like semolina (wheat) and durum flour. Unlike whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit, this product lacks the full spectrum of naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals found in less processed options. It contains no added sugar or sodium, which are positive attributes.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in barilla fiori, enriched macaroni product actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Growth
This BARILLA pasta provides 12.5g of protein per 100g, which is a significant contribution to daily protein intake. Protein is essential for the repair and growth of muscle tissue, making this product a suitable component of meals aimed at supporting physical activity or general muscle health. Including protein in meals also helps with satiety, contributing to a feeling of fullness after eating.
Contributes to Red Blood Cell Formation
The product is enriched with iron, providing 3.21mg (18% DV) per 100g. Iron is a crucial mineral for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron intake helps prevent iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. The enrichment process ensures these key micronutrients are present.
Important for Cell Division and DNA Synthesis
BARILLA FIORI is a good source of folate, offering 54% DV per 100g. Folate is a B vitamin that plays a vital role in cell division and DNA synthesis. It is particularly important for pregnant individuals to support fetal development and for everyone to maintain healthy cell function. The inclusion of folic acid as an enriching agent helps ensure these levels.
BARILLA FIORI, ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT scores 62/100, indicating a good nutritional profile primarily driven by its protein and micronutrient content, despite being a processed food.
How to eat it
Pasta is a versatile staple in many US diets, commonly served as a main dish or side. A typical serving size for this BARILLA pasta is 2 ounces (dry), which expands significantly when cooked. It's often paired with sauces, vegetables, and protein sources.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair this pasta with a lean protein source like chicken or beans and plenty of non-starchy vegetables.
Be mindful of portion sizes; a 2-ounce dry serving is about 1 cup cooked, which is a reasonable carbohydrate portion for most meals.
Consider using whole-wheat pasta alternatives for a higher fiber content, though this product still offers some fiber and key micronutrients.
Use lighter, vegetable-based sauces rather than heavy cream or cheese sauces to manage calorie and saturated fat intake.
Things to keep in mind
This BARILLA pasta is made from wheat and durum flour, meaning it contains gluten, which is an allergen for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The ingredient list includes enriched flour components such as niacin, iron (ferrous sulfate), thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. While these are beneficial for nutrient repletion, individuals with specific sensitivities to any of these enriching agents should be aware. Overall, for most consumers without gluten sensitivities, this product presents no unusual or significant cautions beyond those associated with a processed grain product.
Is BARILLA FIORI, ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT healthy?
This BARILLA pasta scores 62/100, which is considered 'Good' on FoodScore. It provides beneficial amounts of protein, fiber, iron, and folate. While it is a processed food, it can be part of a balanced dietary pattern, especially when paired with vegetables and lean proteins. Its healthfulness largely depends on the overall meal it's part of.
How does BARILLA FIORI compare to other pasta brands?
Compared to other enriched macaroni products like those from Ronzoni or Mueller's, BARILLA FIORI offers a similar nutritional profile in terms of macronutrients and enrichment. The key differences often lie in the specific flour blends and shapes. This BARILLA product stands out for its lack of added sugar and sodium, which is a positive attribute across the category.
What does 'enriched' mean in the ingredient list?
'Enriched' means that certain nutrients lost during the processing of the wheat flour have been added back. In this BARILLA product, this includes niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. This process helps to restore some of the nutritional value that would otherwise be lower in refined grain products.
What is a typical serving size for this pasta?
The declared serving size is 2 ounces (dry), which typically yields about 1 cup of cooked pasta. This portion provides a reasonable amount of carbohydrates and contributes to your daily protein and micronutrient intake. Being mindful of this standard serving size can help manage overall calorie and carbohydrate consumption.
Can this pasta be part of a weight management diet?
Yes, this pasta can be included in a weight management diet. Its protein and fiber content can contribute to satiety. The key is portion control (sticking to the 2-ounce dry serving) and pairing it with nutrient-dense, lower-calorie ingredients like vegetables and lean proteins to create a balanced meal. Avoiding heavy, calorie-dense sauces is also beneficial.