BARILLA GRAIN & LEGUME PASTA, PROTEIN + FARFALLE scores 70/100 (Good), primarily driven by its notable protein and fiber content from various flours.
This BARILLA pasta scores 70/100, indicating a good nutritional profile.
It provides a significant 8.89g of fiber and 17.86g of protein per 100g serving.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it is more processed than whole-food alternatives.
Contains 0g of added sugar and 0mg of sodium, which are positive attributes.
Consider pairing with vegetables and lean protein to create a balanced meal.
Scores +29 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
8.89g
32% of Daily Value
Protein
17.86g
36% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (8.9g)+11
Protein (17.9g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Riboflavin)+4
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 70
BARILLA GRAIN & LEGUME PASTA, PROTEIN + FARFALLE earns a FoodScore of 70/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects its strong nutritional contributions, particularly in protein and fiber. The product receives significant bonuses for its 17.86g of protein and 8.89g of fiber per 100g, which are well above typical pasta products. It also gains points for micronutrients like iron and riboflavin. The inclusion of lentil flour, pea protein, and chickpea flour contributes to its elevated protein and fiber content. There are no penalties for added sugar or sodium, as both are 0g per 100g. However, as a NOVA 3 processed food, it incurs a minor penalty. While it offers more protein and fiber than traditional refined wheat pastas, it is still more processed than whole-food alternatives like raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg paired with fruit, which would typically be NOVA 1 or 2.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in barilla grain & legume pasta, protein + farfalle actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
This BARILLA pasta is a good source of protein, providing 17.86g per 100g. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle. The combination of semolina, durum wheat flour, and various legume flours like pea protein and chickpea flour contributes to this higher protein content compared to standard pasta. Including adequate protein in meals can also help promote feelings of fullness and satiety, potentially aiding in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake.
Contributes to Digestive Health
With 8.89g of fiber per 100g, this product is a significant source of dietary fiber. Fiber is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, promoting regular bowel movements, and preventing constipation. The blend of grain and legume flours, including lentil flour and barley flour, naturally increases the fiber content. A diet rich in fiber can also help regulate blood sugar levels and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Provides Essential Micronutrients
This pasta is fortified with several important micronutrients, notably providing 20% DV for iron per 100g. Iron is vital for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production. It also contains B vitamins like niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid, which play roles in energy metabolism and overall cellular function. These added vitamins and minerals can help fill potential nutrient gaps in the diet, especially for individuals who may not consume a wide variety of fortified foods.
BARILLA GRAIN & LEGUME PASTA, PROTEIN + FARFALLE scores 70/100 (Good), primarily driven by its notable protein and fiber content from various flours.
How to eat it
This pasta is typically consumed as a main course or side dish, often as part of a larger meal. A common portion size is around 2 ounces dry, which expands significantly when cooked. It can serve as a base for various sauces and accompaniments.
Pair with a variety of non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to increase overall nutrient density and fiber.
Combine with a lean protein source such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu to create a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Use smaller portion sizes of pasta and focus on larger servings of vegetables and protein to manage calorie intake.
Opt for light, vegetable-based sauces instead of creamy or cheese-heavy options to keep the overall fat and calorie content lower.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains wheat, including semolina, durum wheat flour, and spelt flour, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or a wheat allergy. While it incorporates legumes, it is not a gluten-free product. The ingredient list does not declare common allergens such as milk, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg. The product is fortified with vitamins and minerals, which are generally safe. There are no specific additives or high levels of sodium or added sugar that would warrant particular caution for most healthy individuals.
Is BARILLA GRAIN & LEGUME PASTA, PROTEIN + FARFALLE healthy?
This BARILLA pasta scores 70/100, indicating a 'Good' nutritional profile. It is a strong source of protein and fiber, which are beneficial for satiety and digestive health. While it is a processed food (NOVA 3), its nutrient density is higher than many traditional refined pastas.
How does BARILLA GRAIN & LEGUME PASTA compare to other pasta brands?
Compared to traditional refined wheat pastas, such as standard Barilla or Ronzoni semolina pastas, this product offers significantly more protein and fiber due to the inclusion of legume and other grain flours. This makes it a more nutritionally dense option within the pasta category.
What is 'pea protein' in the ingredient list?
Pea protein is a plant-based protein derived from yellow peas. It is included in this pasta to boost its overall protein content, contributing to the product's 'Protein +' claim and enhancing its nutritional value beyond what wheat flours alone would provide.
What is a recommended portion size for this pasta?
The recommended serving size is 2 ounces dry, which is approximately 56 grams. This portion provides around 190 calories, 10g of protein, and 5g of fiber. Adjusting portion sizes based on individual dietary needs and activity levels is always recommended to manage calorie and carbohydrate intake.
Can this pasta be part of a weight management diet?
Yes, due to its higher protein and fiber content, this pasta can be a suitable component of a weight management diet. Protein and fiber contribute to satiety, which can help reduce overall calorie intake. However, portion control and pairing with lean proteins and vegetables are still key for effective weight management.