BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE scores 70/100 (Good) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its notable protein and micronutrient content, despite being a processed food.
This BARILLA pasta achieves a FoodScore of 70/100, indicating a good nutritional profile.
A serving provides 14.3g of protein per 100g, contributing significantly to daily needs.
The product contains 0g of added sugar and 0mg of sodium, which are positive attributes.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it offers less nutritional density than whole-food alternatives.
It is a practical option for increasing vegetable intake through a familiar pasta format.
Scores +29 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
3.61g
13% of Daily Value
Protein
14.3g
29% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
0mg
0% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (14.3g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Vitamin A, Folate, Riboflavin)+12
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What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 70
BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE earns a FoodScore of 70/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score is primarily influenced by its positive contributions from protein and a range of micronutrients. Per 100g, it provides 14.3g of protein, which is a substantial amount for a pasta product, contributing significantly to muscle maintenance and satiety. The pasta also delivers meaningful amounts of several micronutrients, including 18% DV for iron, 14% DV for magnesium, 63% DV for folate, and 60% DV for Vitamin A, largely due to the inclusion of zucchini puree and spinach puree, as well as fortification. While it contains 3.61g of fiber, this is a moderate amount. The product is categorized as NOVA 3, indicating it is a processed food, which incurs a minor penalty in the scoring. Compared to whole-food alternatives like raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, this BARILLA pasta offers a different nutrient balance, with higher carbohydrates but also fortified vitamins and minerals.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in barilla thin spaghetti pasta, veggie actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Health and Satiety
This pasta provides 14.3g of protein per 100g, which is a notable amount for a grain-based product. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Including this pasta as part of a meal can help contribute to your daily protein goals, promoting feelings of fullness and potentially reducing overall calorie intake, especially when paired with other protein sources.
Contributes to Micronutrient Intake
BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE is fortified with several important micronutrients. It provides 63% DV of Folate and 60% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, along with 18% DV of iron and 14% DV of magnesium. Folate is crucial for cell division and red blood cell formation, while Vitamin A supports vision and immune function. These additions can help bridge potential nutrient gaps in the diet.
Aids in Dietary Fiber Intake
With 3.61g of fiber per 100g, this pasta contributes to your daily fiber needs. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health, helping to maintain bowel regularity and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. While not as high in fiber as whole grains, this amount is still beneficial and can be part of a balanced diet when combined with other fiber-rich foods.
BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE scores 70/100 (Good) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its notable protein and micronutrient content, despite being a processed food.
How to eat it
This pasta is typically consumed as a main course, often paired with sauces, vegetables, and protein. A common serving size is 2 ounces dry, which expands significantly when cooked. It can be a versatile base for meals, fitting into various dietary patterns.
Pair with lean protein sources like grilled chicken, fish, or legumes to create a more balanced and satiating meal.
Incorporate a generous amount of non-starchy vegetables into your pasta dishes to boost fiber and micronutrient content.
Be mindful of portion sizes; a 2-ounce dry serving is appropriate for most individuals, and measuring dry pasta can help manage intake.
Choose tomato-based sauces over cream-based ones to reduce saturated fat and calorie content.
Things to keep in mind
BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE contains wheat as a primary ingredient, making it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or a wheat allergy. While the product includes zucchini puree and spinach puree, these are in smaller quantities compared to the wheat components. The product is generally well-tolerated and does not contain common additives like artificial sweeteners, colors, or excessive sodium. There are no specific interactions or populations that need to be particularly cautious beyond those with wheat sensitivities.
This BARILLA pasta scores 70/100 (Good) on FoodScore. It offers a good amount of protein (14.3g per 100g) and is fortified with several micronutrients like folate and Vitamin A. While it is a processed food, it can be a nutritious component of a balanced diet, especially when paired with other whole foods.
How does BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE compare to other pasta brands?
Compared to standard white pasta from brands like Ronzoni, BARILLA THIN SPAGHETTI PASTA, VEGGIE offers the added benefit of vegetable purees and fortification, leading to higher Vitamin A and folate content. However, it may not offer as much fiber as whole wheat pasta options from brands like Barilla Whole Grain or De Cecco Whole Wheat, which are typically higher in dietary fiber.
What is the significance of zucchini puree and spinach puree in this pasta?
The inclusion of zucchini puree and spinach puree contributes to the pasta's micronutrient profile, specifically boosting its Vitamin A and folate content. While these purees add some nutritional value, they are not the primary ingredients, and the pasta still largely consists of wheat semolina.
What is a recommended portion size for this pasta?
A standard serving size for dry pasta is typically 2 ounces (about 56 grams). This amount provides a reasonable portion of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. It's important to measure dry pasta to manage calorie and carbohydrate intake effectively, especially if you are monitoring these for health reasons.
Can this pasta help me increase my vegetable intake?
While this pasta contains zucchini puree and spinach puree, it should not be considered a primary source of vegetables. It can be a way to subtly incorporate some vegetable nutrients into your diet, but it's best to also consume whole, fresh vegetables alongside your pasta dishes to meet daily recommendations.