DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, FARFALLE NO. 93
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, FARFALLE NO. 93 scores 62/100 (Good) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional strength comes from its protein content, contributing significantly to its overall score.
DE CECCO Farfalle No. 93 has a FoodScore of 62/100 (Good).
This pasta provides 14.3g of protein per 100g serving.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it is less optimal than whole-grain alternatives.
It contains 0g of added sugar and 0mg of sodium per 100g.
Pair with vegetables and lean protein for a balanced meal.
Scores +15 points above the grain category average (47/100 across 2269 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
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (3.6g)+3
Protein (14.3g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron, Riboflavin)+4
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 62
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, FARFALLE NO. 93 achieved a FoodScore of 62 out of 100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score is primarily driven by its beneficial macronutrient profile, particularly its protein content. With 14.3g of protein per 100g, it receives a substantial bonus, supporting satiety and muscle maintenance. The product also earns points for its fiber content, providing 3.61g per 100g, which contributes to digestive health. Furthermore, the enrichment with iron (ferrous lactate) and riboflavin adds micronutrient value, garnering additional bonus points. However, as a NOVA 3 classified food, indicating it is a processed product, it incurs a penalty of 5 points. This classification reflects that the product has undergone significant industrial processing, which generally makes it less nutrient-dense than its whole-grain counterparts. Compared to a generic whole-grain pasta, this DE CECCO product lacks the higher fiber and broader micronutrient profile typically found in less processed, whole-grain options, despite its enrichment.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in de cecco enriched macaroni product, farfalle no. 93 actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
This DE CECCO pasta provides 14.3g of protein per 100g, which is a notable amount for a grain product. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and it also plays a key role in promoting feelings of fullness. Including adequate protein in meals can help manage appetite and support overall body composition. This makes it a useful component in meals aimed at providing sustained energy.
Contributes to Daily Fiber Intake
With 3.61g of fiber per 100g, this enriched macaroni product contributes to your daily fiber needs. Dietary fiber is important for maintaining digestive regularity and can help regulate blood sugar levels. While not as high in fiber as whole-grain options, this amount still offers a beneficial contribution, especially when combined with other fiber-rich foods in a meal.
Source of Essential Micronutrients
DE CECCO Farfalle No. 93 is enriched with several vitamins and iron, including iron (ferrous lactate), niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing anemia, while B vitamins are vital for energy metabolism. This enrichment helps to restore nutrients lost during processing and provides valuable micronutrients that support various bodily functions.
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, FARFALLE NO. 93 scores 62/100 (Good) on FoodScore. Its primary nutritional strength comes from its protein content, contributing significantly to its overall score.
How to eat it
Pasta is a versatile staple in many US diets, commonly served as a main dish or a side. A typical portion is often around 1 cup cooked, but it's easy to overconsume due to its satisfying nature. It's frequently paired with sauces, vegetables, and proteins.
To enhance the nutritional value, pair this pasta with plenty of non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers.
Incorporate a lean protein source such as chicken breast, fish, or legumes to create a more balanced and satiating meal.
Be mindful of portion sizes; a 1-cup cooked serving is a reasonable starting point to manage calorie intake.
Opt for tomato-based sauces over cream-based ones to reduce saturated fat content.
Consider using this pasta as a base for cold pasta salads with a vinaigrette dressing, adding fresh herbs and vegetables.
Things to keep in mind
This product is made from durum wheat semolina, meaning it contains gluten and is not suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The ingredient list does not declare common allergens such as milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, or eggs, beyond the wheat. As an enriched product, it contains added vitamins and iron, which are generally well-tolerated. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or problematic preservatives listed. Overall, for individuals without gluten intolerance, this DE CECCO pasta presents no specific unique cautions beyond general dietary considerations for processed grains.
Is DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, FARFALLE NO. 93 healthy?
This DE CECCO pasta scores 62/100, indicating it's a good choice within a balanced diet. It offers a notable amount of protein (14.3g/100g) and some fiber (3.61g/100g), along with enrichment from B vitamins and iron. While it's a processed grain (NOVA 3), it can be part of a nutritious meal when paired with vegetables and lean proteins.
How does DE CECCO Farfalle compare to other pasta brands like Barilla?
DE CECCO Farfalle No. 93 is an enriched durum wheat pasta, similar to many conventional pasta brands like Barilla. Nutritional profiles for enriched white pastas are often comparable in terms of calories, protein, and fiber. The key difference usually lies in the specific enrichment blend and the quality of the semolina used. For a more nutrient-dense option, both brands offer whole-grain varieties that would typically score higher due to increased fiber and micronutrients.
What does 'enriched' mean in the ingredient list?
Enriched means that certain nutrients lost during the processing of the wheat grain have been added back. For this DE CECCO pasta, the ingredient list specifies enrichment with vitamins like niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, along with iron (ferrous lactate). This process helps ensure that the pasta contributes essential micronutrients to the diet.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pasta?
A standard serving size for pasta is typically 1 cup cooked, which corresponds to roughly 56g dry pasta. The nutritional values provided are per 100g, so a 1-cup cooked serving would provide about half of those amounts. Adjust your portion based on your individual calorie and carbohydrate needs, and remember to account for sauces and other meal components.
Can I eat this pasta if I'm trying to increase my fiber intake?
While DE CECCO Farfalle No. 93 contains 3.61g of fiber per 100g, which is beneficial, it is not considered a high-fiber food compared to whole-grain options. If your primary goal is to significantly increase fiber, choosing a whole-wheat pasta or incorporating more fiber-rich foods like legumes, vegetables, and fruits into your diet would be more effective. This pasta can contribute to your fiber intake, but it shouldn't be your sole source.