DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, ORECCHIETTE NO. 91
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, ORECCHIETTE NO. 91 scores 62/100 (Good) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its **protein content** and fortification with essential micronutrients like iron.
This DE CECCO pasta scores 62/100, indicating a good nutritional profile.
It provides 14.3g of protein per 100g, contributing significantly to daily needs.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), it contains enriched flour rather than whole grains.
Compared to whole-grain pasta, it has less fiber (3.61g vs. typically 7g+).
Pair with vegetables and lean protein to create a more 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, ORECCHIETTE NO. 91 achieves a FoodScore of 62 out of 100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects several positive nutritional attributes, particularly its protein content of 14.3g per 100g, which earns a significant bonus. The product is also fortified with key micronutrients such as iron (ferrous lactate), providing 17% of the Daily Value per 100g, and B vitamins like niacin, thiamine mononitrate, and riboflavin, contributing to its overall score. However, as an enriched macaroni product, it is made from durum wheat semolina, which means it lacks the higher fiber content found in whole-grain alternatives. While it contains 3.61g of fiber, this is notably less than the 7g or more typically found in a comparable serving of whole-grain pasta. The NOVA classification of 3 indicates it is a processed food, incurring a minor penalty in the scoring system. Despite this, the absence of added sugars, trans fats, and sodium are favorable factors.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in de cecco enriched macaroni product, orecchiette no. 91 actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Growth
This DE CECCO pasta provides a notable 14.3g of protein per 100g serving. Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for the repair and growth of muscle tissue, as well as for producing enzymes and hormones. Including sufficient protein in your diet can help with satiety and support overall body function. This makes it a suitable component for meals aimed at meeting daily protein requirements, especially when combined with other protein sources.
Contributes to Iron Intake
DE CECCO Orecchiette is fortified with iron, supplying 3.04mg per 100g, which is 17% of the Daily Value. Iron is crucial for oxygen transport in the blood and plays a role in energy metabolism. Adequate iron intake is important for preventing iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. The inclusion of ferrous lactate as an iron source helps ensure this micronutrient is available in the product.
Source of B Vitamins for Energy Metabolism
This enriched macaroni product contains several B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine mononitrate, and riboflavin. These vitamins are fundamental for converting food into energy and supporting various metabolic processes in the body. They play a role in maintaining nerve function and promoting healthy skin and vision. The enrichment process helps ensure these important nutrients are present in the pasta.
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT, ORECCHIETTE NO. 91 scores 62/100 (Good) on FoodScore, primarily driven by its protein content and fortification with essential micronutrients like iron.
How to eat it
Pasta is a versatile staple in many US diets, commonly served as a main dish with sauces, vegetables, and protein. A typical serving size is 2/3 cup cooked, which is about 56g dry. Be mindful of portion sizes, as pasta can be calorie-dense, especially when combined with rich sauces.
Pair with a variety of non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to increase fiber and nutrient density.
Combine with lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, or legumes to create a balanced and satisfying meal.
Use a light, tomato-based sauce instead of creamy or cheese-heavy sauces to manage calorie and fat intake.
Consider using half the recommended portion of DE CECCO pasta and supplementing with extra vegetables to boost volume without excessive calories.
Things to keep in mind
This DE CECCO pasta is made from durum wheat semolina, meaning it contains wheat, which is a common allergen. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product. The ingredient list does not indicate the presence of other major allergens such as milk, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, or egg. The product is enriched with vitamins and iron, which are generally well-tolerated. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives listed that typically raise concerns. Overall, for those without wheat allergies, this product presents minimal specific cautions beyond general dietary considerations for processed grains.
Is DE CECCO Orecchiette No. 91 a whole-grain pasta?
No, DE CECCO Orecchiette No. 91 is an enriched macaroni product made from durum wheat semolina. While it contains added vitamins and iron, it is not a whole-grain pasta and therefore has less dietary fiber than whole-grain options.
How does DE CECCO Orecchiette compare to Barilla Whole Grain pasta?
Compared to a generic whole-grain pasta like Barilla Whole Grain, DE CECCO Orecchiette has a similar protein content but significantly less fiber. For example, Barilla Whole Grain Rotini typically offers around 7g of fiber per 100g, whereas DE CECCO provides 3.61g. The whole-grain option would generally be preferred for its higher fiber content.
What does 'enriched' mean in the ingredient list?
The term 'enriched' means that certain nutrients lost during the processing of the grain have been added back. In DE CECCO Orecchiette, this includes vitamins (niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron (ferrous lactate), which are important for various bodily functions.
What is a reasonable portion size for this pasta?
A reasonable portion size for DE CECCO Orecchiette is 2/3 cup dry (about 56g), which provides approximately 200 calories. This portion helps manage calorie intake while still enjoying pasta. Adjust based on your individual dietary needs and activity level.
Can I include this pasta in a low-sodium diet?
Yes, DE CECCO Orecchiette No. 91 is an excellent choice for a low-sodium diet as it contains 0mg of sodium per 100g. This makes it a suitable base for meals where you want to control the sodium content by choosing low-sodium sauces and other ingredients.