DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11 scores 60/100 (Good) due to its notable protein content and enrichment with essential B vitamins and iron, despite being a processed grain product.
This DE CECCO spaghetti scores 60/100 (Good) on FoodScore.
It provides 14.3g of protein per 100g, contributing significantly to daily needs.
As a NOVA 3 processed food, it contains refined grains rather than whole grains.
Compared to whole-grain pasta, it has less fiber (3.61g vs. typically 6-8g).
A typical serving is 0.125 box, which is about 56g dry pasta.
Scores +13 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 (Riboflavin)+2
−
What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 60
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11 achieves a FoodScore of 60/100, placing it in the 'Good' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and its classification as a processed food. The product receives bonuses for its substantial protein content, providing 14.3g per 100g, which is a significant contribution to satiety and muscle maintenance. It also benefits from micronutrient enrichment, specifically riboflavin, which is added along with niacin, thiamine mononitrate, and folic acid, and iron (ferrous lactate). These additions help compensate for nutrients lost during the refining of the durum wheat semolina. However, a penalty of -5 is applied because it is a NOVA 3 processed food, indicating that it has undergone significant industrial processing. While it contains 0g of added sugar and 0mg of sodium, its fiber content of 3.61g per 100g is lower than the generic whole-grain equivalent, which typically offers a higher amount of dietary fiber.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in de cecco enriched macroni product, thin spaghetti no. 11 actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
This DE CECCO spaghetti provides 14.3g of protein per 100g, a notable amount for a grain product. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle, and plays a role in enzyme and hormone production. Including a good source of protein in meals can also contribute to feelings of fullness, which may help with managing appetite and overall calorie intake. Pairing this pasta with other protein-rich foods like lean meats, legumes, or cheese can further enhance its contribution to your daily protein goals.
Contributes to B Vitamin and Iron Intake
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT is fortified with several B vitamins, including niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid, along with iron (ferrous lactate). These nutrients are crucial for various bodily functions. B vitamins are vital for energy metabolism, helping convert food into usable energy, and for maintaining nerve function. Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood and preventing iron-deficiency anemia. This enrichment helps ensure that consumers receive these important micronutrients, which are often reduced in refined grain products.
Provides a Source of Carbohydrate Energy
As a pasta product, this DE CECCO spaghetti is primarily a source of carbohydrates, providing 357.14 calories per 100g. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, fueling brain function, muscle activity, and other metabolic processes. Including carbohydrates in your diet helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. This product can serve as a foundational component of a meal, offering the energy needed for daily activities when consumed as part of a balanced dietary pattern.
DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11 scores 60/100 (Good) due to its notable protein content and enrichment with essential B vitamins and iron, despite being a processed grain product.
How to eat it
Pasta is a versatile staple in many US diets, typically consumed as a main course with sauces, vegetables, and protein. A common serving size is around 2 ounces dry, which is roughly 0.125 of the box for this DE CECCO spaghetti. It's often boiled and then combined with other ingredients.
Pair with vegetable-rich sauces like marinara with added spinach or mushrooms to boost fiber and micronutrient intake.
Combine with lean protein sources such as chicken breast, fish, or lentils to create a more balanced and satisfying meal.
Be mindful of portion sizes; a standard serving of dry pasta is about 56g, which expands significantly when cooked.
Consider using this pasta as a base for cold pasta salads, incorporating plenty of fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Things to keep in mind
This DE CECCO spaghetti is an enriched macaroni product, meaning it is made from refined durum wheat semolina. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product as it contains wheat. While the product is fortified with several vitamins and iron, it is a NOVA 3 processed food. It does not contain common allergens like milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, or eggs based on the ingredient list provided. There are no artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives listed in the ingredients. Overall, for individuals without gluten sensitivities, this product is generally unremarkable in terms of specific cautions beyond its classification as a refined grain.
Is DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11 a good source of fiber?
This DE CECCO spaghetti provides 3.61g of fiber per 100g. While it contributes some fiber, it is not considered a high-fiber food, especially when compared to whole-grain pasta options. The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend consuming more whole grains for their higher fiber content.
How does DE CECCO spaghetti compare to whole wheat pasta?
Compared to whole wheat pasta, DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11, made from durum wheat semolina, typically has a lower fiber content (3.61g vs. 6-8g per 100g in whole wheat). Whole wheat pasta, like Barilla Whole Grain pasta, retains more of the grain's original nutrients, including fiber, due to less processing. Both can be part of a balanced diet, but whole wheat offers more dietary fiber.
What does 'enriched' mean in this product?
The term 'enriched' means that certain nutrients that were lost during the processing of the grain (like the milling of durum wheat semolina) have been added back. For this DE CECCO spaghetti, these include B vitamins (niacin, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) and iron (ferrous lactate). This process helps restore some of the nutritional value.
Can I eat this DE CECCO spaghetti every day?
Yes, you can include this DE CECCO spaghetti in your daily diet as part of a balanced meal plan. Focus on portion control (a typical serving is about 56g dry) and pair it with plenty of vegetables and a lean protein source to create a nutritionally complete meal. Varying your grain sources, including whole grains, is also beneficial.
Does this spaghetti contain any added sugar or sodium?
No, according to the nutrition facts, DE CECCO ENRICHED MACRONI PRODUCT, THIN SPAGHETTI NO. 11 contains 0g of added sugar and 0mg of sodium per 100g. This makes it a good base for meals where you want to control the amount of added sugar and sodium from other ingredients like sauces or seasonings.