Dr. Becky Maes - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Becky Maes

Is Barilla Spaghetti Bad For You?


Grade

B


Short answer

Barilla spaghetti is not bad for you, as it provides much-needed nutrients in large quantities and is not processed, unlike many other pasta brands. Apart from people with wheat allergies, Barilla can be made part of a healthy diet plan.

Grade

B

Recommended Alternative


Long answer

While eating pasta may often be decried as a good way to pack on pounds, Barilla spaghetti is actually quite good for your health. Unlike many other pastas, which are made using refined ingredients, Barilla spaghetti is made from durum flour and semolina, a product which comes from durum wheat. Named for its hardness, durum wheat also provides the most protein of the various wheat species used as a food ingredient.

In a 2 lb box of Barilla spaghetti, there are a recommended 16 servings, with each serving size being 2 ounces. Let's assume that you eat more than two ounces of spaghetti in one meal and give the nutritional value for 4 ounces of Barilla spaghetti. If you eat two servings, you will get 400 calories, 2 grams of fat (which is 4% of the daily value and includes no saturated fat or trans fat), no cholesterol, no sodium, 84 grams of carbohydrates (28% of the DV), 4 grams of dietary fiber (16% of the DV), 2 grams of sugars (8% of the DV),and 14 grams of protein. Additionally, Barilla spaghetti contains large amounts of several nutrients. Our two-serving size example will yield 30% of the DV for riboflavin, 70% for thiamin, 30% for niacin, 60% for folic acid, and 20% for iron.

Of course, what you choose to add to your noodles will make a difference regarding the health content of your spaghetti dinner. And although the noodles may pack quite a few calories per serving (200), they can definitely be part of a health-conscious meal plan. Also, if you have a wheat allergy, you will, of course, want to avoid this brand due to the durum wheat products (durum flour and semolina) used.


Possible short-term side effects

  • allergic reaction

Possible long-term side effects

  • weight gain
  • up & down insulin levels

Ingredients to be aware of

  • excess carbs
  • excess calories
  • wheat (for those allergic)


Benefits

  • good source of:
  • iron
  • fiber
  • b-vitamins
  • protein
  • riboflavin
  • thiamin
  • niacin
  • folic acid

Our Wellness Pick (what is this?)

Chickapea Chickpea Pasta

  • Organic ingredients
  • Rich in protein
  • Gluten-free
  • Non-GMO
  • Fiber-enriched
Learn More!



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-15-2023




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