Spaghetti and macaroni are some of the most popular pasta shapes, but what are these types of pasta made of? Macaroni, spaghetti, and other types of “regular” pasta are made from enriched, non-whole-wheat durum wheat semolina. What does that all mean? We’ll explain next! What is regular pasta made of? When you think of “regular” pasta, you’re probably thinking of enriched pasta in popular shapes like macaroni and [...]
What Does “Al Dente” Mean?
You’ve more than likely heard the term “al dente” about pasta, but do you know what it means? “Al dente” refers to pasta that is slightly undercooked and has a slight bite to it when chewed. “Al dente” literally translates to “to the tooth” in Italian, and refers to the ideal texture pasta should have. If pasta is mushy and soft, then it’s not al dente. How do you achieve this al dente perfection when cooking pasta? [...]
What Are My Grain-Free Pasta Choices?
When you think of pasta you probably don’t immediately think of “grain-free” - but there are several types of grain-free pasta choices if you’re in the market for one! Some types of grain-free pasta include: *=not technically pasta - we'll explain! We’ll review each of these pastas and compare them all nutrition-wise in this article. What is grain-free pasta? Regular pasta is made from wheat flour (typically [...]
Is Whole Wheat Pasta Much Better Than Regular Pasta?
If you had to choose between regular pasta and whole wheat pasta, which would YOU choose and why? Is whole wheat pasta better than regular pasta - and if so, WHY? Whole wheat pasta is considered better than regular pasta because it’s naturally richer in nutrients and is less processed/refined than regular pasta. We’ll explain more about why whole wheat pasta is considered better than regular pasta in this article, as [...]
What Are the Highest-Fiber Pastas?
Fiber is an important nutrient that most Americans don’t eat enough of. The recommended amount of fiber to eat each day is 21-25 grams per day for women and 30-38 grams per day for men. Certain types of pasta can help you reach your fiber goals - which is great news if you’re a pasta fan! The highest-fiber pastas include: Just how much fiber is in these pastas, and how do they compare? We have the answers [...]
Is Pasta Basically All the Same Except for Shape?
If you stroll through the pasta aisle at the grocery store, you’ll notice there are a TON of different types. Are there big differences between the types of pasta, or are they all similar besides their shape? Most types of pasta are basically all the same (made from semolina, a type of flour) except for the shapes they are formed into! What are the different pasta shapes - and why do they matter? We’ll explain! What [...]
