Pasta is a pantry staple in many Canadian homes, there are now so many high-fibre, whole grain, and protein-enriched options that make pasta night more nutritious without sacrificing taste.
As a dietitian, I’m sharing what to look for in a healthy pasta brand, and my top 10 picks that are widely available across Canada.
What to Look for in a Nutritious Pasta
When browsing the pasta aisle, here are a few key nutrition criteria to look for:
- Fibre content: Aim for at least 4g of fibre per serving to support digestive health and satiety.
- Whole grains: Look for “100% whole grain” or “whole wheat flour” listed first in the ingredient list.
- Protein content: Higher-protein pastas (10g+ per serving) can help with fullness and muscle repair—especially great for vegetarians or active individuals.
- Short ingredient list: Look for simple, recognizable ingredients like semolina, water, legumes, or grains.
- Lower sodium: Most dry pastas are naturally low in sodium—be cautious with flavoured or boxed pasta meals.
8 Best Pasta Brands
1. Catelli Smart
- Why it’s great: Enriched with oat fibre, this pasta looks and tastes like white pasta but has the fibre of whole wheat.
- Fibre: 8g per serving
- Protein: 7g
- Best for: Families, picky eaters, and fibre boosts without changing the texture.
2. Barilla Whole Grain
- Why it’s great: 100% whole wheat with a smooth texture that doesn’t fall apart.
- Fibre: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Best for: Everyday meals with more fibre.
3. Chickapea Pasta
- Why it’s great: Made from just chickpeas and lentils, it’s high in protein and fibre—and gluten-free. Texture is a bit different from normal pasta!
- Fibre: 11g
- Protein: 23g
- Best for: Gluten-free, plant-based, and high-protein needs.
4. Barilla Protein+
- Why it’s great: Made with a blend of semolina and legumes (lentils, chickpeas, peas), it offers a good protein boost.
- Fibre: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Best for: Athletes, active individuals, or boosting vegetarian meals.
5. Rummo Whole Wheat
- Why it’s great: Traditional Italian pasta made with high-quality whole wheat flour.
- Fibre: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Best for: Authentic taste and firm texture.
6. GoGo Quinoa Pasta
- Why it’s great: Gluten-free, made with organic quinoa and rice flour, Canadian-owned brand.
- Fibre: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Best for: Gluten-free diets and Canadian-made choices.
7. Italpasta Whole Grain
- Why it’s great: Canadian-made whole wheat pasta with solid fibre content.
- Fibre: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Best for: Local options with a familiar taste.
8. Explore Cuisine Edamame or Black Bean Pasta
- Why it’s great: Made from a single ingredient (beans), high in plant-based protein and fibre.
- Fibre: 11g
- Protein: 22g
- Best for: High-protein, plant-based meals.
Final Thoughts: 8 Best Pasta Brands
Pasta can absolutely be part of a balanced, nourishing diet—especially when you choose versions with more fibre, more protein, and whole grains. Whether you're cooking for kids, athletes, or anyone in between, there’s a pasta out there to meet your needs.
If you’re not ready to switch to 100% whole wheat or legume pasta, try mixing half white and half whole grain pasta in your next dish for a gentle transition.
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