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.
FAQ's
High-protein pastas can help with satiety, muscle repair, and maintaining balanced energy levels, making them ideal for active individuals or vegetarians.
Absolutely! Many brands, like Catelli Smart, offer familiar textures and flavours while boosting fibre and protein, making it easier for picky eaters to enjoy healthier pasta.
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