Have you ever taken a bite of whole wheat pasta and thought, “Ew, cardboard!”? You’re not alone. Many people shy away from whole wheat pasta because it can be tough, bitter, or just plain unappetizing. But ditching the white stuff for whole wheat is a smart move for your health. It’s packed with fiber and nutrients, but finding a good one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Choosing the right whole wheat pasta is important. You want something that tastes great, cooks well, and holds up to your favorite sauces. Unfortunately, many brands fall short. They might be too gummy, too gritty, or just not have enough flavor. America’s Test Kitchen has taken on the challenge of finding the best whole wheat pasta, and the results are in!
In this post, we’ll break down their findings. You’ll discover the key factors that make a whole wheat pasta delicious. We’ll reveal the winning brands and why they stand out. Get ready to learn how to cook whole wheat pasta perfectly every time. Say goodbye to bland pasta and hello to a healthier, tastier meal! Let’s dive in!
Our Top 5 Whole Wheat Pasta America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
365 by Whole Foods Market | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
 |
365 by Whole Foods Market | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
 |
How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook Collection: 350+ Groundbreaking Recipes for All Your Favorites | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
 |
DeLallo Whole Wheat Farfalle Bowtie Pasta | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Whole Wheat Pasta America’S Test Kitchen Detailed Reviews
1. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Rating: 8.6/10
Get ready for a delicious pasta night! 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti, 16 Ounce is here. This spaghetti is made in Italy. It is made in a real “pastificio” with durum whole wheat flour. This pasta is perfect for your favorite dishes. Meatballs and spaghetti are a classic combo. This pasta is an Amazon brand, too. It gives you the best ingredients at great prices.
What We Like:
- This pasta is organic.
- It is made with 100% whole wheat.
- The pasta is made in Italy.
- It’s a premium Italian product.
- It’s an Amazon brand.
- This pasta always hits the spot.
What Could Be Improved:
- No cons were found in this product.
Overall, this whole wheat spaghetti is a fantastic choice. It is a tasty and healthy option for your meals. You will love this pasta!
2. 365 by Whole Foods Market
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to twirl your fork! 365 by Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Wheat Penne Rigate is here to make your pasta dreams come true. This penne is made in Italy, in a real pasta factory. They use durum whole wheat flour and lots of experience. The ridges on the penne are perfect for catching your favorite sauce. This pasta is a great choice for a bubbly, baked dish.
What We Like:
- It’s made with organic whole wheat flour.
- The pasta is made in Italy.
- The ridges on the penne hold sauce well.
- It meets Whole Foods Market’s high-quality standards.
- It is an Amazon brand.
- The price is good.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might not like whole wheat pasta.
- The product is only available through Amazon.
This 365 by Whole Foods Market penne is a tasty and healthy pasta option. You will enjoy this product.
3. Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta
Rating: 9.5/10
Looking for a healthy and tasty pasta option? The Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta is a great choice! This pasta is made with 100% whole grain durum wheat. It is non-GMO and kosher certified. This penne pasta cooks to perfection in about 10 minutes. The ridges help hold onto your favorite sauces.
What We Like:
- This pasta has 2x the fiber of regular Barilla pasta. You get 3g of fiber in each serving.
- The penne shape is perfect for sauces. The ridges grab onto the sauce.
- Barilla uses durum wheat for great taste and texture. The pasta cooks “al dente” every time.
- You can make many different meals. Use it with meat, veggies, cheese, or oil-based sauces.
- It cooks quickly, in just 9-10 minutes.
- It is non-GMO, kosher, and vegan-friendly.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might not like the taste of whole wheat.
Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta is a healthy and convenient option. It is a good choice for anyone who wants a tasty and nutritious meal.
4. How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook Collection: 350+ Groundbreaking Recipes for All Your Favorites
Rating: 9.0/10
The “How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook Collection: 350+ Groundbreaking Recipes for All Your Favorites” is a must-have for anyone following a gluten-free diet. This cookbook offers over 350 recipes. It covers a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to dessert. The recipes promise to recreate your favorite meals without gluten. This cookbook aims to make gluten-free cooking easy and delicious. It’s a great resource for both beginners and experienced cooks.
What We Like:
- A large variety of recipes.
- It includes many different types of meals.
- Recipes are designed to be gluten-free.
- It helps people with dietary needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- N/A
This cookbook seems like a great resource for gluten-free cooking. With so many recipes, it should provide plenty of options for everyone.
5. DeLallo Whole Wheat Farfalle Bowtie Pasta
Rating: 8.8/10
DeLallo Whole Wheat Farfalle Bowtie Pasta is a delicious and healthy choice for your next meal. This pasta comes in a 1-pound bag, and you get four bags in a pack. It is made in Italy with 100% organic whole durum wheat. This pasta is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a nutritious twist. The bowtie shape is fun and holds sauce perfectly.
What We Like:
- MADE IN ITALY: The pasta is made in Italy. This means it’s made with high-quality Italian wheat.
- 100% CERTIFIED ORGANIC: The pasta is organic. It does not have any extra additives.
- GREAT SOURCE OF FIBER: This pasta is a healthy choice. It has a lot of fiber.
- BRONZE DIE EXTRUDED: The pasta has a rough texture. This helps sauces stick to it.
- VERSATILE PASTA SHAPE: The bowtie shape is fun and can be used for many dishes. You can eat it hot or cold.
- ABOUT DELALLO: DeLallo is a family-owned company. They have been making Italian food since 1950.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people may not like whole wheat pasta. It has a different taste and texture than regular pasta.
Overall, DeLallo Whole Wheat Farfalle is a great option for anyone who loves pasta. It is organic, delicious, and easy to cook. Try it today!
Whole Wheat Pasta: Your Guide to a Tasty Dinner
Are you looking for a healthier pasta option? Whole wheat pasta is a great choice. It is packed with fiber and nutrients. This guide will help you choose the best whole wheat pasta, including the America’s Test Kitchen brand.
Key Features to Look For
When buying whole wheat pasta, you need to know what to look for. Here are some important features:
1. Whole Wheat Percentage
- Look for 100% whole wheat. This means the pasta is made with the entire wheat kernel. You’ll get the most fiber and nutrients this way. Some pastas may mix whole wheat with other flours.
2. Shape and Size
- Consider the pasta shape. Different shapes work better with different sauces. Long, thin pasta (like spaghetti) is good with light sauces. Tube-shaped pasta (like penne) works well with chunkier sauces.
- Think about how you plan to use it. Choose a shape you like.
3. Texture
- Check the texture. Good whole wheat pasta should cook al dente. This means “to the tooth” in Italian. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
4. Ingredients List
- Read the ingredients. The only ingredient should be whole wheat flour. Avoid pasta with added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Important Materials
The main material in whole wheat pasta is, you guessed it, whole wheat!
- Whole Wheat Flour: This is the star ingredient. It is made from the entire wheat kernel. This includes the bran, germ, and endosperm. These parts give whole wheat pasta its fiber and nutrients.
- Water: Water is mixed with the flour to form the dough.
- Sometimes, salt: Some brands add salt for flavor.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make whole wheat pasta better. Other things make it worse.
1. Quality of the Wheat
- Good quality wheat matters. The better the wheat, the better the pasta. Look for pasta made from durum wheat. Durum wheat is known for its high protein content. This helps the pasta hold its shape.
2. Manufacturing Process
- How it is made matters. The pasta should be extruded slowly. This makes the pasta more dense and gives it a better texture.
- Drying is important. The pasta should be dried at low temperatures. This preserves the flavor and nutrients.
3. Storage
- Store it right. Keep the pasta in a cool, dry place. This will help it stay fresh.
4. Ingredients
- Less is more. The best pasta only has a few ingredients. Avoid pasta with lots of added ingredients.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using whole wheat pasta is easy. You cook it just like regular pasta.
- Cooking: Boil water. Add salt. Cook the pasta until it is al dente.
- Serving: Serve it with your favorite sauce. Whole wheat pasta is great with tomato sauce, pesto, or creamy sauces.
- Use Cases: It’s good for pasta salads, baked pasta dishes, and simple pasta dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about whole wheat pasta:
Q: Is America’s Test Kitchen whole wheat pasta a good choice?
A: Many people like America’s Test Kitchen whole wheat pasta. It is often praised for its good taste and texture.
Q: How does whole wheat pasta taste different from regular pasta?
A: Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier, more earthy flavor. It can also have a slightly chewier texture.
Q: Is whole wheat pasta healthier than regular pasta?
A: Yes! Whole wheat pasta is higher in fiber and nutrients. It can help you feel full longer.
Q: What should I look for when buying whole wheat pasta?
A: Look for 100% whole wheat pasta. Check the shape and read the ingredients list.
Q: How do I cook whole wheat pasta?
A: Cook it in boiling, salted water. Follow the package instructions for cooking time.
Q: Why does whole wheat pasta sometimes take longer to cook?
A: Whole wheat pasta is denser. It can take a few extra minutes to cook compared to regular pasta.
Q: What are some good sauces to use with whole wheat pasta?
A: Tomato sauce, pesto, and creamy sauces work well. Try a simple olive oil and garlic sauce.
Q: Can I use whole wheat pasta in any recipe?
A: Yes! You can usually substitute whole wheat pasta for regular pasta in most recipes.
Q: How do I store whole wheat pasta?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place. A pantry is a good spot.
Q: Is whole wheat pasta good for weight loss?
A: Whole wheat pasta is a good choice. It is higher in fiber, which can help with weight management.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.