De Cecco vs. Barilla vs. Rummo vs. Banza: Who Wins the Dry Pasta Brand Showdown?

• De Cecco

De Cecco may be one of the more common pasta brands out there, but that doesn't mean that it's not one of the best. There's an excellent chance that you'll find this brand on the dry foods aisle of your local grocery store, and if you see it there, you should definitely pick some up. 

It's rumored that their drying process, which takes longer than most, is the secret to their pasta's superior taste and al dente consistency. Their fusilli are particularly well-crafted, twisting perfectly to catch every drop of sauce.

De Cecco offers a wide range of pasta products, including durum wheat pasta, egg pasta, whole-grain pasta, and gluten-free pasta. If you're passionate about your pasta, De Cecco is a brand that won't disappoint.

WHERE TO BUY: 

Walmart (up to 4% cashback from Extrabux)

Kroger (up to 4% cashback from Extrabux)

Target

• Barilla

If there's one pasta brand you're familiar with, it's probably Barilla. You see this brand almost everywhere, and the iconic blue box will surely catch your eye whenever you're walking down the pasta aisle.

A closer examination of the Barilla Brand assortment reveals various product categories. Under "Pasta by Shape," you'll find classic long and short pasta, suitable for light or creamy sauces as well as rich ragù and hearty sauces. For kids, there are "piccolini," quick-cooking formats. For those who cherish tradition, there are Emilian specialties. And for those following a gluten-free diet, there's the "Senza Glutine" (Gluten-Free) line. Additionally, Barilla offers pasta made from legumes, both in the form of small legumes and larger ones, with 100% legume flour processed into grains.

Affordable and high-quality, Barilla is a great pasta if you want to upgrade your selection but can't afford the premium artisan ranges. In fact, it tastes so good it could be served in a top-class restaurant!

WHERE TO BUY: 

Walmart (up to 4% cashback from Extrabux)

CVS (up to 2% cashback from Extrabux)

Target

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• Rummo

When you're eyeing the pasta aisle, Rummo might not jump out at you like some others, but it's a hidden gem.

Their commitment to an "al dente" guarantee comes from a meticulous wheat selection process and a unique method they've patented, called Lenta Lavorazione. It translates to 'slow processing', a tradition that takes its time to ensure each strand of pasta holds its shape and texture under the fork.

This historical pastificio in Benevento, Campania, was almost wiped clean by a terrible flood that overtook the area in 2015, and was able to come back with new branding and packaging (which I LOVE). They only use Italian wheat, use their historical bronze dies for their pasta, and slow-dry each format separately according on thickness and water retention.

WHERE TO BUY: 

Walmart (up to 4% cashback from Extrabux)

Kroger (up to 4% cashback from Extrabux)

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• Banza

Banza is a favorite non-rice and non-corn gluten-free pasta for those that want a grain-free option. Made from chickpeas, it's got a light taste but the texture can be slimy if not prepared properly. Be sure to stir Banza often, rinse the pasta when finished, and top with sauce immediately. 

One of the plusses of chickpea pasta (besides not aggravating wheat intolerances) is that it has 50% more protein and triple the amount of fiber. So, you're getting a far healthier pasta than usual. But how does it taste? It's actually not that different from regular pasta.

Banza's variety of pasta shapes are real crowd-pleasers, especially for children! They have wheels, alphabet shapes, shells, and even rigatoni. Get the full list of all of their shapes here. Banza also makes macaroni and cheese, vegan macaroni and cheese, and chickpea rice, which is a great substitute for orzo.

WHERE TO BUY: 

Walmart (up to 4% cashback from Extrabux)

Target

• Bestsellers Comparison & Reviews

| De Cecco Spaghetti no.12 Pasta

Price: $2.53/453g at Walmart

Key ingredients: Durum Wheat Semolina, Vitamins, Iron.

Nutrition (per 56g): 200 calories, 1g fat (0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 40g carbohydrates, 2g dietary fiber, 8g protein, 2g sugars(0g added sugars)

Review: De Cecco combines high quality durum wheat semolina, which they grind themselves, with mountain spring water to make most of their pasta. They use the bronze die, and they also slow dry their pasta. That means their spaghetti has tenacity, texture, and a delightful chew. 

Excellent quality basic semolina spaghetti. Cooks up well without sticking and maintains a firm texture even if a little overcooked. Tastes good, not stale at all.

Be forewarned that it is definitely on the starchier side, which can be somewhat off-putting for those looking for a lighter, more slippery noodle.

| Barilla Spaghetti Pasta

Price: $1.76/16 OZ at Walmart

Key ingredients: Semolina, Durum Wheat Flour, Vitamins/Minerals.

Nutrition (per 56g): 200 calories, 1g fat (0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 42g carbohydrates, 3g dietary fiber, 7g protein, 1g sugars (0g added sugars)

Review: Barilla Classic Blue Box Spaghetti Pasta is made primarily from semolina, which comes from durum wheat flour, offering a robust nutritional profile that is well-suited for vegetarian diets. The pasta is a significant source of several B vitamins and minerals, making it an essential component of a balanced meal.

Barilla Classic Spaghetti Pasta is versatile, offering a perfect canvas for a multitude of recipes that cater to different palates and dietary preferences. It is recognizable by its long, thin shape and maintains its texture when cooked al dente, making it a staple in Italian cuisine.

The pleasing creamy taste of Barilla spaghetti can really stand on its own, and it's easily enhanced with a bit of olive oil or butter. If you want to make a simple dish like cacio e pepe — or even just buttered noodles — you could do much worse than going with Barilla.

| Rummo Gluten Free Rigatoni Pasta No 50

Price: $4.10/12 OZ at Vitacost

Key ingredients: Wholemeal Rice, Yellow Corn, White Corn, Rice, Potato Starch, Mono- and Diglycerides of Vegetable Origin.

Nutrition (per 56g): 200 calories, 1g fat (0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 44g carbohydrates, 2g dietary fiber, 4g protein

Review: Pasta Rummo Rigatoni Pasta #50 is an Italian imported rigatoni pasta from the family company Rummo is made from semolina durum wheat grown in the Campania region of Italy. Thanks to the patented slow processing method created and used exclusively by Rummo, known as Lenta Lavorazione®, (literally "Slow Processing" in Italian), Rummo Pasta retains a firm, al-dente texture even when cooked longer than needed, or reheated.

Rigatoni literally means "ridged" or "lined" in Italian referring to the ridged lines of this tubular pasta, which-- in addition to the bronze die used to expel the pasta creating a rougher surface-- helps sauces stick to the pasta. This satisfying artisanal semolina wheat rigatoni pasta is ideal for any gourmet pantry and cooks up to restaurant-quality taste and texture in 10 minutes.

| Banza Gluten Free Chickpea Rotini

Price: $3.39/198g at Target

Ingredients: Chickpeas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Xanthan Gum.

Nutrition (per 57g): 190 calories, 3.5g fat (0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat), 32g carbohydrates, 8g dietary fiber, 14g protein, 5g sugars (0g added sugars)

Review: One serving of Banza's Chickpea Rotini Pasta has twice the protein, four times the fiber and half the net carbs of a typical wheat pasta—and most importantly, it's flavorful and delicious. Use it anywhere you'd use a standard wheat pasta; the spiral shape will scoop up sauce nicely, so try it paired with a meaty bolognese, a simple summer marinara, or just tossed with butter and a bit of salt for the kids at the table.

Whether it's because you're looking for a healthier splurge or you are dealing with gluten sensitivities, Banza's line of chickpea-based pastas should be your first choice. A vegan favorite, all of Banza's pasta products are made with tapioca, pea protein, and xanthan gum, which binds the noodles together. Check the box's directions twice though, as chickpea pasta can cook much faster than traditional noodles and may need more water to reduce foam in the pot.

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