Pete's Pasta vs. Barilla Protein+ Pasta
Written by: Marie Look
Published on: January 23, 2025If you're searching for high-protein, low-carb pasta and trying to compare Pete's Pasta vs. Barilla Protein+ Pasta, we're here to help. Whether you're focused on fitness, weight management, or adding more protein to your meals, let's explore what makes each unique, compare their strengths, and help you decide which fits your lifestyle.
What Is Pete's Pasta Made of?
Pete's pasta is a premium, protein-packed pasta option that artisans handcraft in Italy using organic durum semolina and fresh mountain spring water. It boasts an exceptional nutritional profile, with its low-carb range offering 17 grams of protein and 27 grams of fiber per 2 oz serving. This makes it ideal if you are looking for a high-fiber, low-carb pasta option for digestion support and weight management.
Pete's pasta offers a range of options, each offering unique nutritional benefits. Whether you're looking for keto-friendly pasta, high-protein vegan pasta, or even low-sugar pasta or low-calorie pasta alternatives, there's something to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
It also comes in various shapes, including low-carb fettuccine, rotini, and long and short varieties, catering to different recipe needs.
What Is Barilla Protein+ Pasta Made of?
Barilla Protein+ Pasta, or Barilla Protein Pasta, is a widely available protein-enriched pasta option manufacturers make from a blend of semolina wheat and legume flours, including lentils, chickpeas, and peas. It provides 11 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per 2 oz serving.
This pasta mimics the taste and texture of traditional wheat-based options. It's available in popular shapes like penne, rotini, spaghetti, and cellentani, and it's competitively priced and easily accessible in most grocery stores.
Pete's Pasta vs. Barilla Protein+: A Comparison
Pete's Pasta and Barilla Protein cater to slightly different dietary needs. Let's break them down across key factors like nutrition, taste, texture, and cost so you can decide what option to choose.
Nutritional Content
Pete's pasta's low-carb range packs an impressive 27 grams of fiber and 7 grams of net carbs per 2 oz serving, making it a powerhouse for improving digestion and keeping you full. The no-carb spaghetti is an excellent option if you follow a keto diet.
Barilla Protein+ provides 11 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbs per 2 oz serving, making it a good choice for a balanced diet. However, if you're watching your carbs more closely, Pete's Pasta is the better fit with its low-carb products and even a no-carb spaghetti.
Here's a summary table:
Nutritional Aspect (per 2 oz serving) |
*Pete's Pasta |
**Barilla Protein+ |
Protein (g) |
17-20 |
11 |
Fiber (g) |
27-30 |
5 |
Net Carbs (g) |
0-7 |
30 |
Calories per Serving |
110-160 |
190 |
*Range reflects both low-carb and no-carb products.
**Different product types have different nutritional values. The table displays average values.
Please refer to the product label for the most accurate nutrition, ingredient, and allergen information.
Taste and Texture
Pete's Pasta has a dense texture and slightly nutty flavor thanks to its organic durum semolina. As a high-fiber pasta, it pairs beautifully with hearty sauces like marinara or bolognese, adding substance to your dish.
Barilla Protein+ delivers a smooth texture and neutral flavor, mimicking classic pasta. It works well with any sauce, whether creamy alfredo, fresh pesto, or a simple olive oil and garlic combination.
Cooking and Preparation
Cooking Pete's Pasta requires attention to get the perfect al dente texture. Its high fiber content means you'll need to keep an eye on it—overcooking it can cause it to lose its structure. Stir it frequently during the 8 to 10 minutes it takes to cook, and you'll be rewarded with a delicious pasta dish.
Barilla Protein+ is also ready in 8 to 10 minutes and still holds its texture if you overcook it slightly. However, it will lack the ideal al dente texture.
Price and Accessibility
Pete's Pasta costs between $4.75 and $5.50 per package. It can typically be found in specialty stores or online. If you value its high quality and clean ingredients, it's worth looking for.
Barilla Protein+ costs $3.50 to $4.50 per package. It is available in most major grocery stores and online retailers.
Ingredient Quality
If you care about clean ingredients, Pete's Pasta stands out. Artisans handcraft this pasta with organic durum semolina and fresh mountain spring water, giving you a natural, minimally processed option. You'll appreciate the transparency and care that goes into its production.
Barilla Protein+ contains gluten but offers a diverse blend of grains and legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, and peas.
Sustainability
Pete's Pasta takes sustainability seriously, using organic production methods and small-batch processes to minimize its environmental footprint. If supporting eco-friendly, artisanal products are essential to you, Pete's checks all the boxes.
Barilla Protein+ supports sustainable agriculture, ensuring its production practices align with ethical food sourcing. While it's made on a larger scale, it still prioritizes environmental responsibility.
Pete's Pasta vs. Barilla Protein+: Which One Should You Pick?
Your choice ultimately depends on your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Go for Barilla Protein+ if you want an affordable, easy-to-find option with a balanced nutritional profile. It's also a good choice if you want a versatile protein pasta that tastes similar to traditional pasta.
Pick Pete's Pasta if you're following a keto diet or prefer organic, artisanal products. It's also higher in protein and fiber and lower in carbs and calories, making it a great choice if you invest in a premium product for its quality and nutritional benefits.
Health Benefits of Protein Pasta
Whether you choose Pete's Pasta, Barilla Protein+, Banza Chickpea Pasta, or Carbe Diem, protein pasta is a tasty and nutritious way to boost your meals. Here's how it can benefit you:
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Builds and repairs your muscles: The high protein content in these pasta supports your muscle growth and recovery, making them an excellent dietary choice if you lead an active lifestyle or follow a fitness-focused routine.
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Boosts digestion: Protein plays a vital role in maintaining gut health by aiding tissue repair and supporting metabolic processes, contributing to more efficient digestion.
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Helps you feel fuller for longer: High-protein pastas promote satiety, keeping you fuller for longer and helping you stay on track with your weight management goals.
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Provides energy throughout the day: Packed with protein, these pastas give you a steady energy source, helping you stay fueled, focused, and ready to tackle your busy schedule.
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Supports your overall health: Protein contributes to stronger hair, skin, and nails while promoting immune system function, making protein pasta a healthy addition to your meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is protein pasta better than regular pasta?
Protein pasta offers higher protein content, more fiber, and a lower glycemic index than regular pasta, making it a healthier choice for muscle building, weight management, and sustained energy.
What are the best protein pasta brands?
Top brands include Pete's Pasta, Barilla Protein+, Banza Chickpea Pasta, and Explore Edamame Spaghetti, known for their diverse protein sources and nutritional profiles. Pete's Pasta stands out for its high protein content, 17-20 g per 2 oz serving.
Is Pete's Pasta gluten-free?
No, Pete's Pasta contains wheat and isn't suitable if you're gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet. However, Pete's Pasta is an excellent ketogenic or low-carb diet option.
Is Barilla Protein+ Pasta keto-friendly?
No, Barilla Protein+ Pasta isn't ideal for keto diets due to its moderate carbohydrate content, making it better suited for other eating plans. On the other hand, Pete's Pasta is keto-friendly, offering low-carb options and no-carb spaghetti to stay on track and meet your keto goals.
Which pasta has more protein, Pete's Pasta or Barilla Protein+?
Pete's Pasta delivers 17-20 grams of protein per 2 oz serving. In comparison, Barilla Protein+ offers 11 grams per serving, giving Pete's the edge in protein content.
Which pasta is better for digestion, Pete's Pasta or Barilla Protein+?
Pete's Pasta's low-carb options stand out thanks to an impressive 27 grams of fiber per serving, which supports gut health and keeps you full longer.
Which pasta is more affordable, Pete's Pasta or Barilla Protein+?
Barilla Protein+ is $3.50 to $4.50 per package, while Pete's Pasta costs $4.75 to $5.50, reflecting its premium quality and organic ingredients.