# Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Barilla - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Pasta & Pasta Sauce - **Size:** 14.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-protein-plus-rigatoni-1450-oz - **Slug:** `barilla-protein-plus-rigatoni-1450-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods The product is an industrially formulated pasta combining refined wheat flours, legume flours, added isolated pea protein and fortified vitamins/minerals, which aligns with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed) due to added functional ingredients and manufacturing processing. ## Review Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni is a familiar boxed pasta that sits in the dry pasta aisle alongside other semolina shapes and specialty high-protein or legume-enriched pastas. You’ll find it near spaghetti, penne, and other family-sized boxes, often grouped with brands that market functional benefits (gluten-conscious or protein-forward options) rather than fresh or refrigerated pasta. It fits into weekly grocery runs for busy households and shoppers looking for a quick, nutrient-forward pantry staple — handy for weeknight dinners, meal-prep Sundays, or refueling after workouts. Barilla positions this product as a modern, practical choice: a mainstream Italian-American brand leaning into health-forward messaging (the “Protein Plus” label and added vitamins/minerals signal functional benefit) while still aiming for broad family appeal rather than niche, artisanal prestige. The packaging is a sturdy 14.5 oz cardboard box with a clear product identity rather than kid-focused characters; it emphasizes protein content and ingredients like lentil and chickpea flours without organic certification. Sensory expectations are straightforward: ridged, tube-shaped rigatoni with a firm, slightly chewy al dente bite and a coarse wheat-forward mouthfeel owing to semolina and durum; the legume flours can add a subtle nuttiness and creamier texture when sauced. Typical ritual: boil 7–11 minutes, drain, toss with sauce or roasted vegetables; it cooks like traditional pasta and slots into the same family meals. Processing context: this is a processed dry pasta blended from wheat flours, legume flours and added pea protein with vitamin/mineral fortification — an industrially formulated pantry item designed for convenience and added protein. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 oz - **Servings per container:** 7 - **Calories:** 190 - **Total fat:** 1g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 0mg (0% DV) - **Total carbs:** 38g (14% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 2g - **Protein:** 10g ## Ingredients Semolina (Wheat), Durum Wheat Flour, Lentil Flour, Pea Protein, Chickpea Flour. Vitamins/Minerals: Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Folic Acid. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, post-workout, back-to-school - **Vibes:** wholesome, convenient, practical, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni healthy? The Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni is a great option if you're looking to boost your protein and fiber intake. With 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, it can be a healthier choice compared to traditional pasta, especially if you're trying to balance your meals. Just remember, 'healthy' can vary based on your personal dietary goals! ### Is Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni vegan? While Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni is packed with plant-based ingredients like lentil and chickpea flour, it does contain semolina, which is derived from wheat. So, if you're strictly vegan, you'll want to keep that in mind, but it’s a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant proteins into their diets! ### Is Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni gluten-free? Nope! This rigatoni is not gluten-free, as it contains semolina and durum wheat flour. If gluten is a concern for you, there are plenty of gluten-free pasta options out there that can satisfy your cravings just as well! ### Does Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni contain seed oils? Good news! This pasta doesn’t contain any seed oils, which often raise eyebrows due to their processing methods. Instead, you get a clean ingredient list that focuses on protein-packed flours without the fuss. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won't find any artificial sweeteners lurking in this rigatoni. It’s all about the natural ingredients here, so you can enjoy it without worrying about any sneaky additives! ### Is Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni high in sugar? Not at all! This pasta is low in sugar, with only 2 grams per serving. It’s a far cry from many processed foods that can sneak in added sugars, making it a smart choice if you're watching your sugar intake. ### What are healthier alternatives to Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni? If you're looking for alternatives, consider whole grain or veggie-based pastas, which can offer additional nutrients. Brands like Banza or Explore Cuisine make pasta from chickpeas or lentils, which are also high in protein and fiber, just like this rigatoni! ### Can kids eat Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni? Absolutely! Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni can be a fun way to sneak in some extra protein and fiber into your kids' meals. Just pair it with a tasty sauce and some veggies, and they might not even notice they're eating something a little more nutritious! ### Is it good for weight loss? With its higher protein and fiber content, this rigatoni can help keep you feeling full longer, which might support weight loss efforts. Just remember that portion control and overall meal balance are key, so enjoy it as part of a well-rounded diet! ### Is Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni ultra-processed? No, this rigatoni is considered minimally processed. The ingredient list is straightforward, focusing on whole food components like flours and vitamins, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your plate! ## Related products - [Ronzoni Lasagna, Oven Ready](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ronzoni-lasagna-oven-ready-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ronzoni-lasagna-oven-ready-8-oz - [Barilla Pasta, Pipette](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-pipette-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pasta-pipette-16-oz - [Rao's Homemade Sauce, 4 Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-homemade-sauce-4-cheese-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-homemade-sauce-4-cheese-24-oz - [Rao's Pasta Sauce, Vodka](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-pasta-sauce-vodka-32-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-pasta-sauce-vodka-32-oz - [Rao's Pasta Sauce, Tomato Basil](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-pasta-sauce-tomato-basil-32-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-pasta-sauce-tomato-basil-32-oz - [Ronzoni Small Rigatoni Pasta Noodles](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ronzoni-small-rigatoni-pasta-noodles-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ronzoni-small-rigatoni-pasta-noodles-16-oz - [Barilla Pasta, Campanelle](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-pasta-campanelle-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-pasta-campanelle-16-oz - [De Cecco Orecchiette](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/de-cecco-orecchiette-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/de-cecco-orecchiette-16-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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