# Barilla ProteinPlus Penne > 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-proteinplus-penne-1450-oz - **Slug:** `barilla-proteinplus-penne-1450-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Formulated product with added pea protein and vitamin/mineral fortification and multiple processed ingredient fractions aligns with ultraprocessed criteria, despite simple-sounding ingredients. ## Review Barilla ProteinPlus Penne sits on the pasta aisle alongside classic semolina pastas and other fortified or specialty varieties — you’ll spot it near other Barilla SKUs and alternative protein pastas rather than in the gluten-free bay. It reads like a hybrid: familiar boxed pasta packaging with a nutrition-forward callout that attracts shoppers looking for simple pantry staples with a health boost. This product fits weeknight family dinners, meal-prep sessions, and quick post-workout refueling where a higher-protein carb is desired. Barilla’s brand positioning leans on heritage and reliability — Italian-rooted, mainstream, and approachable — while the ProteinPlus line targets health-conscious adults and busy families wanting an easier way to add protein without changing meal rituals. The label leans into a mild health halo: “ProteinPlus,” protein grams on front, and vitamin/mineral fortification; there’s no organic seal and it’s not marketed as a kid-specific product. Ingredient-language is straightforward (wheat semolina plus legume flours and added pea protein), which reads as more “natural” than highly artificial offerings, but the product is an industrially processed, formulated pasta. Sensory impressions: the penne cooks al dente with a slightly firmer, denser bite and a faintly nutty, beany undertone from lentil and chickpea flours; it sauces well and holds texture for baked dishes and containers of prepped meals. Packaging is a familiar cardboard box (often with bold front nutrition highlights), and the ritual is classic: boil, drain, toss with sauce or veggies, portion into meal boxes or family plates. It’s a pragmatic, comfort-forward pasta option for consumers balancing taste, tradition, and a desire for 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, practical, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Barilla ProteinPlus Penne healthy? When we talk about 'healthy,' it really depends on your dietary goals! With 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, this pasta is a solid option for those looking to boost their protein intake, especially if you're swapping it for traditional pasta. Just remember, moderation is key, and pairing it with veggies or a lean sauce can make it even better! ### Is it vegan? Nope, Barilla ProteinPlus Penne isn’t vegan. It contains semolina and durum wheat flour, which are derived from wheat, but it also has no animal products added. So, while it’s not a vegan option, it’s still a great choice for those looking to incorporate more plant-based ingredients into their meals! ### Is it gluten-free? Not this time! Barilla ProteinPlus Penne is made with semolina and durum wheat flour, which both contain gluten. If you’re looking for a gluten-free pasta, you’ll want to check out alternatives made from rice, quinoa, or lentils without the gluten-containing grains. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won’t find any seed oils in Barilla ProteinPlus Penne. It’s made with a blend of flours from wheat, lentils, peas, and chickpeas, keeping it simple and wholesome. This is a good thing because seed oils can sometimes be less desirable due to their omega-6 fatty acid content. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! Barilla ProteinPlus Penne is free from any added sugars or sweeteners, so you can enjoy the natural flavors of the ingredients without any surprises. It’s a great option if you’re trying to keep your meals more natural and straightforward. ### Is it high in sugar? Not at all! This pasta has only 2 grams of total sugars per serving, so it’s definitely low in sugar. This makes it a great choice for those who are mindful of their sugar intake, especially compared to many processed foods that can be sneaky with added sugars. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you’re looking for alternatives, consider exploring whole grain or legume-based pastas, which can offer even more fiber and protein. Options made from lentils, chickpeas, or quinoa can be fantastic choices for a nutritious boost! Just make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure they align with your dietary preferences. ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Barilla ProteinPlus Penne can be a fun and nutritious choice for kids, especially if they're active and need a bit more protein in their diet. Just toss it with their favorite sauce, some veggies, or even cheese, and they’ll likely enjoy it while getting a tasty, hearty meal! ### Is it good for weight loss? It can be a helpful option if you're watching your weight! With a good amount of protein and fiber, it can help keep you feeling fuller for longer. Just be mindful of portion sizes and what you pair it with; a light sauce and lots of veggies can keep it on the lighter side! ### Is it ultra-processed? Not quite! Barilla ProteinPlus Penne is considered minimally processed, which means it retains much of the original goodness of its ingredients. While it’s made in a factory and not straight from the field, it doesn’t have the long list of additives that many ultra-processed foods do, so it strikes a nice balance. ## Related products - [De Cecco Penne](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/de-cecco-penne-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/de-cecco-penne-16-oz - [Colavita Penne](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/colavita-penne-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/colavita-penne-16-oz - [Ragu Old World Style Sauce, Flavored with Meat](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ragu-old-world-style-sauce-flavored-with-meat-45-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ragu-old-world-style-sauce-flavored-with-meat-45-oz - [Michael's Of Brooklyn Tomato Basil Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/michaels-of-brooklyn-michaels-of-brooklyn-tomato-basil-sauce-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/michaels-of-brooklyn-michaels-of-brooklyn-tomato-basil-sauce-16-oz - [Colavita Spaghetti](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/colavita-spaghetti-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/colavita-spaghetti-16-oz - [Ronzoni Garden Delight Penne Rigati](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ronzoni-garden-delight-penne-rigati-12-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ronzoni-garden-delight-penne-rigati-12-oz - [Colavita Bow Ties](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/colavita-bow-ties-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/colavita-bow-ties-16-oz - [Classico Sauce, Sausage & Peppers](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/classico-sauce-sausage-peppers-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/classico-sauce-sausage-peppers-24-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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