Can you spot the ultraprocessed foods?

Take a virtual shopping trip to learn more about what's on grocery store shelves.

De Cecco Penne
Pasta & Pasta Sauce
📊 NOVA 3🥛 Dairy-Free✨ Seed Oil Free

De Cecco Penne

De Cecco
16 oz
Available at Foodtown
200
Calories
8g
Protein
2g
Sugars
0mg
Sodium
2g
Fiber
13
Ingredients

What You Should Know

De Cecco Penne 16 oz is a familiar staple in the pasta aisle — typically found on mid-shelf displays alongside other dried pastas, near jars of tomato sauce, olive oil, and grated cheese. Packaged for pantry storage, the box conveys a simple, old-world pasta story: durum wheat semolina as the core ingredient and added vitamins and iron for enrichment. Shoppers reach for it on weeknight shopping trips, for meal-prep Sundays, and when stocking up for storms or quick family dinners. Its brand positioning sits comfortably in the middle market with a hint of Italian authenticity; De Cecco is perceived as reliable and slightly artisanal compared with generic supermarket brands, appealing to home cooks who want good texture without gourmet prices. The label leans on a straightforward ingredient narrative rather than kid-focused graphics or health fads — you’ll see “durum wheat” and “enriched” language but not organic or natural certification on this ingredient list. In plain processing terms, the product is made from milled semolina that is shaped, dried, and fortified at scale. Sensory details: penne’s ridged, tubular shape holds sauce, cooks to a firm, satisfying bite when al dente, and offers a slightly chewy wheat flavor; the box is easy to stack in a pantry and often has a window or clear brand panel so shoppers can see the pasta. Rituals around it are convivial and practical — boiling salted water, timing playfully to reach al dente, tossing with sauce, and serving family-style — making it a go-to for comforting, reliable meals across American grocery culture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 0.5 cup
Servings per Container: 8
Calories200
% Daily Value*
Total Fat1g1%
Saturated Fat0g0%
Sodium0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate40g15%
Dietary Fiber2g7%
Total Sugars2g
Protein8g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Ingredients

Durum, Wheat, Semolina,, Vitamins, (Niacin,, Thiamine, Mononitrate,, Riboflavin,, Folic, Acid),, Iron, (Ferrous, Lactate)..

Dietary Labels

This product is not vegan, is not gluten-free, and is not organic.

Ultra-Processing Assessment

NOVA Score:3 / 4

Processed Food

Why this score?

Made primarily from a single processed ingredient (durum wheat semolina) with industrial shaping/drying and added vitamins/iron for enrichment, this pasta fits NOVA group 3 as a processed food rather than ultra-processed.

Daily Ritual

Can you Spot Ultraprocessed Foods? Play our Supermarket Game

Take a virtual shopping trip to learn more about what's on grocery store shelves.

Shopping in the supermarket oil aisle

Others also viewed

Common Questions about De Cecco Penne

De Cecco Penne can be a healthy choice, especially when paired with nutrient-rich sauces or veggies. It’s made from durum wheat semolina and packs a decent protein punch at 8g per serving. Just remember, 'healthy' often depends on your dietary needs and how you incorporate it into your meals.

Perfect For

meal-prep-sunday
back-to-school
storm-prep

Vibe:

comfortingwholesomepractical
$NaN
per package