Economical, quick to prepare and loved by everyone, pasta is the undisputed star of our cupboards. However, behind the simplicity of a packet of fusilli lie very different realities. To enlighten consumers, the UFC-Que Choisir association sifted through 25 references of twists and fusilli sold in supermarkets, organic stores and hard discounters. From €1.26 to €14 per kilo, the price does not always guarantee the best plate.
Fibers and contaminants: the criteria that make the difference
To establish its ranking, the magazine analyzed three essential pillars:
- The nutritional quality, with the fiber, protein and mineral content of the different pastes;
- Health safety, with the search for pesticide residues and contaminants such as cadmium, a toxic heavy metal suspected of promoting pancreatic cancer.
- The manufacturing process, in particular the presence of furosine, an indicator of overly aggressive industrial drying which distorts the qualities of the wheat.
The observation is clear: classic white pasta is often poor in nutrients, while wholemeal or legume-based versions do well.
The podium: organic and legumes in the spotlight
The big winner of this test is not a classic wheat pasta, but an original alternative. These are Lazzaretti chickpea twists, with a score of 17.7/20. A nutritional champion with 20.4g of protein and 11.8g of fiber per 100g. Without traces of pesticides or cadmium. The only downside: its high price (€14/kg).
In second place is the complete Montebello organic durum wheat spiral (16.6/20). Excellent value for money (€3/kg) for a product rich in fiber and free of chemical residues. And on the third step of the podium is the Fusilli integrale Granoro (15.9/20). A solid Italian option for those looking for a balanced wholemeal pasta.
Please note: Certified organic pasta generally displays fewer pesticide residues, a crucial point for complete products where the grain husk (the most exposed to treatment) is preserved.
National brands: disappointment at the end of the range
This is the surprise of this ranking: the most famous and most “premium” references are not the best rated. Here are three examples:
- Barilla “Fusilli al bronzo”: Despite a high-end positioning, they only obtain 11.6/20. The association points to a lack of fiber, traces of pesticides and furosine;
- Reflets de France: The “Torsades pâtés d’Alsace IGP” disappoint with a score of 11.4/20;
- Lustucru: The “Fresh egg twists” bring up the rear with 11.3/20, penalized by too low a fiber content and the presence of pesticide residues.
To choose your pasta wisely, don’t rely solely on the marketing on the package. Choose wholemeal or semi-wholemeal pasta for their fiber content, and turn to organic to limit the ingestion of contaminants. If your budget allows it, pasta with legumes (chickpeas, lentils) are excellent allies for increasing your vegetable protein intake.
You can find the rest of the rankings on the UFC-Que Choisir website.