Color Pasta — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 5, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 371 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 75 g | 27.27% |
| Fiber | 3 g | 10.71% |
| Sugars | 3 g | 6% |
| Glycemic Index | 45 | - |
| Protein | 13 g | 26% |
| Sodium | 6 mg | 0.26% |
| Total Fat | 2 | 2.56% |
*The % of 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.
13 g
🧀 Good Protein Content
45
🟢 Low Glycemic Index
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Provides energy from complex carbohydrates, making it a good source of fuel for the body and brain.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, iron, and folic acid (if enriched), which support overall health and well-being.
- Encourages vegetable intake if made with vegetable purees like spinach, beet, or tomato, adding extra nutrients.
- Versatile and fun, making meals more visually appealing and enjoyable, especially for children.
Health risks
- Potential for artificial additives such as food colorings in some colored pastas, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
- High carbohydrate content which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, particularly concerning for diabetics or those on low-carb diets.
- Low nutrient density particularly if made from refined white flour, lacking essential nutrients and fiber compared to whole grain options.
- Gluten content which makes it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, potentially causing digestive discomfort and other health issues.
How to choose color pasta
Color pasta, when chosen well, adds a vibrant touch to any dish. The pasta should have a uniform color, derived naturally from ingredients like spinach, beet, or squid ink. Ensure the pasta has a firm texture when cooked, maintaining its shape and color.
Steer clear of color pasta that fades significantly when cooked or has an artificial look. Quality color pasta should taste as good as it looks, with a texture that holds up in various sauces.
How to store color pasta
Color pasta should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. A pantry or cupboard is ideal to maintain its vibrant colors and texture. Properly stored, color pasta can last up to a year.
Moisture and heat can cause pasta to become soft and lose its quality. Avoid placing it near the stove or in humid environments. Keeping the container sealed tightly ensures the pasta remains fresh and prevents it from absorbing unwanted odors.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Color pasta can last for 1-2 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it should be used within 6-12 months. Cooked pasta can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover colored pasta can be used in a variety of fun and creative ways, both in cooking and beyond. In the kitchen, colored pasta adds a vibrant touch to dishes like pasta salads, casseroles, and themed meals. You can also use colored pasta to create playful dishes for kids, such as pasta shapes that match their favorite colors.
Beyond cooking, colored pasta can be used in craft projects. It’s great for making DIY jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets by stringing pasta shapes on thread. Colored pasta can also be used in children’s art projects, such as creating mosaics or decorating picture frames. Additionally, colored pasta can be used as an educational tool for teaching young children about colors, shapes, and patterns. Simply sort the pasta by color or shape, and use it for counting or pattern-making activities.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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