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  4. 10 Best Dried Pasta 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed
  • 10 Best Dried Pasta 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed 1
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  • 10 Best Dried Pasta 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Dried Pasta 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed 5

10 Best Dried Pasta 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed

Often topping global surveys as the most widely eaten dish, pasta is Italy's gift to the world. From the north to the south, it is a staple of Italian cuisine and is built into every fibre of the country's life. Here in the UK, we love our pasta fresh, and we love it dry – but the convenience of the latter is arguably what more of us turn to for our mid-week spaghetti or pesto penne. 


To make your next pasta night a memorable one, we've compiled the 10 best boxed and packet pasta to buy on Amazon, Tesco and Waitrose. Including imported Italian brands like De Cecco, Rummo and Barilla alongside a few health-conscious, gluten-free and organic varieties from Biona and Explore Cuisine. Moreover, we have partnered with Nutritionist Tara Corbett for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver the best information to our users.

Last updated 28/03/2024
Tara Corbett
Expert
Nutritionist
Tara Corbett

mybest UK specialist Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through their nutrition. Tara specialises in helping busy parents specifically improve their eating with ease and without overwhelm, and get back on track so the whole family can benefit.

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Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Nutritionist Tara Corbett

Fact-Checked & Approved by Nutritionist Tara Corbett

Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients to lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through better nutrition. She specialises in helping busy parents improve their diets without overwhelming them with information, and get them back on track so that the whole family can benefit.

How to Choose Dried Pasta in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose the Wheat Type That Will Capture Your Taste Buds
  2. Consider Wheat Alternatives Like Chickpeas or Lentils
  3. Pick Shapes Such as Penne and Fusilli to Hold Onto as Much Sauce as Possible
  4. Keep an Eye on Organic Pasta for an Eco-Friendly Product 
1

Choose Wholewheat Flour for a Healthy Option Packed With Nutrients, or Semolina Flour if You Prefer a Classic, Traditional Option

Choose Wholewheat Flour for a Healthy Option Packed With Nutrients, or Semolina Flour if You Prefer a Classic, Traditional Option

Traditionally, dried pasta is made using durum wheat flour with a little water to bind and sometimes, egg. Durum is a hard variety of wheat that is perfect for creating and forming pasta. It is also higher in protein than soft wheat varieties


Semolina refers to the way in which the flour is ground to produce a coarser texture and is widely considered the best way for durum wheat to be turned into pasta. Whole wheat pasta, however, is much less refined and processed, making it the healthier option of the two.


By keeping the processing to a minimum, whole wheat flour is able to retain more of the vitamins, minerals, nutrients and beneficial plant compounds of each grain. This is where it gets confusing though, as whole wheat can be made from durum as well as others like bread wheat, making a swift check of the ingredients a good idea.

2

Look for Wheat Alternatives Like Chickpeas or Lentils if You're After a Unique Flavour

Look for Wheat Alternatives Like Chickpeas or Lentils if You're After a Unique Flavour

Although the traditionalists would turn their noses up at such a ludicrous idea, these days, pasta can be made out of pretty much anything. This abundance in variety has made it a whole lot easier for coeliacs (or simply those who want to reduce their gluten intake) to enjoy pasta just as they used to. 


Look out for any dried pasta produced with chickpeas, lentils, legumes, or gluten-free grains for a truly unique flavour profile. These kinds of pasta are highly nutritious and packed full of fibre and protein, so they're well worth a try. 


Brands offer wheat alternatives in all the usual shape-suspects of penne, fusilli, tagliatelle and more, so you can easily swap out your regular type. The only difference, besides the taste, is that the colour won't be a rich yellow, it'll be more along the lines of green or brown – which may be offputting for kids. 

3

Consider Shapes Such as Penne and Fusilli to Hold Onto as Much Sauce as Possible

Consider Shapes Such as Penne and Fusilli to Hold Onto as Much Sauce as Possible

With over 600 pasta shapes recognised and eaten worldwide, the choice can be so overwhelming that most of us just end up sticking to the classics. And there's nothing wrong with that, as they're the classics for a reason. 


We all know penne and fusilli, family favourites that are crafted to hold onto as much sauce as possible with their ridges or spirals. But what if you want something new? We suggest radiatori, a chunky, short pasta that has great bite and whose radiator-like ruffles catch plenty of saucy goodness too. 


These days, you can even find dried tortellini filled with meat or cheese, which is great to keep in the cupboard for comfort food emergencies. We know this is but a mere scratch on the surface of pasta shapes, but hopefully, it'll help you to start formulating an idea as to which variety is destined for dinner time success. 

4

Keep an Eye on Organic Pasta for an Eco-Friendly Product That Tastes Even Better

Keep an Eye on Organic Pasta for an Eco-Friendly Product That Tastes Even Better

Organic pasta has seen rapid growth in recent years, as more and more consumers are waking up to its many associated benefits. A great attribute of organic pasta is, just like regular pasta, it doesn't have to cost the earth. Many organic varieties of pasta can still give you a filling meal for an affordable price.  


With pasta almost entirely being made of wheat or wheat alternatives, organic pasta, therefore, comes down to the farming of these ingredients. Organic wheat farming practices include farming without the use of herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, all of which can have negative impacts on both the environment and our health.


By stripping pasta of these unwanted nasties, it's often noted that organic pasta can also taste better. So, to up the eco-friendliness and potentially even the flavour of your pasta, look for any that is 100% certified by one of the recognised bodies like EcoCert and the Soil Association. 


Consider some good quality pasta and pesto sauces to complement your dried pasta.

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10 Best Dried Pasta in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Rummo

Pappardelle No.119

Rummo Pappardelle No.119 1

£2.71

Mid

Exceptional Quality Pasta Ideal for Clinging to Sauce

2

Garofalo

Organic Whole Wheat Penne

Garofalo Organic Whole Wheat Penne 1

£2.52

Mid

Made in Italy From a Centuries-Old Authentic Recipe

3

Barilla

Tortellini PastaPack of 10

Barilla Tortellini Pasta 1

£24.70

High

Easy-Cook Tortellini From Italy's Favourite Brand

4

De Cecco

Spaghetti

De Cecco Spaghetti 1

£1.75

Low Mid

The Best-Tasting Option For Your Staple Spaghetti

5

Garofalo

Gluten-Free Radiatori Pasta

Garofalo Gluten-Free Radiatori Pasta 1

£2.99

Mid

Made With Nutritious, Gluten-Free Ancient Grains

6

Biona

Organic Spelt Spinach TagliatellePack of 6

Biona Organic Spelt Spinach Tagliatelle 1

£17.68

High Mid

Organic Spelt Tagliatelle Infused With Spinach

7

Explore Cuisine

Organic Green Lentil PastaPack of 6

Explore Cuisine Organic Green Lentil Pasta 1

£12.75

High Mid

Organic and Protein-Rich Penne Alternative

8

Napolina

Whole Wheat Fusilli

Napolina Whole Wheat Fusilli 1

£1.40

Low Mid

An Inexpensive, Fibre-Rich Version of a Classic

9

Dalla Costa

Zoo Pasta

Dalla Costa Zoo Pasta 1

£2.03

Mid

Organic Animals Making Mealtimes Fun

10

Tesco

Hearty Food Co. Penne Pasta

Tesco Hearty Food Co. Penne Pasta 1

Cheap Penne for Those on a Budget

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

RummoPappardelle No.119

Pappardelle No.119 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.71
Mid
Reference price
£2.71
Mid

Exceptional Quality Pasta Ideal for Clinging to Sauce

Rummo is one of the few brands that still make pasta using the traditional and much slower method of production. From their small, authentic factory in Benevento, Campania, they've been doing things the right way for over 170 years, and it shows. The proof is in the pasta as it is nothing short of delicious. 


Their pappardelle is long and wide with an especially rough surface from the bronze die cutting used, which means it clings to full-bodied sauces better than others. Try it with a mushroomy or meaty ragù and you'll taste the difference in an instant. 

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No.2

GarofaloOrganic Whole Wheat Penne

Organic Whole Wheat Penne 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.52
Mid
Reference price
£2.52
Mid

Made in Italy From a Centuries-Old Authentic Recipe

Since 1789, Garofalo pasta has been benefiting from the ideal climate of the Gragnano region just south of Naples. This area is often referred to as the homeland of pasta and is one of the main reasons why Garafalo are able to offer such high-quality products


Their penne is made using the finest organic whole wheat durum semolina and nothing more. Sure, a little water is added to help the pasta form, but this is a simple and healthy recipe that's been passed down for generations so you know it will taste authentic. Simply put, if you're after whole wheat pasta, you won't get better. 

No.3

BarillaTortellini PastaPack of 10

Tortellini Pasta 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£24.70
High
Reference price
£24.70
High

Easy-Cook Tortellini From Italy's Favourite Brand

Barilla is a big name in the dried pasta game and is the most readily bought and adored brand in Italy (which is all you need to know). They're also incredibly popular here in the UK, with their more standard varieties featuring heavily on just about every supermarket shelf in the country. 


If you've already tried those, we recommend their tortellini, because who doesn't want a quick and easy meal on stand-by in the cupboard? Choose between ham and cheese or a three-cheese epic and let Barilla sweep you off your feet with their centuries-old pasta dedication. This multi-buy of 10 will save you money, too! 

No.4

De CeccoSpaghetti

Reference price
£1.75
Low Mid

The Best-Tasting Option For Your Staple Spaghetti

De Cecco pride themselves on sourcing the finest wheat that they can find (usually from Canada) and in the exact same Italian factory, they have been creating some of the country's favourite dried pasta since 1886. If you're after the best spaghetti from the supermarket, this is as good as it gets. 


This is their No 12. spaghetti, which is a little thicker than you may be used to. This thickness goes a long way in latching on to as much of that spicy meatball sauce you've had simmering away all day. It'll then proceed to wow your guests with its authentic flavour and texture of real-deal spaghetti. 

No.5

GarofaloGluten-Free Radiatori Pasta

Gluten-Free Radiatori Pasta 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.99
Mid
Reference price
£2.99
Mid

Made With Nutritious, Gluten-Free Ancient Grains

This is another gluten-free pasta that's been made using some very unique ingredients. Featuring corn, yellow lentil, chickpea and buckwheat alongside the ancient grains of tiff, amaranth and sorghum, this mix of cereals gives the pasta a complex profile of proteins and nutrients.


Of course, the blend makes for a really interesting flavour too, and one that we highly recommend trying with an earthy mushroom or creamy cheese sauce. If you're after something different both in terms of shape and taste, give this tasty radiatori a go. 

No.6

BionaOrganic Spelt Spinach TagliatellePack of 6

Organic Spelt Spinach Tagliatelle 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£17.68
High Mid
Reference price
£17.68
High Mid

Organic Spelt Tagliatelle Infused With Spinach

Choosing to do things a little differently, Biona has created a certified organic spelt tagliatelle with white spelt flour and spinach powder. The result is a delicious and nutritious pasta that does away with the wheat to give a smooth texture and distinctly nutty flavour profile. 


The only slight downside to this pasta is that your only option is to purchase six packets as a multi-buy. While this is great for all of the spelt enthusiasts out there (and those who want to eat less wheat), it will require a lucky leap of faith from those who have never tried this flour type before. 

No.7

Explore CuisineOrganic Green Lentil PastaPack of 6

Organic Green Lentil Pasta 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.75
High Mid
Reference price
£12.75
High Mid

Organic and Protein-Rich Penne Alternative

Made from organic green lentil flour, organic green pea flour and organic brown rice flour, this is a protein-rich pasta with a difference. It's a fantastic option if you're skipping on the gluten or want to get some protein in even before you've mixed it with meat, vegetables or a sauce. 


The only thing to watch out for is that it's very expensive to buy individually, making the multi-buy of six a clever idea to save you some dosh. That aside, we love this tasty, health-conscious pasta alternative that's super popular and comes very highly rated on Amazon. 

No.8

NapolinaWhole Wheat Fusilli

Whole Wheat Fusilli 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£1.40
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.40
Low Mid

An Inexpensive, Fibre-Rich Version of a Classic

As one of the most adored pasta varieties in both Italy and the rest of the world, fusilli is a great shape to serve with tomato or pesto sauces. With its spiralised ridges, it excels at that all-important sauce capturing to give every mouthful as much flavour as possible.


Napolina's fusilli is made the Italian way using whole durum wheat to retain as much of the goodness of the grain as possible, making this an easy swap for families. This healthy yet affordable pasta may not rock a connoisseur's socks off, but it's sure to satisfy the rest of us. 

No.9

Dalla CostaZoo Pasta

Zoo Pasta 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Zoo Pasta 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£2.03
Mid
Reference price
£2.03
Mid

Organic Animals Making Mealtimes Fun

We know the daily struggles of having to convince your children that food is important and mealtimes are for eating – and so do Dalla Costa. Their range of pasta features dozens of fun shapes that pertain purely to kids, but we think their zoo variety is the best of them all. 


Let your kids eat their way through these savannah animals that have been formed using fine organic durum wheat with a little spinach and tomato powder. They're also ready in just 5 minutes! Of course, this pasta is niche in its target audience, which is the only reason why it's not higher up the list. 

No.10

TescoHearty Food Co. Penne Pasta

Cheap Penne for Those on a Budget

This penne from Tesco's Hearty Food Co. range may not be made from the best Italian durum wheat going, but that hasn't stopped it from satisfying the hunger of students and anyone else who's watching where they spend their pennies


With plenty of happy reviewers on Tesco, you can buy in faith knowing the others who ate before you enjoyed themselves. A crowd-pleasing, made-in-Italy penne that's incredibly cheap and ready to be snapped up, brought home and devoured. 

Additional Links

Written and researched by Connor Macanally

Top 5 Dried Pasta

No. 1: RummoPappardelle No.119

No. 2: GarofaloOrganic Whole Wheat Penne

No. 3: BarillaTortellini PastaPack of 10

No. 4: De CeccoSpaghetti

No. 5: GarofaloGluten-Free Radiatori Pasta

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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