The Whole Wheat Pasta Taste Test

"My family has no problem eating brown rice versus white, but when it comes to whole grain pasta, their palates aren't exactly tickled," says Victoria Dwek.  Victoria made her family's favorite pasta dishes, substituting different whole grain pastas each time to find a favorite.  Did her picky eaters find the fare appealing?

Here they are from most liked to least.

Barilla Whole Grain Thin Spaghetti ($1.09) Made with Asian Flavors -  "The sauce was dark - so they didn't even know they were eating whole wheat.  And I forgot too!"  Sweet and Sour Asian Noodles

De Cecco Whole Wheat Linguine ($1.49) Made with Alfredo Sauce - "This was the favorite of the evening...my children asked for it for lunch the next day." 

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Penne ($1.49) Made with Vodka Sauce - "Another good one - we liked the whole grain as much as the multigrain."

Barilla Plus Penne ($1.49) Made with Vodka Sauce - "My children ate two bowls each - my husband asked when he could have white pasta again."

Debole Multigrain Spaghetti ($2.59 for 8 ounces) Made with Alfredo Sauce - "'Are we your guinea pigs?' they said.  The Debole was edible, but not popular."

Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Fettucine ($4.69) Made with Alfredo Sauce - "I threw this out - it might be the 'healthiest', but I felt like a mean mom for making them taste it."

Get this light alfredo sauce recipe and use with whole grain pasta Light Pasta Alfredo.

The Verdict

"I've learned if you want your family to enjoy whole wheat, you have to start them young (the only brand my two-year-old wouldn't eat was the Ezekiel, but my husband complained throughout).  In the taste tests, it seems the whole grain pastas might have cramped the style of the cream sauce dishes - but worked fine in the parve recipes I prepared.  Lastly, higher price didn't mean better taste.  We enjoyed the pasta aisle brands much more than the health food section brands.  

What's a mom to do? 

For me, I'll be mixing it up to try to keep the whole crew happy - and healthy" - Victoria

Get the recipe for Healthy Spaghetti "Bolognaise" featured above.