Tag: Pasta processing

According to the NOVA food classification system, most traditional dried pasta is categorized as a minimally processed food, not an ultra-processed one. This classification often surprises people who assume packaged foods are inherently highly processed. The journey from grain to shelf-stable staple involves a few key steps that maintain the food's integrity.

While many consider orzo a healthy staple of the Mediterranean diet, it is important to ask: is orzo considered processed? According to food experts, most common orzo varieties found in grocery stores are indeed processed, though some types are less so than others.

Recent surveys reveal that many consumers are uncertain about the processing levels of common pantry staples like dried pasta. While the simple answer is yes, boxed pasta is considered a processed food, understanding the nuances of food processing is key to making informed dietary decisions.

According to the NOVA classification system, most dried pasta is considered moderately processed, not highly or ultra-processed. This is because durum wheat pasta is typically made from simple, minimal ingredients—semolina and water—which undergo mechanical shaping and drying, rather than extensive chemical alteration. However, the level of processing is contingent on whether whole-grain or refined durum wheat is used.