Sr. Content Writer
The IL Forno team shares tips, guides, and stories from our kitchen, from authentic wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta to Italian food traditions and healthy eating choices. Every blog is reviewed by our culinary and content team so you get accurate, practical advice for your next meal in the UAE.
Many “healthy” pastas taste like wet, grainy cardboard. So what should good protein pasta taste like, and is there a brand that comes close to regular spaghetti? We tested 5 brands to find out.
Barilla Protein+ was our winner for taste and texture. It is made from durum wheat with lentils and chickpeas, and it stays al dente instead of turning mushy.
It is not the highest protein pasta on our list, though. Edamame pasta has much more protein, but a chewier bite. Below, we explain the trade-off and name a pick for best taste, highest protein and best budget.
Many protein pastas fall apart because they are made only from chickpea or lentil flour, which has little gluten to hold the strands together. The result is a soft, mushy bowl that loses its shape in sauce.
Result? You get a bowl of mush that loses its shape. So, while finding the highest protein pasta, we concluded that, adding durum wheat semolina helps. Barilla Protein+ blends it with golden lentils and chickpeas, which gives a firmer bite while still boosting protein. That is why it can handle hot water and sauce without breaking down. For a classic dish with the same bite, try our Spaghetti Vegetariana. Hence, making the best protein pasta, spaghetti can withstand high heat without disintegrating.
In the quest to find the best pasta in Dubai’s fitness shops, we tested all 5 brands with the same four steps, to check durability and flavour. So, let’s examine protein pasta.
How we scored: Each brand received a texture score out of 10 based on these four tests.
Brand | Main Ingredients | Protein (per 100g) | Texture Score | Final Verdict |
Barilla Protein+ | Wheat, Lentil, Chickpea | 10g | 10/10 | The undisputed winner. |
Banza | Chickpeas | 11g | 6/10 | Good, but gets mushy fast. |
Explore Cuisine | Edamame | 24g | 4/10 | High protein, very chewy. |
Vetta Smart | Wheat & Oat Fiber | 12g | 8/10 | Great bite and texture. |
Chickapea | Organic Legumes | 13g | 5/10 | Very earthy flavor. |
The answer was clear during the comparison. Barilla Protein+ was the closest to regular spaghetti. Some also claim it isn’t the absolute highest protein pasta in comparison to 100% edamame versions. But it is the only power packed with protein without the healthy tag. While finding the best pasta in Dubai, always choose a yellow box. This brand handles aglio e olio and ragu, which makes it a perfect mix of plant proteins with a wheat base. Hence, making sure your protein spaghetti never becomes sludge in a bowl.
There are various good options available in the market such as:
If you are picking protein pasta or spaghetti as a fitness freak, then make sure to focus more on sustained energy rather than muscle building. White pasta leads to a blood sugar spike, which can lead to a diabetic crash. But choosing the highest-protein pasta is best, as it has higher fiber that helps you stay fuller for a long time. For those seeking the best pasta in Dubai that can fuel the energy quota, these noodles can be a game changer.
So, the winner for best / different types of pastas is Barilla Protein+. After tasting more than 5 brands, you don’t have to suffer for macros. As good brands of protein pasta, spaghetti serves what they promise of a normal dinner. So, stop settling for those mushy and gritty chalky pastas. Your search for the best pasta in Dubai ends here. Make sure your fitness journey is never compromised by having a perfect bowl of protein spaghetti. Craving pasta today? Prefer it delivered? See our guide to spaghetti delivery in Dubai, or try our Penne al Peperoncino.
Yes. Protein spaghetti is made with ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, edamame or extra wheat protein, so it usually has more protein and fibre. The texture differs too: wheat blends like Barilla Protein+ taste closest to regular spaghetti, while 100% legume versions are chewier or earthier.
Soy and edamame noodles are some of the best options for high-protein pasta, offering 25 g per serving.
Protein pasta turns mushy if it is overcooked or if the pot is too small. Pastas made only from legume flour are the most likely to go soft, so start tasting 1-2 minutes before the time on the box.
You can go to specialized dealers like Waitrose or Spinneys or get it customized for those seeking the best pasta in Dubai.
Yes, most protein pasta and spaghetti can be eaten during the diet because they have a lower glycemic index and higher fiber value.
