The Future Of Pasta Is Now

Barilla Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Multigrain Pasta; Good Source of Protein, Fiber and Omega-3

CHICAGO - Combining the art of gastronomy with the science of food innovation, Barilla®, a leading manufacturer of Italian foods, introduces a line of premium pasta made from multigrains and legumes. This new pasta is a good source of protein, fiber and ALA omega-3 fatty acids. Touted as the next generation of pasta, new Barilla PLUS™ looks and tastes as good as traditional pasta but has added health benefits to provide a strong foundation for nutritionally-balanced meals.

"As more research and information emerges about the health benefits of eating more fiber, and with the new Dietary Guidelines, Americans are looking for more nutritious products they can incorporate into everyday meals," said Kamal Dagher, vice president of product development at Barilla. "We worked hard to create a nutritionally-balanced pasta that has family appeal and is made from naturally wholesome ingredients."

With the same great taste and texture as traditional Barilla pasta, Barilla PLUS offers superior nutritional benefits. In fact, Barilla PLUS is a good source of:

• Fiber, through it's naturally fiber-rich ingredients, including a unique multigrain blend of semolina (coarse durum wheat), oats, spelt and barley, wheat fiber and ground flaxseed, as well as lentils and chickpeas--which all help to maintain a healthy digestive system;
• Protein, through the multigrains, legumes and egg whites, Barilla PLUS has a relatively high level of good-quality protein. Every cup of dry Barilla PLUS contains the level and quality of protein found in a 3-ounce serving of 90 percent lean beef--providing the essential building blocks for healthy growth, especially important for children; and
• ALA (alpha linolenic acid) omega-3 fatty acids, through ground flaxseeds, one serving of Barilla PLUS provides 15 percent of the daily recommended intake (1.3 grams) of this essential fatty acid not found in traditional pasta.

Made with naturally wholesome ingredients and a taste that family members of all ages can love, Barilla PLUS easily fits into any weekday dinner or lunch menu. "Barilla PLUS is the total meal solution for moms looking to sneak more nutrition into their family's diet," said registered dietitian and mother of one, Donna Shields, M.S., R.D.

This is good news for the 86 percent of American mothers who believe their children aren't getting enough of at least one vital nutrient in their current diet according to a recent survey. Commissioned by Barilla PLUS and conducted by Kelton Research, the survey looked into the eating habits of American families with children between the ages of 6-12 and found that the nutrients of most concern to moms were omega-3 fatty acids (27 percent), followed by fiber (21 percent), vitamins and minerals (25 percent), and protein (8 percent).

Pasta is a food that is loved by kids and adults alike. According to the survey, 75 percent of families enjoy pasta at least once a week. "What makes this product so appealing is its versatility," says Shields. "Whether you are a time-pressed mom looking for healthy meal solutions, an athlete searching for more nutrient-rich, complex carbohydrates or someone trying to lose or maintain weight, this product provides functional benefits yet still delivers the dining experience you'd expect from a product made by Barilla."

Barilla PLUS, packaged in a golden box instead of the traditional Barilla blue, is available in Penne, Rotini, Elbows, Spaghetti, Thin Spaghetti and Angel Hair, and will be on store shelves beginning in mid-February at most major and independent supermarkets throughout the country, or by contacting My Brands, Inc., at 1.888.281.6400 to place and order. All six varieties retail for $1.79 per each 1 pound box.

About Barilla
Since 1877, the Barilla company has been producing pasta and other grain-based foods for consumers around the world. The company's basic animating principle has been to make these healthy products affordable to all, no matter where they might be. Barilla has remained true to its entrepreneurial roots throughout the past four generations, by combining ancient Italian traditions with cutting-edge technological advances. The result is a globally successful company, built on a foundation of principles that allow for continuous growth to reach ever-expanding goals.

The Barilla Group - whose brands include Barilla, Mulino Bianco, Pavesi, Voiello, Wasa, Misko (Greece), Filiz (Turkey), Yemina and Vesta (Mexico) and Academia Barilla - is the first Italian food group, headed by the Barilla family for more than 125 years. The Group has 29 factories (17 in Italy and 12 abroad). It is a worldwide leader in pasta and currently realizes 30% of sales in volume in more than 120 countries.

The Barilla Healthy Pasta Survey was conducted by Kelton Research on 600 American mothers with children ages 6-12 and took place on November 12-15, 2004 using Random Digit Dialing of both listed and unlisted numbers. In this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 4.0 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

Source: Barilla