Wildgrain Blog
Pasta vs. Bread: Is Bread or Pasta Healthier?
By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. You can’t go wrong with pasta and bread as your favorite grain-based foods. While both are certainly delicious, do you know how they compare nutritionally? Read on to learn the differences between these two hard-to-resist foods and find out which will fit best with your lifestyle and diet. Is pasta healthier than bread? Is bread healthier than pasta? Pasta is not necessarily healthier than bread, and bread is not necessarily healthier than pasta. Regular, refined pasta and white bread are similar nutritionally and unfortunately are not very nutritionally dense. Refined pasta, the pasta most commonly consumed, contains about 220 calories, 43 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fat per serving. On the other hand, 1 slice of white bread contains about 60 calories, 13 grams of carbohydrates, and 1 gram of fat. However, whole grain pasta and whole grain bread are much healthier than regular bread and pasta. Pasta and bread made from whole grains contain more protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making these options more nutritious. Other bread options, such as sourdough bread and rye bread are also healthier bread alternatives. Is pasta or bread higher in carbs? Is bread or pasta more fattening? A single serving of refined pasta has approximately 70% more carbohydrates than a single slice of white bread. Neither bread nor pasta is more fattening than the other. Pasta and bread are both low in fat, each containing about 1 gram of fat. Which is harder to digest: pasta or bread? Generally, foods lower in fiber are easier to digest. Considering bread contains less fiber than pasta, with less than 1 gram of dietary fiber, and pasta contains about 2.5 grams of dietary fiber, pasta might be slightly harder to digest. However, pasta that is made from refined grains is easier to digest than pasta made from whole grains, which contain more fiber. Certain bread types can also help digestion, such as sourdough bread. Does bread or pasta have more gluten? While there is no clear answer to this depending on the type of bread and pasta we are comparing, bread generally contains more gluten than pasta. This is because the amount of gluten in a food depends on the flour used. Bread flour can contain up to 13% gluten, while all-purpose flour, a flour often used in pasta, typically has 8-11% gluten content. However, these percentages can change based on the type of grain and flour used when making bread and pasta. Regardless, both white bread and conventional pasta are considered high-gluten foods. Luckily, there are gluten-free bread and pasta alternatives for those that have gluten intolerance or simply want to cut back on gluten consumption. Should I replace pasta with bread in a diet? Whether or not you should replace pasta with bread in your diet depends on the types of bread and pasta being considered and what your health goals are. If you are wanting to reduce calories consumed for a certain meal, you may want to opt for bread instead of pasta for that meal. Alternatively, you can replace both pasta and bread with their respective whole grain varieties. Whole grain pasta and bread are more nutritionally dense than refined grain alternatives and tend to keep you full for longer (i.e. white bread). Is bread or pasta better for weight loss and fat loss? Which should I give up to lose weight: pasta or bread? When choosing between pasta and bread, both can work for weight or fat loss. Whole grain options are best for weight and fat loss. Whole grains have been shown to aid in the elimination of belly fat. Pasta and bread made from whole grains also tend to be higher in fiber, which can help you stay full for longer. You don’t necessarily need to give up any one food while staying on track with your weight loss goals. In fact, weight loss maintenance is most successful when abiding by a sustainable lifestyle and diet. Many times, completely giving up any one food is not sustainable, since it causes you to crave it even more, which can cause you to fall behind in your weight loss goals. The best course of action is to enjoy your favorite and sometimes higher-calorie foods in moderation, to be conscious of portion size, and to choose healthier versions of your favorite foods when possible. Where can I buy the best fresh pasta and fresh bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pastas and breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine and fresh tonnarelli. Some of our popular breads include everything sourdough bread, plain sourdough loaf, and sourdough 7-grain loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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What’s Better: Bread vs. Pasta vs. Rice vs. Potatoes?
By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread – all delicious and hearty foods that leave many of us wanting more. While many of us enjoy one or all of these staples, are these starchy foods healthy for us? We’ll take a look at how rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread compare nutritionally and which of these foods is the best choice for your lifestyle and goals. Which is healthier to eat, rice or pasta or potatoes or bread? Of rice, pasta, potatoes, and bread, potatoes are the healthiest of these starchy and complex carbohydrate foods. This is because potatoes are dense in nutrients, containing essential minerals, vitamins, and other micronutrients. Potatoes are also high in fiber, helping to satiate hunger and regulate blood sugar. Which has the most carbs, potatoes or rice or pastas or bread? Pasta and rice take the lead in most carbohydrates when compared to potatoes and bread, with both pasta and rice having approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving. A medium-sized potato contains 25 grams of carbohydrates and a single slice of white bread contains 13 grams of carbohydrates. Which is better for a diabetic: potatoes or pasta or rice or bread? Diabetics need to be mindful of the glycemic index of foods, a metric that indicates how quickly a food causes blood sugar levels to rise. Foods that are broken down more quickly cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly and are therefore marked with a higher glycemic index. For this reason, pasta is the best option for a diabetic as it is rated as a low-glycemic index food. In contrast, potatoes, rice, and bread all fall under the high-glycemic index rating and are less good options for diabetics. Which is the best for weight loss: rice or potatoes or pasta or bread? The best option for weight loss depends on the type of rice, potatoes, pasta, or bread consumed. In general, it is recommended to avoid refined varieties of these foods, such as white rice, white potatoes, white pasta, and white bread. This is because foods made from refined grains often trigger a cycle of cravings, making it difficult to control portion size and calories consumed. If you would still like to enjoy these foods, it’s best to choose healthier alternatives such as brown rice, sweet potatoes, or wheat pasta. For delicious and nutritious bread options, sourdough bread and rye bread are higher-nutrient foods that will make it easier to achieve your weight loss goals. Can you still eat bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes when trying to lose weight? Yes, you can still enjoy bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes while maintaining your weight loss goals. The key to losing weight is to be in a calorie deficit or consuming fewer calories than you burn. This means you will want to be aware of the number of calories in each of your meals. To help with this, opt for smaller portions and try swapping refined carbohydrates with those made from whole grains. Foods made from whole grains will keep you fuller for longer, helping you to stay on track with your daily calorie and weight loss goals. Which is healthier: pasta or rice? Pasta and rice are very similar nutritionally, with each containing approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates and less than 1 gram of fat and sugar. The main differences between refined (white) pasta and white rice are in the amount of calories, fiber, and protein in each. Pasta contains more calories, more fiber, and more protein than rice. However, many healthier varieties of pasta and rice are available that are more nutritious than their refined counterparts. Which is healthier: bread or rice? When looking at the nutritional content of a single serving of bread and rice, bread may be considered the healthier option. This is due to bread containing fewer calories and carbohydrates than rice. However, rice does contain more protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to bread. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to white bread and rice, try opting for multigrain bread, sourdough bread, rye bread, and brown rice. All of these options contain more nutrients than traditional bread and rice choices. Where can I buy fresh bread and fresh pasta online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine and fresh tonnarelli. Some of our popular breads include everything sourdough bread, plain sourdough loaf, and sourdough 7-grain loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Best Pasta for Weight Loss: Can You Eat Pasta and Lose Weight?
By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. There’s no going wrong with a fresh bowl of pasta smothered in sauce and covered in grated cheese. Certainly, a drool-worthy meal, but do you know if pasta can fit into your diet? Read on to learn if pasta is healthy for you and which type of pasta is the best for achieving weight loss goals. Can you eat pasta and still lose weight or fat? Will I gain weight if I eat pasta every day? Yes, you can eat pasta and still stick to your weight loss goals and lose fat. The main consideration to keep in mind when making food choices while trying to lose weight is to remain in a calorie deficit. Very simply, if your body uses more calories than you consume, then you will lose weight. To help lose weight and still eat pasta, it is important to pay attention to the nutritional facts of your pasta, your portion sizes, and what you are eating with the pasta. You can gain weight if you eat pasta daily depending on the amount and type of pasta consumed, but this can occur with any food that is consumed in excess. The key to fitting pasta into your diet is to ensure it’s part of a balanced meal that will fuel your body with nutrients, such as whole grains, which can keep you full for longer. Which pasta shape has the least carbs? Pasta shapes on their own do not determine carbohydrate amounts. Conversely, the type of flour used to make the pasta is a greater indicator of the carbohydrate content in each pasta. For example, pasta made with refined white flour will have more carbohydrates than pasta made from whole grains. Can I eat whole wheat pasta for weight loss? Yes, you can eat whole wheat pasta for weight loss. In fact, whole wheat or whole grain pasta is the best option for weight loss as whole wheat pasta takes longer to digest than pasta made from refined flour. Slower digestion means blood sugar will rise slowly after consumption, preventing your body from storing excess fat. What pastas should I avoid for weight loss or avoid for a diet? You should avoid pasta made from refined flour if you are looking to achieve weight loss goals. Refined pasta has been stripped of many of its natural nutrients and is higher in calories and lower in fiber, meaning you will likely feel full for less time after eating it. Instead, if you are on a diet or trying to lose weight, consider eating a whole wheat pasta or maintain a small portion size of regular pasta in your meal. What is the best time to eat pasta for weight loss? If you are trying to lose weight, the best time to eat pasta is within two hours of an intense workout. Research suggests that weight loss goals can be maintained if you consume pasta right after a workout because your body needs to replenish glycogen (or carbohydrate) stores that can be depleted after intense exercise. What is the best type of pasta to eat for weight loss? The best type of pasta for weight loss is pasta containing whole grains. This is because pasta made from whole grains is more nutritiously dense, and contains more fiber and fewer calories than refined pasta. Pasta that has a higher fiber content will also leave you feeling full for longer, which can ultimately help to reduce your overall caloric intake. What is the best pasta to eat while on a diet? The best type of pasta to eat while on a diet is pasta containing whole grains. In addition to whole wheat pasta, pasta made from other ingredients such as chickpeas, lentils, and veggies are great options when you are on a diet. Non-traditional pasta like these are generally lower in carbohydrates and calories while having higher protein content. Where can I buy healthy pasta online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pasta that is delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine, fresh tonnarelli, and cheese tortellini. We are proud to offer healthy pastas, made with non-GMO flour and without preservatives. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Gnocchi vs. Pasta: Is Gnocchi a Healthy Alternative to Pasta?
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Pasta is one of the most popular foods in the world. Many believe that the potato-based nuggets known as gnocchi fall under the category of pasta, but some categorize them as dumplings. No matter what you consider gnocchi to be, it is often used in similar ways to pasta. However, pasta is mainly wheat-based, whereas gnocchi are potato-based, so which is healthier? What is gnocchi? Is gnocchi a pasta or potato? Gnocchi originates from Italy and is typically made using flour, eggs, and mashed potatoes. Other ingredients can be used in place of potatoes, including the Italian cheese known as ricotta. In Italian, the word gnocchi means “knuckle,” which is what the dumplings resemble. Gnocchi are often rolled onto the back of a fork to create indentations that hold onto whatever sauce they are tossed in. Some believe that gnocchi is a type of pasta, whereas others believe it is a form of potato dumpling. What’s the difference between ricotta gnocchi vs. potato gnocchi? Which is better: potato or ricotta gnocchi? Traditional potato gnocchi are made of potato bound together with flour and egg, whereas ricotta gnocchi replaces the potato with ricotta cheese. Because of ricotta’s springy texture and the lack of potatoes, ricotta gnocchi has a lighter texture than potato gnocchi. Both potato gnocchi and ricotta gnocchi are formed by rolling the dough into a log and cutting it into small nugget shaped portions. Because ricotta gnocchi are made with cheese, there is a higher protein content than is present in the carbohydrate-forward potato gnocchi. Is gnocchi healthier than pasta? Should I replace pasta with gnocchi? Similar to pasta, gnocchi is high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Although both are carbohydrate-heavy foods, it has been shown that regular pasta may have less of an effect on blood sugar levels. One publication points to the fact that pasta doesn’t raise blood sugar after a meal to the level that potatoes do. However, it is important to note that the study compared plain potatoes to pasta, not gnocchi to pasta. Which is better for weight loss: gnocchi or pasta? A two ounce portion of pasta contains around 43 grams of carbohydrates, with only two of those grams coming from fiber. Similarly, a two ounce portion of gnocchi contains 19 grams of carbohydrates, with only 0.9 grams coming from fiber. Although gnocchi does appear at first glance to be lower in carbohydrates, because it is denser, a two ounce portion will be smaller. Due to the smaller and denser nature of gnocchi, it is more likely that you will end up eating bigger portions than if you chose regular pasta. Although all foods can be part of a healthy diet in moderation, if you are trying to lose weight opt for other options than gnocchi or pasta. Which is better for muscle building: pasta vs. gnocchi? A high-carbohydrate diet is beneficial for those looking to build muscle. It has been found that in comparison to a low-carbohydrate diet, eating a high-carbohydrate diet before high-intensity exercise increased stamina, extended time before exhaustion was reached, and led to a higher amount of calories burned. Additionally, it is necessary to eat optimal levels of protein to gain muscle, and a two ounce portion of pasta contains 7.5 grams of protein, while the same size portion of gnocchi contains only 2.5 grams. Ricotta gnocchi may be a better option than potato gnocchi for those looking to gain muscle, since there is a higher protein content in the cheese-based dough. What is the difference between gnocchi vs. tortellini vs. ravioli vs. agnolotti? Gnocchi are potato-based dumplings that are not stuffed. Gnocchi are typically boiled and tossed in a tomato-based sauce. Tortellini, ravioli, and agnolotti are all stuffed Italian pastas made with semolina flour. Tortellini is a stuffed pasta in the shape of a ring. It usually has a meat or cheese-based filling and is traditionally served in broth. Ravioli are also a filled pasta. Ravioli usually consists of cheese, meat, or other ingredients stuffed between two thin pieces of pasta. This type of pasta is often square, and is typically tossed in a sauce that compliments what the ravioli is stuffed with. Agnolotti are a type of ravioli, from a specific region of Italy known as the Piedmont region. It can be square or in a half-moon shape, and are stuffed with beef or vegetables. Unlike ravioli, agnolotti does not typically contain cheese in the stuffing. Where can I buy the best fresh gnocchi and pasta online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include potato gnocchi, cheese tortellini, fresh fettuccine, and fresh tonnarelli. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Tonnarelli vs. Fettuccine vs. Linguine Tortellini vs. Spaghetti
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Pasta comes in many forms and each pasta type is unique, varying in terms of width, length, and texture. Let’s learn about several classic pasta types, including tonnarelli, fettuccine, tortellini, and spaghetti. What is tonnarelli pasta? How is tonnarelli pasta made? Tonnarelli pasta is a long noodle similar to the classic spaghetti noodle. Traditionally, tonnarelli is made by a tool called a La Chitarra (which means guitar in Italian); it’s made from strings stretched across a wooden frame. A sheet of pasta is placed on top of the strings and a pin is then rolled over the pasta, creating the thin, long tonnarelli noodles with a square cross section. What popular dish can you make with tonnarelli pasta? Cacio e pepe, meaning “cheese and pepper,” is one of the most famous dishes in Roman culture. Traditionally, cacio e pepe involves just three ingredients: peppercorns, Pecorino Romano cheese, and tonnarelli. The thicker width and square shape of tonnarelli makes it perfect for this peppery cheese sauce. Tonnarelli pasta is easy to find in stores in Rome of course, but in the United States, tonnarelli is much easier to find online, especially from companies like Wildgrain. What is fettuccine? Pasta shapes were first made by hand in Italy, and fettuccine is one of the first types of those pasta shapes. To make fettuccine, flat sheets of pasta are cut into ribbon-shaped strands known as fettucce. Because fettuccine is thicker than other long noodles, it is great to pair with robust sauces, like the cream-based Alfredo sauce. What is tortellini? What is tortellini filled with? Tortellini is a filled pasta in a distinctive ring shape and is one of the more well-known Italian pastas. Tortellini can be filled with a variety of ingredients; traditionally it’s filled with cheese and meats, such as pork or beef, but tortellini can also be filled with vegetables, such as spinach, as well. Tortellini is often served in a broth, but also it pairs well with cream or tomato-based sauces. What is the difference between tonnarelli and spaghetti? The difference between tonnarelli and spaghetti is the thickness and cross section of the noodles. Tonnarelli is a thicker noodle than spaghetti. Additionally, the cross section of tonnarelli is square, instead of round like spaghetti. Spaghetti comes from the word spaghi, which means “lengths of a cord”. What is the difference between tonnarelli vs. bucatini? Bucatini is a long pasta that is similar to tonnarelli. The difference between bucatini and other long pasta shapes, such as tonnarelli, is that bucatini has a hollow center. Buco translates to “hole” in Italian. While tonnarelli is best paired with creamy sauces, tomato-based sauces work best with bucatini. What is the difference between spaghetti noodles and fettuccine? Whereas spaghetti is round and cylindrical (spaghi meaning length of a cord in italian), fettuccine is flat and wider, more similar to a ribbon shape. Although fettuccine pairs well with creamy sauces such as alfredo, the wide nature of the noodles allows it to also fit well in dishes that call for other types of robust sauces that include ingredients such as meat, seafood, or vegetables. Spaghetti and fettuccine are both very versatile in terms of the sauces that the noodles can handle. Fettuccine and spaghetti are interchangeable in most recipes depending on what you have on hand. What is the difference between tortellini and tortelloni? Both tortellini and tortelloni are stuffed Italian pastas in the shape of a ring. Tortelloni is a larger-sized pasta than tortellini. The main flavor difference between tortellini and tortelloni is the traditional stuffing used in each. Tortelloni is filled with a vegetarian mixture, often ricotta cheese mixed with vegetables or pumpkin. In contrast to tortelloni’s vegetarian stuffing, tortellini has a meat based filling. In addition, tortellini and tortelloni are often prepared differently. Tortellini is traditionally served in broth while tortelloni is typically served with melted butter, sage, or a ragu sauce. Where can I buy tonnarelli pasta? Fettuccine pasta? Tortellini pasta? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include cheese tortellini, fresh fettuccine, and fresh tonnarelli. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Fresh vs. Dry vs. Frozen vs. Store Bought vs. Homemade Pasta
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. In the United States, dried pasta is a pantry staple. As the base of spaghetti and meatballs, mac and cheese, or pasta salad, boxes of various shapes of pasta line the pantries of American consumers. Most people certainly do not have the time to make fresh pasta, so dried pasta is a quick and easy alternative. Just as certain shapes of pasta are better suited for specific dishes, dry, fresh, and frozen pasta all have their place in cooking. Each pasta can be used in any recipe; however, it’s important to consider how flavors and textures will alter the final dish. What is the difference between fresh pasta vs. dry pasta vs. frozen pasta? Fresh pasta is made with eggs, flour (most often a type of flour called semolina flour), and water or olive oil. Extra ingredients, such as pureed spinach or spices (e.g. paprika), are sometimes added to color the dough. Fresh pasta dough is kneaded and flattened (either with a rolling pin or a pasta machine) depending on the desired thickness of the pasta. The fresh pasta sheets are then passed through a cutting machine or can be hand cut to create various sizes and shapes. Fresh pasta is perishable, so it must be either cooked immediately or stored in the refrigerator. Dried pasta is made with water and semolina flour. These ingredients are mixed together, which creates a dough that is crumbly in texture. The dough is then pressed through a machine called an “extruder” that creates the desired shape, like elbows or farfalle. Once pressed into its shape, the pasta is dried for several days in order for the moisture to evaporate. This creates a shelf-stable dried pasta that can last for years. Frozen pasta is usually used to lock in the flavor of stuffed pastas such as ravioli, lasagna, or tortellini. Frozen pasta can be found in supermarket freezer sections. Frozen pasta can be either frozen fresh pasta or frozen cooked pasta. What is dried pasta? What is the difference between dried pasta and fresh pasta? Dried pasta and fresh pasta vary based on ingredients, texture, cooking time, and shelf life. In terms of ingredients, dried pasta is made with water and semolina flour. Fresh pasta is made with eggs, flour (often semolina flour), and water or olive oil. The texture of cooked dried pasta is different from the texture of cooked fresh pasta. Dried pasta is typically cooked to a texture known as al dente or “to the tooth” in Italian, giving it a chewy texture that holds up in sauces. Fresh pasta is softer than dried pasta, and as a result cannot be cooked to the al-dente stage. Instead, because fresh pasta has more moisture than dried pasta, the cooked texture of fresh pasta is soft and springy, not “al dente.” The cooking time of fresh pasta is also different from the cooking time of dried pasta. Fresh pasta cooks much quicker than dried pasta. The absolute cooking time depends on the thickness of the pasta; some thin, fresh pastas can cook in under 2 minutes. Dried pasta cooking time depends on the shape and size of the noodle, with most dried pastas taking anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes. Dry pasta can last for years if stored in a cool dark place, like a pantry. The drying process removes all the moisture in the pasta, so bacteria and mold cannot grow in the pasta. While dried pasta can last for years, fresh pasta is only good for about 2 to 3 days. Is frozen pasta as good as fresh pasta? Frozen pasta can taste just as good as fresh pasta, if handled properly. The best frozen pasta is fresh pasta that is frozen immediately after it is made. If sealed correctly to avoid freezer burn, frozen pasta can last for years. When you are ready to use your frozen pasta, most frozen pastas need to be defrosted for about 24 hours. Frozen pasta from Wildgrain, like our Cheese Tortellini and Fresh Fettuccine on the other hand, can be cooked directly from the freezer. If properly frozen and stored, there will be little difference between frozen fresh pasta and fresh pasta made that day. Is frozen fresh pasta better than dried pasta? Both freezing pasta and drying pasta make storing pasta possible for longer periods of time. The main difference between frozen pasta and dried pasta is the type of pasta typically used for each preservation technique. Frozen pasta is typically used to store stuffed pastas, like ravioli or tortellini. Casseroles made with pasta and cheese, like lasagna, which cannot be preserved by drying, can also be frozen. In contrast, the technique of drying pasta is used when pasta does not contain fillings or toppings. When properly stored and prepared, frozen fresh pasta is not necessarily better than dried pasta. Can you freeze fresh pasta? What is the best way to store fresh pasta, freeze pasta, or dry pasta? Yes, fresh pasta can be frozen, and there’s only a few steps needed to freeze pasta at home. First, leave the fresh pasta on a baking sheet to air dry after it is cut; this is to prevent pasta from sticking to itself. Once the pasta has dried slightly, transfer it to airtight containers or bags and remove any excess air before placing in the freezer. Fresh pasta that is frozen at home can be stored in the freezer for around 8 months. Another way to make your fresh pasta last more than a couple days is to dry it. In order to dry fresh pasta, leave the pasta out for around 12 to 24 hours in a dry, sunny environment. Once the fresh pasta is dried, the dried pasta will last in an airtight container for around 2 to 6 months, as long as it’s not exposed to extreme temperatures. Because of the longer shelf life, it is best to store fresh pasta by freezing instead of drying fresh pasta if you’re deciding which method to use at home. However, fresh pastas like ravioli and tortellini can only be stored by freezing and cannot be dried. What is the best pasta: fresh pasta or dry pasta or frozen pasta or store-bought pasta or homemade pasta? Pasta has versatility not only in its shape but also in how it can be prepared, stored, and cooked. Because pasta has so few ingredients, there are only a few differences between fresh, dry, homemade, and store-bought pasta. Homemade pasta can be modified in a way that store-bought pasta, dry pasta, and frozen pasta cannot. In homemade pasta, eggs can be added or removed (for example, if you are a vegan), flour can be substituted (e.g. whole wheat or gluten free), and other ingredients can be added such as spinach or spices to color and flavor the dough. However, because grocery stores carry just about everything under the sun, if you don’t have time to make your own pasta, any of these modifications can likely be found in store-bought pastas. Dry and fresh pasta also serve different purposes in cooking. Dry pasta goes better with richer, heartier sauces because it can be cooked al dente. This extra texture allows dry pasta to hold up better to these types of sauces. Additionally, dry pasta is better for dishes such as lasagnes, casseroles, and soups because it can withstand the long cooking time. Fresh pasta does best with sauces that are more delicate, such as carbonara, marinara, or pesto. Fresh pasta doesn’t stand up well in baked recipes or meals that will have leftovers because it turns gummy when reheated. That being said, in most recipes, fresh pasta can be substituted for dry pasta and vice versa. Want to try fresh pasta at home without the work? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high quality, fresh pastas that are then delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include cheese tortellini, fresh fettuccine, and fresh tonnarelli. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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