Taste Test: Whole Wheat Pasta

Whole Wheat Pasta: We tried 10 different brands. Here, our favorites:

Bionaturae Organic Spaghetti. The only brand we sampled that is 100 percent whole wheat, Bionaturae has a nutty, slightly sweet taste plus a firm texture and a nice bite. Available nationwide at Whole Foods and Wild Oats and at some supermarkets and health food stores.

Trader Joe's Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti. It had a mildly wheaty, pleasant taste and a chewy texture.

Whole Foods Market Organic Whole Wheat Spaghetti. We liked its mild flavor and al dente bite.

Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Spaghetti had a firm resistance and a neutral flavor-a plus since whole wheat pastas tend to have a strong grainy taste.

Worth noting: Whole wheat and multigrain pastas are usually slightly more expensive than regular pasta but are a worthwhile investment when you want pasta that packs a nutritious punch. Unless the label says 100 percent whole wheat, the product is actually a whole wheat blend, which still provides a higher fiber content than regular pasta. These varieties have a much shorter shelf life than semolina pasta, so use them within six months of purchase.

More Articles on GoodHousekeeping.com

• Cruising the Aisles: Pasta Night!
• Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Fontina and Ham
• Eat More Grains, Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
• Will Low-Carb Foods Make You Gain Weight?
• Get a Taste of Italy!