Question 1

Are there other ways to tell good quality pasta?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can tell just by looking at it. Good pasta will have a unique yellow color. Properly grown, stored, milled, and dried, pasta will have very few defects such as black specks, white spots, or cracks. During cooking, the pasta will not clump together or form surface stickiness, and it should have good texture and elasticity upon chewing. Visually the pasta should be an amber yellow color, uniform in size and shape, and without grayish or reddish shades. Quality pasta will have a pleasant taste and aroma, and always cook al dente.

Question 2

Are there preservatives in Barilla Sauces?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to each individual product page and or product label.

Question 3

Do Barilla products contain GMO ingredients?

Accepted Answer

We have a company-wide policy of not using any raw materials in our products that contain genetically modified organisms. For more information please visit http://www.barillagroup.com/corporate/en/home/media/posizioni-aziendali/gmo.html.

Question 4

Does Barilla Pasta contain dairy products?

Accepted Answer

Barilla's durum wheat semolina pasta does not contain dairy or come in contact with dairy on the lines. Our Chicken Alfredo Microwaveable Meal, Three Cheese sauce as well as our filled Tortellini products do contain dairy as an ingredient.

Question 5

Does Barilla Pasta contain nuts, nut products, or soy products?

Accepted Answer

Barilla's durum wheat semolina pasta does not contain any nuts, nut products, or soy. The lines used to produce our pastas are not used to make any products containing nuts or soy.

Question 6

How do you judge good quality pasta?

Accepted Answer

The quality of pasta is very dependent upon the kind of wheat used and the manufacturing process. Barilla uses a blend of the finest durum wheat to produce the semolina that makes our pasta. Barilla's innovative milling process and methods assure the high quality and excellent cooking properties of our pasta.

Question 7

How is Barilla Tortellini different from other tortellini products?

Accepted Answer

Barilla's shelf-stable Tortellini is a perfect balance between a thin, delicate layer of pasta and a flavorful, authentic Italian filling. The pasta complements the filling and does not overpower it. Barilla Tortellini is not chewy or doughy, and does not break or fall apart during cooking.

Question 8

How should pasta be stored?

Accepted Answer

Pasta should be stored in a cool, dry place such as a cupboard or pantry.

Question 9

is Barilla Pasta a healthy food?

Accepted Answer

The Mediteranean style of eating is celebrated as one of the healthiest in the world. Pasta is a cornerstone of this lifestyle, and in fact it is eaten regularly in Italy. Pasta is not only an affordable, healthy family meal choice, but also provides a delicious culinary vehicle in which to incorporate more vegetables, legumes and other healthy foods into your eating plan.

Question 10

Is Barilla Sauce gluten free?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to each individual product page and or product label.

Question 11

Is the cheese in Tortellini pasteurized?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The process used to prepare our Tortellini involves pasteurization of the cheeses in our fillings.

Question 12

What are the natural flavorings in Tortellini?

Accepted Answer

Our exquisite line of Tortellini, with sophisticated Italian flavors inside every mouth-watering bite. You will find distinctive natural flavor notes all perfectly blended with the smooth texture of the richest ricotta cheese.

Question 13

What does "best if used by" mean?

Accepted Answer

This is the date on our packaging that Barilla recommends the product be consumed by. Past this date, Barilla cannot guarantee the product's freshness.

Question 14

What is a recommended serving size, and is this for cooked or uncooked pasta?

Accepted Answer

The recommended serving size is 2 ounces of uncooked pasta, which equals approximately 1 cup of cooked pasta. For a detailed conversion of dry vs. cooked pasta visit our conversion chart located in the Pasta Measuring FAQ.

Question 15

What is durum wheat and why is it used to make Barilla pasta?

Accepted Answer

Durum wheat is a hard wheat that when milled properly produces high-quality semolina. It is high quality because semolina has proteins in it that contain elevated quantities of gluten. These attributes, along with the compact structure of semolina, allow Barilla Pasta to maintain its cooking consistency, delicious flavor, and al dente texture.

Question 16

What is the origin of Tortellini?

Accepted Answer

Legend claims that Tortellini was inspired by the goddess Venus' navel. An Italian medieval legend tells how Venus and Zeus, weary one night after their involvement in a battle between Bologna and Modena, arrive at a tavern in a small town on the outskirts of Bologna. After eating a hearty dinner and becoming slightly drunk, they decide to share a bedroom. The innkeeper, captivated after watching them, creeps to their room and peeks through the keyhole of the bedroom door. However, all he can see through the keyhole is the naval of Venus. This vision leaves him spellbound – so much so that he immediately rushes to the kitchen and creates a pasta inspired by Venus' navel…and so was born the Tortellini.

Question 17

What is the refrigerator life of an opened jar of sauce?

Accepted Answer

Barilla recommends storing an opened jar of sauce in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. The remaining sauce may be frozen at any time during the 3-5 days; simply transfer the sauceto a freezer-safe container and it will be good for up to 3 months.

Question 18

What is the shelf life of Barilla Pasta?

Accepted Answer

The shelf life on our products vary. For the very best quality and taste, Barilla recommends using our pasta by the "best if used by" date found on our packaging.

Question 19

Which Barilla Sauce goes best with which Barilla Pasta shape?

Accepted Answer

Barilla's tomato-based sauces are "flexible" and diverse; they go very well with either long or short pasta shapes. For a detailed explanation, please click on the Barilla Pasta & Sauce Pairing

Question 20

What is the best way to cook pasta?

Accepted Answer

Always use plenty of water when cooking pasta – at least one quart of water for every quarter pound of pasta. Be sure to use a large enough pot to allow the pasta plenty of room to cook properly. The typical procedure for cooking pasta is to bring 6-8 quarts of water to a boil; add salt; add the pasta, and cook according to the package directions. For our Pronto, no boil, no drain pasta, cook entire box of pasta with 3 cups of water in one pan, over high heat. Typical cooking time for Pronto pasta is about 10 minutes, but please refer to instructions on the package for complete cooking time. Draining is not needed.

Question 21

Why is cooking pasta al dente so important?

Accepted Answer

Pasta provides steady energy. Cooking pasta perfectly ‘al dente’ (still slightly firm) allows you to reap the full benefits of pasta’s already strong ability to increase satiety, delaying hunger pangs and providing fuel for working muscles long after meals. Due to the special protein structure of traditional pasta dough, pasta has a low to medium glycemic index (GI) value depending on the cut, which means that the body digests it more slowly than most other carbohydrates. That’s true for pasta that’s made from either soft or hard wheat. To keep the GI value low, cook your pasta to ‘al dente.’

Question 22

How do you prepare Tortellini?

Accepted Answer

Preparing Barilla Tortellini is incredibly simple and foolproof. Just add the Tortellini to boiling water and let it cook for 10 to 11 minutes. To finish, you can add sauce or simply drizzle some extra virgin olive oil and grate some fresh Parmesan on top to create a delicious, authentic Italian dish. Another delicious option is to cook the Tortellini in broth, such as chicken broth.

Question 23

How do you prepare a pasta salad using Barilla Tortellini?

Accepted Answer

To make a Tortellini salad, cook the Tortellini, drain (do not rinse in water) toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and let cool uncovered at room temperature for 10 minutes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients for the salad. Add these ingredients to the Tortellini, mix well and serve. We do not recommend making a Tortellini salad in advance.

Question 24

Should oil be added to the cooking water?

Accepted Answer

Adding oil to the pasta water does not stop pasta from sticking together. Using Barilla's high-quality pasta and using the correct proportion of water to pasta ratio will prevent the pasta from sticking together.

Question 25

Should salt be added to the cooking water?

Accepted Answer

Salt is always used in preparing pasta in Italy. A touch of salt in the water brings out the flavor of the pasta. Sea salt is recommend since it is a natural product that enhances the flavor without creating salty-tasting pasta. If you are on a sodium-restricted diet, the salt may be omitted.

Question 26

Should pasta be rinsed?

Accepted Answer

Pasta should not be rinsed after cooking. This method was utilized to rinse excess starch off the pasta. When poor-quality wheat is used, the pasta releases too much starch and sticks together. Because Barilla pasta is made with high-quality durum wheat, the natural starches released from our pasta complement the pasta meal. These starches allow the sauce to adhere to the pasta better.

Question 27

Can Barilla Oven Ready Lasagne be prepared in advance?

Accepted Answer

You may prepare lasagne up to 24 hours in advance without baking it. Prepare and store the lasagne in the refrigerator at or below 40 degrees F. Since the lasagne will be cold it will require a longer baking time, approximately 60 minutes at 375 degrees F. If your recipe calls for egg, the cooking time will be approximately 1 hour and 10 – 1 hour and 20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees F.
For best results, we recommend that you do not bake the lasagna before freezing. You may assemble the lasagna in a freezer safe/oven safe container, cover tightly and freeze. When you are ready to bake the lasagna, defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Bake at 375 degrees F for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. If your recipe calls for egg, the baking time will be approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.

Question 28

How many packages of Tortellini would you recommend preparing?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the number of guests you are expecting, but each family-size 12-ounce package yields 4 to 6 servings.

Question 29

Why Roger Federer?

Accepted Answer

Roger is a number one by definition, like Barilla (the world’s n. 1 pasta brand). He is number one in sports, and he embodies important values like reliability, constant commitment, respect and passion.
Roger is a Master, a person who understands the importance of simplicity, sincerity, commitment and passion as the only way to continue improving, to continue being an example year after year, a guide and reference model. Not only as a champion, but also as a person.
These values are dear to us and we believe this is a perfect partnership to convey this message at a global level. A clear and simple message that has a huge impact.
His values and charisma are a great support to take Barilla further in its mission to help people eat better and find the recipe for good living.

Question 30

How did you convince him to work with you?

Accepted Answer

Roger already knew our products well. He told us he had always seen them at home since he was a child. We simply told him something more about us, about the way our Company does business, about our definition of good food…

Question 31

How long will the agreement last?

Accepted Answer

It’s a long-term partnership.

Question 32

How much is the agreement worth?

Accepted Answer

We cannot comment on this. We can say that it is a relationship and not a transaction.

Question 33

What role will Federer play for pasta and sauces?

Accepted Answer

Federer will be our Brand ambassador in the world to promote Barilla pasta and sauces.

Question 34

Will Barilla be just another “logo” on Federer’s clothing on the tennis court?

Accepted Answer

The Barilla brand will not be visible on Roger Federer’s clothing. We prefer dealing with Roger as a person and not as a tennis champion.

Question 35

What about the current campaigns? Will Federer replace Favino?

Accepted Answer

Federer’s campaign will replace the current ones in certain countries, except for Germany and the US, where the current campaigns will remain and be aired together with his.

Question 36

Couldn’t you pick an Italian athlete to be associated with Barilla?

Accepted Answer

Roger Federer is a world famous athlete (including Italy) and one of the greatest sports personalities ever, loved by everyone at all latitudes.
We’ve often partnered - and still partner – with Italian athletes and clubs as ambassadors (Alberto Tomba, Alex Zanardi, A.S. Roma, the Italian Olympic Team in Rio 2016, etc.). We are collaborating with BebeVio, with the Italian national basketball teams, etc.

Question 37

Why is Barilla engaging with sports champions?

Accepted Answer

Barilla has always had great international sports champion amongst its testimonials. In sport, what we love more than the athletic gesture is the human aspect, i.e. passion, tenacity, commitment, resilience, and these are all values that we have always tried to put in our way of doing business and making products.

Question 38

Why did you choose to make a commercial with Federer and Oldani?

Accepted Answer

They are both talents in their respective fields, sharing many traits: talent, discipline, commitment and most of all the passion for excellence of simple things. Federer loves Italian pasta, an important part of his diet since he was a kid. Oldani has always promoted what he has defined “Cucina Pop” (“Pop Cuisine”), i.e. a simple daily cuisine that becomes extraordinary if prepared with technique and knowledge. An impromptu meeting that promises plenty of surprises.

Question 39

Will Masters of Pasta be the new Barilla catchphrase? Why did you choose this?

Accepted Answer

For the first time Barilla chose a single global catchphrase for all the countries it works in. A catchphrase that is a pun around Barilla’s identity on one side and Roger Federer’s on the other. Barilla as a synonym for pasta worldwide, Roger as the master by definition in the world of tennis and sports. The noun is plural to indicate that with Barilla anyone, in an inclusive and widespread way, can become a master in his/her kitchen.

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