Whole grain macaroni is a type of pasta that is made with whole grain flour rather than white flour. It’s made up of bite-sized pieces of short, cylindrical noodles that are hollow inside. Whole grain macaroni, unlike standard macaroni, is tan or brown in color and made from grains that have not been stripped of their many natural layers. When consumed as part of a healthy diet, this product, like other whole grain foods, provides numerous health benefits.
One of the most common ingredients in whole grain macaroni is wheat flour. Brown rice flour, spelt, semolina, or a combination of these whole grains can be used to make other varieties. Only “100% whole grain” products are made from grains that have not been refined and processed multiple times. Others may list the percentage of whole grains in comparison to traditional white flour, while others may require customers to look at the ingredient list to figure out how much grain is in the product.
Whole grain macaroni can be used in almost any recipe that calls for regular macaroni. One of the most popular uses for this pasta is in macaroni and cheese dishes. To balance nutrition and taste, some users may substitute whole grain macaroni for white pasta in their favorite recipes, or mix white and whole grain pasta together. Casseroles and cold salads can also be made with this pasta product. Whole grain macaroni can be used in some pre-packaged mixes and ready-made meals, especially those found in health food stores.
The main benefit of whole grain products is that they have a higher concentration of vitamins and minerals than foods made with white flour. Whole grain macaroni, unlike traditional pasta, does not cause blood sugar spikes, making it a healthier option for diabetics. It also contains a lot of fiber, which can help with digestion and heart health. Whole wheat pasta’s nutty flavor and slightly tougher texture may appeal to some.
Despite its numerous health benefits, whole grain macaroni sales continue to trail those of white flour macaroni. This could be due to the higher cost of whole grain products, or it could simply be a reluctance among shoppers to try new foods. Some diners dislike whole grain products because of their texture or flavor, while others are concerned about their shorter shelf life when compared to standard pasta products. Shoppers may also have a hard time finding this whole grain macaroni in stores, and many are hesitant to make special trips to health food or specialty stores to buy it.