Is Barilla Pasta Vegan and Cruelty Free? The Starchy Truth

May 4, 2023

Figuring out whether Barilla Pasta is safe for vegans can be tricky.

Boxed pasta brands often include many different ingredients, some of which may be animal products.

To make sure that you’re only consuming food that aligns with your vegan diet and lifestyle, I’ve investigated the ingredients and production processes of Barilla Pasta.

Here’s what I found out.

Is Barilla Pasta Vegan?

Yes! Barilla pasta is vegan.

The majority of Barilla boxed pasta varieties are vegan since they do not contain any animal products and by-products. Compared to other pasta products that use eggs and dairy, Barilla pasta is a much better choice for vegans.

However, it’s important to note that not all Barilla products are vegan—some varieties do contain eggs and milk.

If you want to be 100% sure that the pasta you’re eating is vegan, check the ingredients list before purchasing.

This pasta is manufactured in a facility that also processes products that contain eggs or milk products. This means potential for cross contamination. If you have a severe allergy to eggs or milk, it’s best if you avoid Barilla pasta altogether.

Is Barilla Pasta Cruelty Free?

Yes! All varieties of Barilla Pasta are cruelty free.

Barilla pastas are not tested on animals at any stage of production. In addition, the product does not use ingredients that are tested on animals, like artificial colorings or flavorings.

Animal testing is a cruel and unnecessary process that often results in the disfigurement, illness, and death of innocent animals.

Fortunately, more and more companies are moving away from animal testing and are instead using alternative methods that don’t involve animals.

By choosing Barilla pasta, you can rest assured knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of your meal.

What Is Barilla Pasta Made Of?

Here are the ingredients of Barilla Spaghetti Pasta:

  • Semolina (wheat)
  • Durum wheat flour
  • Vitamins/minerals: vitamin B3 (niacin), iron (ferrous sulfate), vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), folic acid

Let’s break down each ingredient of Barilla Spaghetti Pasta:

Semolina (wheat)

Semolina is a type of wheat that is coarse and high in gluten. It’s often used to make pasta, bread, and cereal. Semolina is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Durum wheat flour

Durum wheat is a type of wheat that has a high protein content. It’s often used to make pasta because it can withstand the high temperatures of boiling water. It is Barilla Pasta’s number one ingredient. Durum wheat is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Vitamin B3, or niacin, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. Niacin is used to properly maintain the nervous system function. Niacin is found in many vegan foods such as peanuts, whole grains, potatoes, mushrooms, and avocado. Niacin is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Iron (ferrous sulfate)

Iron is a mineral needed for proper red blood cell function. It helps carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Iron can be found in many vegan foods such as spinach, lentils, and tofu. Iron is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine mononitrate)

Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. Vitamin B1 is necessary for you to properly maintain a healthy nervous system. Thiamine is found in many vegan foods, such as whole grains, legumes, and vegetables. Thiamine mononitrate is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is a water-soluble vitamin that helps the body convert food into energy. It is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Folic acid

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin that helps produce and maintain new cells. It is found in many vegan foods, such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, avocado, bananas, citrus fruits, and nuts. Folic acid is a vegan-friendly ingredient.

Why Is Barilla Pasta Vegan?

These delicious vegan pasta are vegan because the majority of their pasta varieties do not contain any animal-derived ingredients. The only ingredients in most of these pasta products are semolina, durum wheat flour, vitamins/minerals, and water. All of these ingredients are vegan friendly.

Just be careful with what type of Barilla pasta you’re buying. Some of their pasta, such as the Barilla Collezione Three Cheese Tortellini pasta, is not vegan. Tortellini contains eggs and milk products, so it is not suitable for vegans. Make sure to check the ingredients list before you purchase any Barilla pasta to make sure the one you’re buying is vegan.

Is Barilla Classic Blue Box Angel Hair Pasta Vegan?

Yes! Barilla Classic Blue Box Angel Hair Pasta is vegan. This pasta does not contain eggs or dairy products, which are common non-vegan ingredients found in pasta.

This product is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Barilla Collezione Three Cheese Tortellini Pasta Vegan?

No. Barilla Collezione Three Cheese Tortellini Pasta is not vegan. It contains eggs and milk products, so it is not suitable for vegans.

This product is not safe for vegan consumption.

Is Barilla Veggie Rotini Pasta Vegan?

Yes! Barilla Veggie Rotini Pasta is vegan. This pasta does not contain eggs or dairy products, which are common non-vegan ingredients found in pasta.

This product is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Barilla Gluten-Free Elbows Pasta Vegan?

Yes! Barilla Gluten-Free Elbows Pasta is vegan. It does not contain eggs or dairy products, which are common non-vegan ingredients found in pasta.

This product is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta Vegan?

Yes! Barilla Whole Grain Penne Pasta is vegan. It does not contain eggs or dairy products, which are common non-vegan ingredients found in pasta.

This product is safe for vegan consumption.

Is Barilla Protein+ Rotini Pasta Vegan?

Yes! Barilla Protein+ Rotini Pasta is vegan. This protein-packed pasta is made with a blend of lentils, chickpeas, and peas. It contains no eggs or dairy products.

This product is safe for vegan consumption.

Vegan Barilla Pasta Options

Classic Blue Box

  • Angel Hair
  • Campanelle
  • Cellentani
  • Ditalini
  • Elbows
  • Farfalle
  • Fettuccine
  • Fideo Cut Spaghetti
  • Gemelli
  • Jumbo Shells
  • Large Shells
  • Linguine
  • Linguine Fini
  • Manicotti
  • Medium Shells
  • Mezzi Rigatoni
  • Mini Farfalle
  • Mini Penne
  • Mini Wheels
  • Mostaccioli
  • Orzo
  • Pastina
  • Penne
  • Pipette
  • Rigatoni
  • Rotini
  • Spaghetti
  • Spaghetti Ritani
  • Thick Spaghetti
  • Thin Spaghetti
  • Tri-Color Penne
  • Tri-Color Rotini
  • Wavy Lasagne
  • Ziti

Ready Pasta

Barilla’s Ready Pasta is a vegan, no-cook pasta option.

  • Elbows
  • Gemelli
  • Penne
  • Rotini

Gluten Free

Barilla’s gluten-free and vegan pasta variety is egg free and has a dedicated line in their facility to avoid cross contamination.

  • Elbows
  • Fettuccine
  • Oven-Ready Lasagne
  • Penne
  • Rotini
  • Spaghetti

Collezione

The Collezione pasta variety contains wheat and cereals that contain gluten. So for vegans who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this pasta is not for you.

  • Spaghetti
  • Rigatoni
  • Penne
  • Orecchiette
  • Casarecce
  • Bucatini

Whole Grain

The Whole Grain pasta variety is also egg free, but they contain wheat and cereals with gluten.

  • Whole Grain Elbows
  • Whole Grain Lasagne
  • Whole Grain Linguine
  • Whole Grain Penne
  • Whole Grain Rotini
  • Whole Grain Spaghetti

Protein+

Barilla’s Protein+ pasta variety contains protein from lentils, chickpeas, and peas. 

  • Angel Hair
  • Elbows
  • Farfalle
  • Penne
  • Rotini
  • Spaghetti
  • Thin Spaghetti

Veggie

  • Veggie Rotini
  • Veggie Spaghetti

Legume

The Legume pasta variety has no egg, milk, wheat, and gluten.

  • Chickpea Casarecce (made with only chickpea flour)
  • Chickpea Penne
  • Chickpea Rotini
  • Chickpea Spaghetti
  • Red Lentil Penne (made with red lentil flour)
  • Red Lentil Rotini
  • Red Lentil Spaghetti

Non-Vegan Barilla Pasta

These products are what vegans should be aware of when shopping for Barilla pasta at the grocery store.

  • Blue Box Classic Oven-Ready Lasagna (contain eggs)
  • Collezione Three Cheese Tortellini (contain milk products)
  • Collezione Cheese & Spinach Tortellini (contain milk products)

Final Words

So, there you have it! Barilla pasta is a vegan-friendly product. There are many varieties of vegan pasta to choose from and most of them are readily available at your local grocery store. So, next time you’re in the mood for some fresh pasta, be sure to pick up a box of Barilla!

But, as always, make sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing to ensure that the product is vegan. Enjoy pasta that is delicious and cruelty free!