If you’re wondering “is pasta vegan?” you’re not the first one to ask. I get this question a lot, whenever I post a pasta recipe. The answer is not a straightforward yes or no, because it actually depends. The quick answer is: most dry pasta is vegan. In this post we will look at the Best Vegan Pasta Brands.

Pasta is a staple in so many households around the world, especially in Italian cuisine. But is pasta always vegan? The answer depends on the type of pasta and the ingredients used.

Traditional dry pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, is typically made from durum wheat semolina and water, making it naturally vegan.

However, fresh pasta, often used in dishes like fettuccine or ravioli, may contain eggs, making it unsuitable for a plant-based diet. There are also some types of fresh pasta that do not contain eggs, like trofie. But we’ll get into all of this!

Who doesn’t love pasta? We all have our favourite pasta dishes and shapes. To so many people, pasta is a great comfort food, so those who follow a vegan diet might wonder whether or not it contains any animal products and whether or not they can eat it.

In recent years, there has been a significant rise in plant-based and vegan-friendly pasta options, including those made from legumes, whole grains, and even vegetables. Whether you are looking for traditional durum wheat pasta or alternative plant-based varieties, this guide will explore the best vegan pasta brands from both Italy and the U.S.

Is Dry Pasta Vegan?

Dry pasta is the most commonly consumed type worldwide. It is typically made from semolina flour and water, then extruded into various shapes and dried for storage. The majority of dry pasta is naturally vegan, unless it specifies that it’s “egg pasta”. For example egg tagliatelle, egg noodles and such pastas.

De Cecco, for example, has a full line of egg pastas. You can recognizable them as they have a yellow package instead of blue and it says “all’uovo” or “egg pasta” on the package. 

Therefore, most traditional dry pasta brands are naturally vegan. Variations of dry pasta include:

• Whole wheat pasta – Higher in fiber and nutrients.
• Legume-based pasta – Made from chickpeas, lentils, or other legumes, providing additional protein.
• Gluten-free pasta – Often made from rice, corn, or quinoa for those with gluten sensitivities.

Is Fresh Pasta Vegan?

Fresh pasta, as well as homemade pasta, is traditionally made with eggs. It is commonly found in refrigerated sections of grocery stores.

You should watch out for words like “traditional”, “fresh”, “homemade” but it’s always best to check the ingredients.

There are some traditional fresh pasta types that are naturally made without eggs, like trofie, orecchiette and some other shapes but they are more rare in the US. Then there are new brands providing for example fresh pasta like ravioli made vegan.

Other than eggs, there is also squid ink pasta, which is the dark colored one, but it’s a more unique type of pasta that might not be available in stores.

The Best Vegan Pasta Brands – Italian Brands Available In The US

Italy is synonymous with high-quality pasta, and fortunately, many of the best Italian pasta brands have dry pasta made without eggs (All of these brands might have some variations made with egg so look out for that). Here are some of the best pasta brands from Italy that sell naturally vegan pasta (not in order). I’m not including Barilla here as for the US market it’s a separate brand made in the US.

De Cecco: An iconic Italian pasta brand that produces high-quality durum wheat pasta. Their dry pasta is naturally vegan, and they also offer whole wheat and organic options.

Rummo: It’s known for its artisanal slow-dried pasta, made from high-quality durum wheat.

La Molisana: It offers a range of vegan-friendly pasta, including semolina, whole wheat, and legume-based varieties.

Pasta Garofalo: Garofalo specializes in high-quality durum wheat pasta and has expanded its range to include whole wheat, gluten-free, and organic varieties.

Felicia: Felicia Bio is an organic brand offering plant-based and gluten-free pasta options, including lentil, chickpea, and buckwheat pasta.

Best U.S. Vegan Pasta Brands

Here are some of the top vegan-friendly pasta brands in the United States:

Banza: Banza is famous for its high-protein chickpea pasta, which is gluten-free and packed with fiber.

Mueller’s: Mueller’s is a widely recognized brand that offers egg-free dry pasta options, suitable for plant-based diets.

Jovial: Jovial produces organic, whole wheat, and gluten-free pasta options. Their brown rice pasta is liked for its taste and texture, making it a favorite among gluten-free eaters.

Rao’s: Rao’s offers high-quality pasta made from traditional wheat. Many of their pasta varieties are vegan-friendly and pair well with their famous sauces.

Ronzoni: Ronzoni produces a variety of plant-based pasta, including whole wheat and legume-based options, making them a solid choice for vegan consumers.

Creamette: Creamette specializes in traditional dry pasta that is naturally vegan, made from durum wheat semolina and water.

San Giorgio: San Giorgio produces a variety of pasta shapes, and their classic dry pasta is vegan-friendly.

Ancient Harvest: Ancient Harvest offers a variety of plant-based pasta made from quinoa, lentils, and chickpeas. Their pasta is organic, high in protein, and gluten-free.

Explore Cuisine: Explore Cuisine creates high-protein, legume-based pasta from ingredients like black beans, edamame, and lentils. Their pasta is rich in nutrients and caters to health-conscious consumers.

Barilla USA: Barilla has a separate USA range of pasta, including traditional wheat, whole grain, and legume-based options.

GoodWheat: GoodWheat pasta is made from single-ingredient whole wheat and provides a high-fiber, plant-based alternative to traditional pasta.

Tinkyada: Tinkyada specializes in brown rice pasta, making it a great gluten-free and vegan-friendly choice.

Easy vegan pasta recipes

Here are some popular Italian pasta dishes that are naturally vegan!

Aglio e Olio: A simple yet bold pasta with garlic, olive oil, and chili.

Pasta al Pomodoro: a timeless classic with a rich tomato sauce and fresh basil.

Pasta all’assasina: a spicy burnt tomato pasta

Pasta e Ceci: Short pasta simmered with chickpeas, garlic, and rosemary.

Puttanesca: A southern Italian dish with tomatoes, olives, capers, and chili flakes

Pasta e Fagioli: A hearty and rustic pasta-and-bean stew, perfect for colder days

Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa: A Puglian specialty with bitter broccoli rabe, garlic, and chili.

Pasta Al Pesto Trapanese: A Sicilian pesto made with almonds, fresh tomatoes, and basil.

Vegan Pasta FAQ

1. Is all pasta vegan?

Not all pasta is vegan. Traditional dry pasta is usually vegan, but fresh pasta often contains eggs.

2. What is the best gluten-free vegan pasta?

Popular gluten-free vegan pasta options include brands like Banza (chickpea pasta), Tinkyada (brown rice pasta), and Jovial (brown rice pasta).

3. Can I find vegan fresh pasta?

Yes, there are some pasta shapes that are already vegan, like trofie or orecchiette. Otherwise some brands offer vegan fresh pasta using alternatives.

4. Is whole wheat pasta vegan?

Yes, whole wheat pasta is typically vegan as it contains only whole wheat flour and water.

5. What’s the best high-protein vegan pasta?

Legume-based pasta, such as those made from chickpeas or lentils (e.g., Banza, Explore Cuisine), are great high-protein options.