Barilla Group has announced that Barilla Protein+ has been voted Product of the Year 2026 by French consumers, a recognition that highlights the successful combination of authentic taste and enhanced protein intake.
“We are proud to announce that Barilla Protein+ has been voted Product of the Year 2026 by French consumers,” the company said. “This distinction celebrates the balance between authentic taste and protein intake, the result of our R&D expertise and decades of innovation.”
Barilla Protein+ delivers 20 grams of protein per 100 grams, features a 100% plant-based recipe, and maintains what the company defines as the “unmistakable Barilla taste.” According to the group, the range is designed to meet evolving nutritional expectations without sacrificing pleasure. The Italian multinational also thanked its employees and consumers for their contribution to the achievement, stating: “Thank you to all our #BarillaPeople for their commitment and to our consumers for their trust.”
FROM TUTTOFOOD TO INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Barilla Protein+ made its official debut at Tuttofood in May 2025, where it received the Product Innovation Award in the Pasta category as part of the Better Future Award. With the Protein+ line, Barilla aims to meet the needs of people with active lifestyles who are looking for a balanced diet.
The addition of a protein component to traditional pasta makes Protein+ a nutritionally complete food. Whether for a quick meal, a dinner with friends, or a family lunch, Barilla Protein+ offers consumers a new option to increase protein intake without giving up the classic taste of Barilla pasta.
THE SAME TASTE, 100% PLANT-BASED
Barilla Protein+ pasta is made from selected durum wheat semolina and pea proteins. Each 100 grams of pasta contains 20% protein and is suitable for a wide range of dietary lifestyles, from vegetarian and vegan to flexitarian. While it is particularly recommended for those with increased protein needs, the product is positioned as suitable for anyone seeking the right balance between taste and protein intake.
To enhance its flavor profile, Academia Barilla has developed dedicated recipes designed to deliver versatile and distinctive dishes aligned with a balanced diet. Ingredients such as broccoli, citrus fruits, pumpkin, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, olives, basil, and lemon are used to create meals that are healthy, balanced, and appealing.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
A 100-gram serving of Barilla Protein+ pasta provides approximately 40% of the daily protein requirement of an average adult, based on a reference intake of 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal, in line with EU Regulation. This makes it an option for consumers seeking to increase protein intake while preserving the taste of traditional pasta.
TRADITIONAL FORMATS, CLEAR SHELF PRESENCE
On shelves, Barilla Protein+ is easily identifiable thanks to its 400-gram yellow packaging. The range includes some of Barilla’s most iconic formats: Spaghetti, Penne Rigate, and Fusilli. All formats share the same nutritional characteristics and are designed to make every meal distinctive and nourishing.