Pastas
Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe
Score
- Ultra-processed
- Seed-oil free
Why it scores 77
Trader Joe's Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe scores 77 out of 100 (Good) under GoodSwap’s published rules. What moved the score most:
- minus 18 points Ultra-processed (NOVA 4): Classified NOVA 4: made with industrial ingredients and additives. Strong
- minus 3 points Saturated fat 3.7 g / 100 g: High in saturated fat. Strong
- minus 2.5 points Natural flavors: "Natural flavor" is a legal category (21 CFR 101.22(a)(3)): flavor substances from spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy or fermentation. Info
Every line of the math is on The Receipt below, with its evidence tier and sources.
Better pasta
-
Thin Spaghetti Signature Select · 1 lb, 454 g Not ultra-processed Score 100 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Organic Pasta Spaghetti Trader Joe's · 16 oz (1 lb) 454 g Not ultra-processed Score 100 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Whole Grain Spaghetti Barilla · 16 oz Not ultra-processed Score 100 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Thin Spaghetti Barilla · 16 oz Not ultra-processed Score 100 out of 100 , 23 points higher -
Whole Grain Spaghetti Nwpc · 16 oz/454 g Not ultra-processed Score 100 out of 100 , 23 points higher
The same kind of product, at least 10 points higher, sold in the US. Never paid placements.
The Receipt
Spaghetti Cacio E Pepe
Ingredients
- Natural flavors minus 2.5 points
Processing
- Ultra-processed (NOVA 4) minus 18 points
Nutrition per 100 g
- Saturated fat 3.7 g / 100 g minus 3 points
- Salt 0.5 g / 100 g minus 1 points
- Energy 201 kcal / 100 g minus 1 points
- Protein 8.2 g / 100 g plus 2 points
100 − 23.5 = 76.5 → 77
Nutrition per 100 g
| Energy | 201 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 5.2 g |
| Saturated fat | 3.7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30.6 g |
| Sugars | 0.7 g |
| Added sugars | 0 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Protein | 8.2 g |
| Salt | 0.5 g |
Serving: 1 serving (134 g)
Ingredients
- WATER
- DURUM WHEAT SEMOLINA
- PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE (SHEEP'S MILK, SALT, ANIMAL RENNET, CHEESE CULTURES)
- MILK
- WHEAT FLOUR
- CREAM
- BUTTER (MILK, NATURAL FLAVOR)
- GROUND BLACK PEPPER
- SALT
Label text, as published
WATER, DURUM WHEAT SEMOLINA, PECORINO ROMANO CHEESE (SHEEP'S MILK, SALT, ANIMAL RENNET, CHEESE CULTURES), MILK, WHEAT FLOUR, CREAM, BUTTER (MILK, NATURAL FLAVOR), GROUND BLACK PEPPER, SALT
Allergens and diets
Contains: Milk, Wheat, Gluten
- Not vegan
- Not vegetarian
- Not gluten-free
- Palm-oil-free
Always check the package: recipes change.
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Tomato & Basil Bertolli · 2040 g Contains added sugarsSeed-oil free Score 61 out of 100 Good -
Beef Merlot Healthy Choice · 9.5 oz Ultra-processedContains added sugarsContains seed oilsNo synthetic dyes Score 25 out of 100 Poor -
Organic Fusilli Corti Bucati Pasta Trader Joe's · 16 oz Certified organicNo additives Score 100 out of 100 Excellent -
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More from Trader Joe's
Sources
-
21 CFR 101.22 Foods; labeling of spices, flavorings, colorings and chemical preservatives
“whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”
ecfr.gov
-
Saturated fatty acid and trans-fatty acid intake for adults and children: WHO guideline
“WHO recommends that adults and children reduce saturated fatty acid intake to 10% of total energy intake (strong recommendation).”
who.int
-
“For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt), or just under a teaspoon.”
who.int
-
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
“Limit foods and beverages that include artificial flavors, petroleum-based dyes, artificial preservatives, and low-calorie non-nutritive sweeteners.”
cdn.realfood.gov
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“Greater exposure to ultra-processed food was associated with a higher risk of adverse health outcomes, especially cardiometabolic, common mental disorder, and mortality outcomes.”
doi.org