"Healthy" pasta that tastes good too

Pasta is one of our favorite foods. Most Americans eat it at least once a week, according to the National Pasta Association. But healthier pastas such as whole wheat aren’t always so appetizing. Consumer Reports just taste-tested to find ones worth serving.

Whole-grain pasta is healthier because it contains more fiber than regular pasta. Fiber can provide many health benefits, such as reducing your risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Consumer Reports tested a variety of whole-grain spaghettis. All contain at least 5 grams of fiber per serving. Regular pasta contains only about 2.

Trained taste testers evaluated the pastas. Some had a cardboard flavor. Hodgson Mill Whole Wheat Whole Grain spaghetti was the worst. It was crumbly, pasty, and very bitter.

But two whole-wheat spaghettis rated very good. They are 365 Everyday Value Organic from Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s Organic. Both had sweet, nutty whole-grain flavors. If you prefer the taste of regular pasta, Consumer Reports also tested five with added ingredients including protein, calcium, and Vitamin D, as well as more fiber. One of the best is Ronzoni Smart Taste Thin Spaghetti.

So enjoying great-tasting pasta and good health can go hand in hand, or in this case, hand in fork.

Would you like a great-tasting sauce to go with that pasta? Consumer Reports top-rated Giada de Laurentiis’ sauce from Target.