The start of a new year often brings renewed focus on healthier eating, but comfort foods like pasta rarely leave the menu. In 2026, one major brand is proving that nutrition goals and pasta nights can easily go hand in hand.
With protein-forward eating continuing to trend, a familiar pantry staple is getting a playful upgrade designed to deliver both nutrition and fun in every bite. Barilla Just Launched a Star-Shaped Protein+ Pasta With 17g of Protein
Barilla New Protein+ Pasta
Barilla has officially expanded its popular Protein+ pasta lineup with a brand-new pasta shape inspired by stars. The launch reflects the company’s ongoing effort to modernize pasta without sacrificing the taste and versatility people love.
Unlike seasonal novelty shapes, this new pasta is designed to be a permanent addition, offering added protein and fiber while still working seamlessly in everyday recipes.
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Barilla New Protein+ Pasta Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Barilla Protein+ Pasta Stars |
| Protein Content | 17 grams per 3.5 oz serving |
| Fiber Content | 10 grams per serving |
| Key Ingredients | Wheat, lentils, chickpeas, peas |
| Availability | Nationwide, online and in stores |
What Makes Barilla New Protein+ Pasta Different?
Barilla’s Protein+ Pasta line has been a consistent bestseller, especially among shoppers looking for plant-forward protein options without switching to fully legume-based pasta. The new Stars shape builds on that success by adding a visual element that stands out on the plate.
Unlike traditional pastina-style stars, Protein+ pasta Stars are larger and closer in size to Barilla’s seasonal shapes like Hearts or Snowfall. This makes them suitable for a wide range of dishes, from creamy pasta bowls to hearty salads and baked casseroles.
The shape itself isn’t just decorative. Its structure allows sauces to cling effectively, ensuring each bite delivers flavor along with nutritional benefits. This balance between form and function is what makes the new release more than a novelty.
Barilla New Protein+ Pasta Nutritional Profile
Protein+ pasta Stars deliver 17 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber per 3.5-ounce serving, positioning them as a strong option for anyone tracking macros or prioritizing satiety. The protein comes from a blend of lentils, chickpeas, and peas, combined with semolina and durum wheat flour.
Beyond protein and fiber, the pasta also contains essential nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. These additions make it nutritionally richer than standard dried pasta while still cooking and tasting like a classic wheat-based product.
This formulation appeals to consumers who want better-for-you options without committing to gluten-free or single-ingredient legume pastas, which can behave differently in cooking.
Barilla New Protein+ Pasta: Collaboration With Purpose
To spotlight the launch, Barilla partnered with Derek Hough, a former champion and longtime judge on Dancing with the Stars. The collaboration emphasizes balance, performance, and nourishment—values that align closely with the Protein+ brand.
Rather than focusing on indulgence, the partnership highlights how everyday foods like pasta can support active lifestyles. The star-shaped design subtly reinforces this message, tying movement, energy, and enjoyment together.
Celebrity collaborations are common in food marketing, but this one feels purpose-driven, connecting the product’s nutritional benefits with a recognizable advocate for fitness and wellness.
Where Protein+ Pasta Stars Fit in the Barilla Lineup?
Before this release, Barilla’s Protein+ range was available in nine shapes, including Penne, Rotini, Rigatoni, Spaghetti, and Farfalle. With the addition of Stars, the lineup now includes 10 permanent shapes, offering more variety for different recipes.
Importantly, Protein+ Stars are not a limited-time product. They are joining the core lineup, signaling Barilla’s confidence in ongoing demand for protein-enriched pasta options.
The new shape is already available nationwide and can be found through major retailers as well as online platforms like Amazon and Kroger, making it easy for shoppers to try it right away.
Why Barilla’s Protein+ Pasta Launch Aligns With 2026 Food Trends?
Protein-forward eating remains one of the strongest food trends heading into 2026, especially as consumers look for simple ways to improve everyday meals. Products that add nutrition without changing cooking habits are particularly appealing.
Protein+ Stars fit neatly into this trend by offering enhanced nutrition in a familiar format. There’s no need to learn new cooking techniques or adjust recipes—substituting this pasta is effortless.
At the same time, the playful star shape taps into the growing desire for joyful, visually appealing food. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to feel restrictive or boring.
FAQs
1. What is Barilla Protein+ Stars pasta?
It is a new star-shaped pasta in Barilla’s Protein+ line, offering added protein and fiber per serving.
2. How much protein does Protein+ Stars contain?
Each 3.5-ounce serving provides 17 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber.
3. Is Protein+ Stars a limited-edition product?
No, it is a permanent addition to Barilla’s Protein+ pasta lineup.
4. Where can I buy Barilla Protein+ Stars?
It is available nationwide at grocery stores and online retailers, including Amazon and Kroger.
With the launch of Protein+ Stars, Barilla is making it easier than ever to enjoy pasta while staying aligned with modern nutrition goals.
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