Homemade pasta can be a delightful experience, suitable for chefs of any skill level, particularly those just starting out. Inspired Taste, a cooking platform, shares recipes for making egg pasta, which can be used for various dishes, including spaghetti and lasagna.
With the introduction of new tariffs likely to hike the cost of Italian imports, American pasta manufacturers—spanning both traditional and contemporary brands—are gearing up to provide local alternatives.
“The upcoming tariffs will raise prices on Italian goods, particularly pasta, olive oil, and cheese,” noted Kyle Taylor, a chef from Atlanta. “We’re already tight on margins, so if costs rise, it impacts everyone, including the consumer. On the flip side, Italian suppliers might respond sharply, limiting their exports, which would also influence U.S. prices,” he added.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Taylor observed that younger generations are increasingly celebrating this American holiday in the UK.
He emphasized that products held to high local standards are most vulnerable to these tariffs. “Low-cost replacements for quality items, like Parmigiano-Reggiano or traditionally dried Italian pasta, are rare without a significant drop in quality.” Thankfully, some American brands are employing high-quality wheat and traditional methods to fill the likely gap.
“There are some American brands excelling in this area,” Taylor mentioned.
Below are five top American pasta brands to consider:
1. Ronzoni
Founded in New York in 1915, Ronzoni is a well-known brand of semolina pasta that is free from additives. The variety includes numerous shapes, such as elbows and ziti, typically priced between $2 and $2.50.
2. Creamette
Creamette is a long-standing pasta brand from the Midwest, recognized for its reliability and budget-friendly options. It’s often available for just over $1 at various supermarkets.
3. Banza
Banza, created by brothers in Detroit in 2014, offers a high-protein, gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas. This brand has quickly gained popularity for its nutritional benefits and appealing texture.
“While tariffs won’t keep Americans from cooking pasta, they’ll likely propel a shift toward more domestic artisanal options and highlight the difference between everyday and premium products,” Taylor remarked.
4. Mueller’s
Mueller’s started in New Jersey in 1867 and has become a cherished name in pasta, known for using durum semolina sourced from North America. Their products range from 56 cents up to $1.50.
5. Barilla
Established in 1877 in Italy, Barilla has grown to be the largest pasta producer globally, with its products made in the U.S. Their offerings are noted for quick cooking times and reliable textures, with prices ranging from $1.50 to $2.50 per box.
As the landscape for pasta evolves, opportunities for domestic producers may arise due to these tariff changes.
