With new tariffs on Italian imports looming, U.S. pasta makers, ranging from long-established brands to modern innovators, are ready to step up and provide American-made alternatives.
“These new tariffs are set to hike prices on Italian imports like pasta, olive oil, and cheese,” noted Kyle Taylor, an Atlanta chef and founder of He Cooks.
He emphasized that initial profit margins are already slim, so any increase in costs impacts consumers directly. There’s also the possibility that Italian producers might respond by limiting supplies, which would lead to further price increases in the U.S.
According to Taylor, the most vulnerable products will be those requiring stringent local regulations and high quality standards.
“There aren’t really any low-cost substitutes for items like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese or the traditional slow-dried Italian pasta without sacrificing quality,” he pointed out.
However, there’s good news. American-made pasta, crafted with high-quality wheat and age-old techniques, is more than capable of filling the void.
“Some American brands are really stepping up their game,” Taylor said.
Here’s a look at the top five American pasta brands.
1. Ronzoni
Taylor encouraged American shoppers to seek out small-batch local sauces and olive oils that make use of durum wheat and employ traditional pasta-making techniques.
Founded in New York in 1915, Ronzoni is known as a leading brand for durum wheat pasta. They offer a diverse range of shapes and styles, from elbow macaroni to ready-to-bake lasagna sheets, typically costing between $2 and $2.50 per box.
2. Creamette
Creamette, another longstanding American pasta name, has origins dating back to the late 1800s in the Midwest, known for simple, affordable meals. Although it may not boast flashy branding, it’s recognized for its reliability.
Many supermarkets sell Creamette pasta for just above $1 a box.
3. Banza
Founded in Detroit in 2014 by brothers Brian and Scott Rudolph, Banza offers a high-protein, gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas, quickly gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers.
“While tariffs won’t deter Americans from making pasta, they may steer people toward domestic craft options, creating a clearer distinction between everyday items and luxury pastas,” Taylor remarked.
4. Mullers
Established in New Jersey in 1867 by German immigrant Christian Mueller, Mueller’s began with homemade egg noodles sold door-to-door, growing into a cherished national brand known as the “original American pasta.” They utilize North American durum semolina and offer familiar shapes at prices ranging from 56 cents to $1.50 per box.
5. Barilla
Originating in 1877 in Parma, Italy, Barilla has grown into the largest pasta manufacturer globally, with their signature blue boxes now produced in Iowa and New York.
Barilla is celebrated for its consistent quality, quick cooking times, and reliable “al dente” texture. They offer a variety of non-GMO ingredients, along with whole grain, protein-enriched, and gluten-free options at approximately $1.50 to $2.50 per box.
The National Pasta Association and various U.S.-based brands have been contacted for further comments.
