Pasta High in Fiber and Protein May Not Increase Satiety

The researchers found no differences among each of the three pastas for satiety, snacking, or gastrointestinal tolerancePhoto credit: Stilfehler, Wikimedia Commons

CHICAGO – A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that consuming a high protein or high fiber pasta may not result in increased satiety over regular pasta.

The researchers from the University of Minnesota compared satiety after high protein pasta (16 g protein, 6 g fiber), high fiber pasta (11 g protein, 8 g fiber), or control pasta (11 g protein, 6 g fiber) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover trial. Participants were 36 healthy men and women. The group came in fasted from breakfast and then ate calorie controlled, but macronutrient different pastas at 12:00 p.m. along with 500 mL of water during three separate visits. 

A questionnaire was used to rate how full they felt as well as the palatability and pleasantness of each pasta. In addition, they reported on whether or not they experienced any gastrointestinal symptoms. The researchers then measured the amount of calories consumed during a snack break (trail mix, granola bars, beef jerky, chips, and cookies) three hours later where participants were told they could eat until they were comfortably full.  

The researchers found no differences among each of the three pastas for satiety, snacking, or gastrointestinal tolerance. The men ate significantly more calories after consuming the high protein pasta versus the high fiber pasta. No significant differences were found for gastrointestinal tolerance, but the palatability ratings showed the high protein pasta was less tasty and less pleasant than the other two pastas.

The researchers concluded that “since pasta is already a very satiating food, the subjects were unable to differentiate between the three conditions.”

Read the Journal of Food Science abstract here. 

Editor’s Note: This study was funded by Barilla America Inc.