IFG shares the “joy” of eating pasta!

Pasta is a culinary canvas – cooks and chefs can add their own ingredients and flair and turn out a dish that suits any culinary tradition or culture. That’s why pasta has outgrown its Italian roots and become a truly global ingredient – one that is not only supremely adaptable but also healthy.

According to Mohammed Essack, executive director of the Pietermaritzburg based International Food Group (IFG), the proprietors and distributors of the popular Pasta Joy brand; South Africans still have a long way to go to discover the “joys” of pasta

Using statistics from the International Pasta Organisation, he notes that the average South African eats just 1.9kg of pasta per year as opposed to the 23.5 kg consumed by an average Italian, 9kg consumed by an average American and 8.1kg consumed by the average Frenchman. ** (Source 1)

In comparison, South Africans consume traditional staples such as maize and wheat, at 60kg per and 56.76kg, per capita, respectively.

A good source of plant based protein, pasta does not contain any additives and, although high in energy, can form an important part of a well-balanced diet.

Pasta Joy – contains a higher protein than the average soft wheat pasta, – is produced from premium quality soft wheat sourced from the heart of Europe.

Pasta contains vitamins A, B1 and B2 as well as iron and calcium. It is a key component of what scientists have identified as one of the world’s healthiest diets – the Mediterranean Diet – which has proven to slow progression of major chronic diseases such as diabetes and coronary heart disease. ** (Source 2)

It is no surprise that pasta also forms part of recommended eating plans for patients managing diabetes, heart disease or even obesity – provided that it is consumed in appropriate amounts with kilojoule controlled portions. 

As Essack points out; pasta is quick and easy to prepare for those who either don’t enjoy long stints in the kitchen or are tired after a long day’s work, making it the perfect modern day meal. Given the versatility of pasta and its endless meal combinations, there is no better way to eat more vegetables, legumes and other healthy foods.

Pasta Joy is available in spaghetti (500g/3kg), macaroni (500g/3kg), penne (500g), fusilli (500g), elbows (500g/3kg), shells (500g) and linguine (500g) from select retailers in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Namibia.

Source references:

1 http://www.internationalpasta.org/resources/World%20Pasta%20Industry%20Survey/IPOstatreport2014low.pdf and https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/11886-worldwide-pasta-consumption-on-the-rise

2. https://pastafits.org/in-the-news/spring-into-health-with-pasta-and-the-mediterranean-diet/   or  https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801   or  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323940.php