My youngest son - like most red, white, and blue blooded young American kids - can't get enough of that beige vehicle for cheese, occasionally red sauce, and definitely meatballs. I'd be willing to bet that most parents will nod in agreement that "pasta" is on their children's preferred menu. Many picky kids will at least eat pasta.
There is definitely concern over the "just pasta" diet, I know. And so it was with glee that I agreed to try out Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta through Mom Central. I'll admit, I pass over many food reviews because they are for products that I don't really think are healthful. But Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta is enriched with vitamin D, calcium, and fiber.
For those of you who try to manage your weight, I imagine the word "fiber" jumped out at you. It used to be that I equated fiber with old people trying to stay regular, but now that I am semi-"old" myself, I realize fiber is actually more useful to me as a way to become and remain full. Sure, there is that "cleansing" benefit of fiber as well, but I'm happier to add fiber to my diet as a way to stay satisfied longer before reaching for snacks.
Vitamin D is nothing to sneeze at, either, nor is calcium. If I had a penny for every time my mom told me to eat or drink more calcium... well, you know how it goes. I'm not going to complain if the calcium is already tucked into other foods, though I will turn my nose up at a glass of milk, unless it is chocolate.
So we're in agreement that adding healthful ingredients to a product that most kids will already eat is a great idea. But what about the taste? After all, I can think of plenty good-for-you additions that I could make to all sorts of meals, but if the meals taste horrible, it is worth nothing.
Ronzoni Smart Taste pasta's product title implies the taste is there, or at least that the taste is "smart." or maybe the "smart" is the added ingredients, and the "taste" is that it has a taste. Oh, I jest! I know what they are getting at - but is it truthful?
The verdict:
"Mom, this is delicious!"
"This sooooooo good!"
"You can make this every single day!"
"Ooooooohhh, yummmmmy!"
"This pasta is so good, I want it in my lunch. Mom, you mind putting it in my lunch because it is SO GOOD?"
"I am petting it," (yes, he was petting the bowl of pasta) "because people pat the things they love."
My son adored the Ronzoni Smart Taste spaghetti. I don't fib when I say I was shocked at how strong his reaction was. I didn't even ask him to give me commentary; I just gave him a bowl of plain pasta. That's right: no meat, no sauce, no cheese, just pasta. Straight from the kid's mouth - this stuff is good.
I have photographic evidence of his glee which will soon be part of a Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta photo contest. I'll have more on that later. (Above right is one pic that I nearly chose for the contest.)
In the meantime, check out the Ronzoni website for pasta recipes and a Ronzoni Smart Taste coupon.
UPDATE: The Ronzoni Photo Contest is in full swing. Please vote for Splig's picture!
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Disclaimer: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Ronzoni and received products necessary to facilitate my candid review and photo contest entry. (Yes! I'm going to enter a photo contest in conjunction with this review -- stay tuned!) In addition, I will receive a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate. Neither Mom Central nor Ronzoni previewed this piece prior to publication; the words are my own.
