FAQ

Questions, answered.

Is Cibo di Italia gluten-free pasta actually certified gluten-free?

Yes. Our Gluten-Free range is certified gluten-free and is a Product of India, made in a facility that meets dedicated gluten-free production requirements. The certification mark and allergen statement are printed on every Gluten-Free pack — always check the pack for the most current statement.

What is the gluten-free pasta made from?

Our Gluten-Free pasta is made from a blend of chickpea flour, brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and pea protein. This blend is what gives it 16g of protein per 100g and the textured surface that holds sauce the way a durum wheat pasta would.

Is Cibo di Italia pasta vegetarian?

Yes — all three ranges (Classic, Whole Wheat, and Gluten-Free) are vegetarian. No animal-derived ingredients are used in any range. The Classic and Whole Wheat ranges contain gluten; the Gluten-Free range does not.

How much protein does the pasta contain?

Our Gluten-Free range (chickpea, brown rice, and pea protein blend) delivers around 16g of protein per 100g dry weight. Classic and Whole Wheat ranges are durum wheat based; precise nutrition figures are printed on each individual pack.

Where is Cibo di Italia made?

Our pasta is produced for Bagason Group under contract with specialist pasta manufacturers, and the country of origin is printed on every pack. The Gluten-Free range is a Product of India. We do not confirm origin for Classic and Whole Wheat on this page as pack labelling is the authoritative source and may be updated.

How do I cook your pasta al dente?

Use about 4 litres of water per 500g pack, salt the water generously (a tablespoon is not too much), cook within the time range printed on the pack, taste a piece in the final minute, and drain — don't rinse — then toss with sauce straight away. Our Gluten-Free range cooks a little faster than wheat pasta; start tasting at the lower end of the printed window.

What cooking times can I expect for each range?

Cooking times vary by shape and are printed on every pack — those times are what our quality specification is built around. As a general guide: Classic shapes typically cook in 8–11 minutes, Whole Wheat in 9–12 minutes, and Gluten-Free in 7–10 minutes. Always follow the pack time for that specific shape and test a piece before draining.

What shapes does Cibo di Italia come in?

Classic range: macaroni, fusilli, penne rigate, and conchiglie rigate — four shapes that cover every kind of weeknight. Whole Wheat range: penne and fusilli. Gluten-Free range: penne and fusilli. See the full product pages for pack sizes and current availability.

How much pasta should I cook per person?

A standard serving of dry pasta is 80–100g per person as a main course, 50–60g as a starter or side. For a family of four making a pasta main, 400g (one standard pack) is the right quantity. See our cooking guide for more detail on portions by shape.

How should I store Cibo di Italia pasta?

Unopened dry pasta keeps well in a cool, dry cupboard away from direct sunlight — the best-before date on the pack applies to the unopened product stored this way. Once opened, transfer any unused pasta to an airtight container and use within a few weeks. Do not refrigerate dry uncooked pasta; condensation shortens shelf life.

Where can I buy Cibo di Italia?

You can find Cibo di Italia at major supermarkets and online via major online marketplaces in the UAE. See our Where to Buy page for the current retailer list.