Top Elbow Macaroni Brands for Perfect Pasta Dishes

Elbow macaroni, a staple in many households, is a versatile pasta shape perfect for a variety of dishes, from classic macaroni and cheese to hearty pasta salads. With numerous brands on the market, selecting the right one can enhance the flavor and texture of your culinary creations. Factors such as quality of ingredients, cooking time, and brand reputation should be considered when choosing the best elbow macaroni for your needs. Curious about which brands topped our list and why? Discover our expert recommendations below.

Illustration of elbow macaroni

Best brands of elbow macaroni in 2025

Barilla

Barilla is a leading producer of elbow macaroni, renowned for its strong market presence and high-quality products. In 2019, Barilla's revenue reached approximately EUR3.6 billion, with a growth rate of 3.59% and a global market share of around 38.4% in the pasta industry. The company's financial performance continued to grow, with a net revenue of 4,726.4 million euros in FY 2022, representing a 5.9% increase from the previous year. Barilla's global distribution network and strategic collaborations have solidified its position as a preferred choice among consumers. The company offers a diverse range of pasta products, including gluten-free options, and maintains high standards across its production facilities worldwide.

De Cecco

De Cecco is renowned as one of the best producers of elbow macaroni, with a rich history dating back to 1831. The brand has consistently demonstrated strong growth, such as a 13.7% year-on-year increase in sales in the first four months of 2019, and it is favored by around 10.9 million families in Italy. De Cecco's elbow macaroni is made from high-quality durum wheat semolina, ensuring a sweeter taste and greater firmness during cooking. The company also saw a significant increase in sales of wholemeal pasta, up 27.4%, and specialty pasta, up 17.4%, in the same period. De Cecco's products are widely available globally, with strong demand in markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, and Central America. For more information on their enriched macaroni elbow pasta, please visit this dedicated page.

San Giorgio

San Giorgio is a renowned brand in the pasta industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality elbow macaroni. Founded by Italian immigrant Girolamo Guerrisi in 1914, the company has grown significantly, producing 400,000 pounds of pasta per week by 1950. San Giorgio's elbow macaroni is versatile, suitable for various dishes like macaroni and cheese, tomato-based sauces, and salads, with a short cooking time and familiar semi-circle shape. The product is vegan, vegetarian, and non-GMO certified, although it contains wheat. Despite market challenges, San Giorgio remains a significant player in the pasta market.

Ronzoni

Ronzoni is a renowned brand in the pasta industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality elbow macaroni. With a brand awareness of 44.07% in the United States as of 2023, Ronzoni stands as a trusted name among consumers. Their Large Elbows macaroni is larger than the classic version, making it ideal for mac and cheese, pasta salads, and chili mac, and it cooks in just 8-10 minutes. The brand's recent refresh has resonated well with consumers, highlighting its 108-year history and variety of pasta shapes. Ronzoni's elbow pasta holds a significant share in the global market, with elbows accounting for over 25% of the global pasta market value.

Mueller's

Mueller's is a prominent brand in the U.S. pasta market, known for its high-quality elbow macaroni. In 2023, Mueller's achieved an aided brand awareness of 43.15% among consumers, indicating its strong presence and recognition. The brand is part of a market where macaroni holds a significant share, with macaroni dominating the market with a 3.59% market share in the same year. Mueller's products are widely available in various distribution channels, including supermarkets and online stores, which contributes to its market success. The brand's popularity is also driven by the rising demand for convenient and ready-to-cook food products.

Banza

Banza is a leading brand in the healthier pasta segment, particularly renowned for its chickpea-based elbow macaroni, which offers 14g of protein and 8g of fiber per serving. As of 2023, Banza enjoys a 9% market share in the pasta category and has seen significant growth, with the healthy pasta market projected to reach $3 billion by 2027. Banza's products are gluten-free, vegan, and Non-GMO, making them a favorite among health-conscious consumers. The brand's innovative approach has led to a presence in over 20,000 stores, with same-store sales driving much of its growth. Banza's chickpea elbows are ideal for creamy recipes like mac & cheese, enhancing both nutritional value and taste.

Whole Foods 365

Whole Foods 365 brand is renowned for its high-quality elbow macaroni, made from durum wheat semolina, a key ingredient that ensures a rich texture and flavor. This product is dairy-free, kosher-certified, and suitable for vegetarian diets, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. With no added sugars and less than 4g of sugar per serving, it aligns with sugar-conscious dietary needs. The 365 by Whole Foods Market pasta elbows are available in a 16 oz package, making it a convenient and healthy addition to any meal. This product reflects Whole Foods Market's commitment to quality and dietary diversity. For more details, visit the Whole Foods Market product page.

Colavita

Colavita, a family-owned company since 1979, is renowned for its high-quality Italian products, including its elbow macaroni, which is made from 100% durum wheat and certified mountain spring water "Acqua del Molise." This commitment to tradition and quality has made Colavita a benchmark for Italian specialty foods worldwide. The company has seen significant growth, particularly in its e-commerce sector, with a 1,700% increase from 2014 to 2017. Colavita's products, such as its elbow macaroni, are favored by chefs and home cooks alike for their authentic taste and nutritional value, containing 7 grams of protein and 44 grams of carbohydrates per serving. By expanding its product line and partnering with meal kit services like HelloFresh, Colavita continues to cater to the evolving tastes of consumers, especially millennials.

Annie's

Annie's is a renowned brand for producing high-quality organic elbow macaroni, committed to using at least 70% organic ingredients in their "Made with Organic" products and up to 95% in their Certified Organic offerings. Founded in 1989 by Annie Withey, the brand has grown significantly, now converting 34,000 acres of conventional farmland into regenerative, organic farmland. Annie's products, such as the Real Aged Cheddar Microwave Mac and Cheese, are made with organic pasta and real cheese, containing no artificial flavors or synthetic colors. The brand is dedicated to environmental and social consciousness, ensuring all products are non-GMO and free from toxic pesticides. Annie's also participates in the Box Tops For Education program, supporting schools through the Box Tops App.

Explore Cuisine

Explore Cuisine stands out as a top producer of alternative pasta, including elbow macaroni, by utilizing high-protein, plant-based ingredients such as edamame, mung beans, and black beans. These pastas are not only gluten-free but also offer significant nutritional benefits, with some varieties containing 24 grams or more of protein per serving. The products are certified organic and have minimal ingredients, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious consumers. The pasta alternatives from Explore Cuisine cook quickly, typically within four minutes, and maintain a satisfying texture similar to traditional pasta. This brand has garnered positive reviews for its taste and nutritional profile, making it a preferred option for those seeking healthier pasta alternatives. For a detailed review on their products, you can visit this product review on Explore Cuisine.