Barilla: New Research Shows Eating Pasta Can Lift Your Mood
PARMA, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recent research conducted in Italy by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, with support from Barilla Group, has explored the psychological and emotional effects of pasta consumption. The research team led by Professor Francesco Pagnini, a clinical psychologist with previous academic affiliations at Harvard University, investigates the relationship between pasta consumption and emotional well-being. The findings, published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition, suggest that pasta consumption is associated with increased happiness, reduced stress, and improved quality of life.
The study titled "Pasta, what a feeling! A multi-method study on the relationship between pasta consumption and happiness" used an observational design to examine the unique emotional and psychological effect of pasta. Unlike other foods, the study, with a focus on the Italian market, revealed that pasta seems to boost happiness and reduce stress, particularly when enjoyed in social settings like family dinners or gatherings with friends.
The first part of the research involved a sample of 1,532 Italian participants. Data were collected through surveys and reveal that 41% of respondents associate pasta with family, while 21% link it to positive emotions,10% to the pleasure of eating pasta, and 7% to comfort and relaxation.
"Our research indicates that the simple act of sharing a pasta meal can create lasting emotional connections and provide comfort like no other," comments Professor Pagnini -'According to this study, no other carbohydrate-based food such as rice, bread, pizza, or other nutritional options is able to trigger such an increase in happiness as pasta when consumed with others. The data suggest that the combination of pasta and social interaction significantly boosts happiness levels."
'This study reaffirms how pasta's delightful taste and nourishing qualities can bring a sense of happiness to everyday life.' says Valeria Rapetti, R&D Global Nutrition and Wellbeing Director of Barilla Group. 'This study beautifully captures how pasta brings people together, creating moments of happiness.'
The study underscores the importance of considering the psychological and social dimensions of food consumption, especially pasta, shown by this key data:
Pasta is a regular choice for 44% of participants, who enjoy it 2-3 times a week, and nearly 23,9% make it a daily habit.
Pasta is linked to feelings of satiety (34%), satisfaction (29%), happiness (10%).
Emotional associations include family (41%), positive emotions (21%), and comfort (7%).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
an hour ago
- Business Wire
New Hampshire's Recovery Friendly Workplace Initiative Supports Culture Change and Business Impact, Survey Finds
CONCORD, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--According to a 2024–2025 survey conducted by New Hampshire's Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative in partnership with the Behavioral Health Improvement Institute at Keene State College, 91% of responding Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) reported positive workplace changes over the past year as a result of participating in the initiative. New Hampshire's Recovery Friendly Workplaces provide a hand up to Granite Staters seeking to better their lives as they recover from substance use disorders Share "This round of evaluation was especially important to us in terms of getting a more in-depth sense of how RFW is serving the business community," said Samantha Lewandowski, Senior Director of RFW for Granite United Way. "We are really encouraged by these results, as there are significant indicators of supportive cultures being developed at our RFWs." The survey also found: 95% of respondents shared that RFW helped them feel better equipped to respond to employee concerns about substance use. 76% had at least one employee disclose a mental health and/or substance use concern. 57% helped at least one employee seek treatment. 52% expressed an increased willingness to hire people in recovery. Notable improvements in workplace culture, including: Enhanced support for employees Increased connections to resources Expanded training opportunities Improved trust within the workplace The most valued RFW resources included staff support, educational materials, and tailored training opportunities. 'New Hampshire's Recovery Friendly Workplaces provide a hand up to Granite Staters seeking to better their lives as they recover from substance use disorders,' said Governor Kelly Ayotte. 'I'm proud to support this important program, and I thank the RFW team and businesses across our state who are helping to create a culture of support for people in recovery.' "Granite United Way is proud to administer this initiative in partnership with the Governor's Office, and we are pleased to see how these efforts are strengthening the workplace as a pillar of community support," shared Shannon Swett, Chief Impact Officer for Granite United Way. For more information about the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative or to get involved, please visit About Recovery Friendly Workplace The New Hampshire Governor's Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative was founded in 2018 by Governor Chris Sununu, is administered by Granite United Way, and is a current initiative of Governor Kelly Ayotte. The mission of RFW is to help employers address the impacts of substance use by fostering supportive, recovery-friendly work environments where employees can thrive, in turn, building stronger workplaces and healthier communities.
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
MAXIOM and DNAthlete Announce Groundbreaking Partnership to Crack the Code on Human Health, Performance, and Longevity Using DNA and Adaptive AI
GENEVA & PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a bold move to redefine the future of human performance and wellbeing, MAXIOM Labs and DNAthlete AG today announced a strategic partnership to combine DNA science and epigenetic testing with adaptive, human-centered artificial intelligence (AI). Together, they aim to unlock the deepest potential of every individual—safely, securely, and precisely. "This is more than a collaboration. It's a moonshot for humanity's potential," said Daniel Martin, CEO of DNAthlete AG, which invested in MAXIOM last month. "When you combine DNA with adaptive AI—you don't just optimize performance. You transform lives." Share With the convergence of genomics and AI, MAXIOM, and DNAthlete are bringing a next-generation platform to market that integrates an individual's genetic blueprint with real-time wearable, biomarker, and behavioral data. The result: ultra-personalized health, performance, and longevity guidance that adapts continuously to each user. This is the future of human optimization and AI as a force for human flourishing, globally. "This is more than a collaboration. It's a moonshot for humanity's potential," said Daniel Martin, CEO of DNAthlete AG, which invested in MAXIOM last month. "When you combine the power of DNA with adaptive AI—you don't just optimize performance. You change lives." MAXIOM, known for its elite partnerships and leading AI-powered human optimization platform, brings to the table its proprietary engine, Max—an adaptive, human-centered intelligence trained exclusively on peer-reviewed science and billions of data sets. When paired with DNA insights, Max will deliver hyper-personalized protocols for exercise, nutrition, recovery, performance, and long-term healthspan. 'We believe that inside each of us is the blueprint for the best of us,' said Eric Harr, Co-Founder & CEO of MAXIOM. 'And while the promise of DNA and AI working in harmony is profound, we're still in the early stages of unlocking its full potential. There are important questions to answer and real work ahead—but we couldn't ask for a better partner than DNAthlete. This partnership is about more than optimization—it's about redefining what it means to live, feel, and perform at your highest level.' The partnership has been backed and tested by some of the world's top athletes. 'I've learned that the difference between good and great lies in the details,' said Laura Philipp, the current Ironman World Record Holder. 'For too long, training and health guidance have been generic—especially for women. With DNA and AI working together, we're finally entering an era of truly personalized insight and support. This is the future of performance—and it's long overdue.' Kristian Blummenfelt, Olympic Gold Medalist and Ironman World Champion said: "This technology is a game-changer. We've always trained hard—now we train smart. For me, this is how we push the boundaries of what's possible. This is the future of human optimization." Gustav Iden, Ironman 70.3 World Champion, added: "The idea that my DNA can shape my training in real-time through AI is incredibly powerful. This partnership between MAXIOM and DNAthlete is going to change everything." Benefits of the MAXIOM x DNAthlete Platform Include: Hyper-personalized training and recovery insights DNA-informed nutritional recommendations Stress, sleep, and injury prevention Real-time adaptation based on biometric inputs Long-term healthspan and aging insights Leading in Trust and Security Learning from the mistakes of previous consumer DNA companies, MAXIOM and DNAthlete are building this platform with military-grade security and strict consent protocols. No data will be sold, shared, or exploited. Users remain in full control of their genetic and personal data, always. "We are not repeating the mistakes of the past," said Daniel Martin. "We're setting a new gold standard for data integrity, transparency, and protection. Privacy is not a feature—it's a foundation." The MAXIOM x DNAthlete platform is being tested by World Champions Kristian Blummenfelt, Gustav Iden, and Laura Philip. The system is being pre-released to 1,000 people starting today at: The Champion's Circle. About MAXIOM MAXIOM is a leading AI-driven human optimization company located in Silicon Valley. MAXIOM's mission is to inspire and empower the full potential of one billion people. About DNAthlete AG Founded in Schaan, Liechtenstein, DNAthlete is a leader in performance-based DNA insights, offering deep genetic analysis and precision programs for athletes and health-conscious individuals across Europe and beyond.
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
Jared Roberts of Nursa Named Utah Business Executive Excellence Honoree
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nursa, a nationwide platform that exists to put a nurse at the bedside of every patient in need, proudly announced today that Jared Roberts, chief administrative officer, has been named among the 2025 Utah Business Executive Excellence honorees. The award highlights members of the executive team for their strategic vision, resilient leadership, and profound influence on improving the business landscape and quality of life in the state of Utah. This esteemed recognition spotlights those who develop the strategies behind company success in an ever-changing world, shaping Utah's business future with reliability and ingenuity. 'Jared's commitment to efficiency, collaboration and innovation has bolstered Nursa's mission and served as inspiration for our entire team,' said Curtis Anderson, CEO and founder of Nursa. 'We're proud of the way he embodies our core values on a daily basis, and it's wonderful to see his exemplary work recognized by Utah Business.' "We are always thrilled to see individuals who support the healthcare industry receiving the recognition they deserve," said Catherine Bennett, executive editor of Utah Business. 'Congratulations to Jared and the Nursa team on your growth. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for your leadership team and company.' Roberts and other honorees will be feted at an awards luncheon today at The University of Utah David Eccles School of Business. About Utah Business Utah Business fosters connection, insight and recognition for Utah's thriving professional community. Through our events, magazine and website we highlight the ideas, innovations and people behind Utah business success stories. We are all-in on Utah — and we can't wait to tell your stories. About Nursa Nursa is a nationwide platform that exists to put a nurse at the bedside of every patient in need quickly and safely, removing the financial strain and operational gaps of traditional staffing methods. Nursa's real-time technology enables hospitals, health systems, skilled nursing facilities and community organizations to easily secure qualified, local nursing talent for per diem shifts. Founded in 2019 and built on the bedrock granite of Lake Bonneville in Salt Lake City, Nursa is trusted by a growing community of more than 2,400 facilities and 300,000 nurses nationwide and is accredited by The Joint Commission. For more information, visit
