I Tested Whole Grain Orzo Pasta: My Honest Review of the Nutty, Healthy Pasta Swap
I’ve always loved finding ingredients that feel both comforting and a little unexpected, and whole grain orzo pasta is exactly that kind of staple. With its tiny, rice-like shape and hearty, nutty flavor, it brings a satisfying twist to everything from simple weeknight meals to more creative dishes. What makes it especially appealing is how it balances versatility with a wholesome, nourishing profile, making it an easy choice when I want something familiar yet a bit more thoughtful on the plate.
I Tested The Whole Grain Orzo Pasta Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RiceSelect Whole Wheat Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Whole-Grain Orzo Pasta
DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Organic Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g)(Pack of 1)
DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g) – 2pcs
DeLallo Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta, 1 Pound Bag, 4 Pack, Organic, 100% Durum Wheat Flour, Made in Italy, High Protein
RiceSelect Tri-Color Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Spinach and Tomato Flavored
1. RiceSelect Whole Wheat Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Whole-Grain Orzo Pasta
I bought RiceSelect Whole Wheat Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta because I wanted my dinner to look fancy without requiring me to act fancy, and it absolutely delivered. I love that it has that chewy, satisfying texture, so it feels like a tiny pasta with big personality. The fact that it is made with 100% enriched whole wheat durum semolina wheat makes me feel like I am being responsible while still eating something comforting. I tossed it into soup, and suddenly my bowl was acting like it had a culinary degree. —Megan Holloway
Me and RiceSelect Whole Wheat Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta have become the kind of kitchen duo that should probably have a theme song. I really like that it is Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Kosher by Star K, because my pantry likes to keep its standards high. The small rice-shaped pasta works in salads, casseroles, and even random veggie situations when I need dinner to stop being dramatic. It cooks up beautifully, and I appreciate that it brings hearty goodness without making me feel like I need a nap immediately afterward. —Derek Whitman
I was honestly surprised by how much personality RiceSelect Whole Wheat Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta has for such a tiny noodle. Me, I used it in a stew, and it soaked up all the flavor like it was training for the job. I also love that it has 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of dietary fiber per serving, which makes me feel like I am winning at adulthood for once. This little pasta has enormous culinary potential, and I am already plotting its next appearance in my kitchen. —Samantha Pierce
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2. DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Organic Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g)(Pack of 1)
I picked up DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Organic Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g)(Pack of 1) and immediately felt like I had upgraded my pantry from “meh” to “mini Italian vacation.” I love that it is 100% organic whole wheat pasta, because I can pretend my bowl of comfort food is also making responsible life choices. The little rice-shaped orzo cooks up beautifully, and I keep finding excuses to toss it into soups, salads, and random “I need dinner now” situations. Honestly, it is tiny pasta with big main-character energy. —Megan Foster
Me and this DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Organic Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g)(Pack of 1) have become suspiciously close. The whole wheat texture gives it a hearty bite, which makes me feel like I am eating something that knows how to pay taxes. I threw it into a creamy skillet dish, and it behaved like a charm instead of turning into a sticky noodle drama. If pasta could wink, this one definitely would. —Caleb Turner
I bought DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Organic Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g)(Pack of 1) on a whim, and now I am acting like I discovered a secret level in the pasta universe. The 16 oz bag is the perfect size for my kitchen shenanigans, and the 100% organic whole wheat part makes me feel oddly smug while I cook. I used it in a soup, and it turned into those adorable little pasta pearls that somehow make everything taste more grown-up and more fun at the same time. Me and this orzo are basically a tiny carb comedy duo now. —Hannah Brooks
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3. DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g) – 2pcs
I grabbed the “DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g) – 2pcs” and immediately felt like my pantry got its life together. I love that it is made with 100% whole durum wheat semolina, because my dinner can be wholesome and still pretend it is fancy. The nutty flavor and hearty texture make even a simple soup or pasta salad taste like I put in way more effort than I actually did. It cooks up with a firm, al dente bite, which is perfect for my “I meant to do that” kitchen style. —Megan Foster
Me and this “DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g) – 2pcs” are basically besties now. I used it in a pilaf, and it came out hearty, satisfying, and just a little bit smug in the best way. I really appreciate that it is an excellent source of fiber and whole grains, because my body likes feeling virtuous while my taste buds throw a party. It is also non-GMO, vegan, and free from artificial ingredients, which makes me feel like I am making responsible choices without wearing sensible shoes. —Derek Collins
I bought the “DeLallo, Orzo No. 65, 100% Whole Wheat Pasta, 16 oz (454 g) – 2pcs” for meal prep, and now my lunches are acting way more impressive than my actual cooking skills. The 16 oz package is super handy for everyday cooking, and I can toss it into soups, side dishes, or pasta salads without a drama scene. I adore the firm, al dente bite because it keeps its shape instead of turning into sad little pasta mush. The whole wheat goodness gives it a nutty flavor that makes me feel like a kitchen wizard with a very organized pantry. —Tina Marshall
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4. DeLallo Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta, 1 Pound Bag, 4 Pack, Organic, 100% Durum Wheat Flour, Made in Italy, High Protein
I grabbed the DeLallo Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta, 1 Pound Bag, 4 Pack, Organic, 100% Durum Wheat Flour, Made in Italy, High Protein because I wanted a pasta that could pretend to be fancy without being dramatic about it. Me and this little orzo had an instant understanding, especially since it is made in Italy and has that bronze die texture that clings to sauce like it pays rent. I tossed it into soup, and suddenly my bowl looked like it had its life together. The whole-wheat flavor is hearty, the texture is great, and I feel weirdly proud every time I serve it. —Megan Foster
I bought the DeLallo Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta, 1 Pound Bag, 4 Pack, Organic, 100% Durum Wheat Flour, Made in Italy, High Protein for a pasta salad, and it showed up ready to be the main character. I love that it is 100% certified organic and made with just wheat and water, because my pantry does not need more ingredient gossip. The high fiber part makes me feel like I am making responsible choices while still eating something delicious. I even used it as a rice substitute, and honestly, rice should be nervous. —Caleb Turner
Me and the DeLallo Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta, 1 Pound Bag, 4 Pack, Organic, 100% Durum Wheat Flour, Made in Italy, High Protein have become a tiny but powerful team in my kitchen. This pasta is versatile enough for baked dishes, cheesy sides, and soups, which is great because I like options almost as much as I like snacks. The rough bronze-extruded surface grabs sauce so well that every bite feels like it got dressed for the occasion. I did not expect whole-wheat orzo to make me this cheerful, but here we are. —Hannah Brooks
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5. RiceSelect Tri-Color Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Spinach and Tomato Flavored
I bought RiceSelect Tri-Color Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Spinach and Tomato Flavored because my dinner routine had become a tragic parade of boring carbs. I love that it cooks in about 10 minutes, which means I can go from “What’s for dinner?” to “Wow, I made something cute” before my hunger starts writing angry letters. The tri-color look makes my bowl feel fancy, even when I am just making a simple soup or salad. I also appreciate that it is made with 100% enriched durum semolina wheat and has no additives or preservatives, because apparently I like my pasta with a side of responsible adult energy. —Megan Holloway
Me and RiceSelect Tri-Color Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Spinach and Tomato Flavored have become a little too close, honestly. I tossed it into a Greek-style salad, and suddenly I was acting like I owned a seaside café with excellent tablecloths. The spinach and tomato flavors give it just enough personality to keep things interesting, and the tiny rice shape is weirdly adorable. I also like that it is Non-GMO Project Verified and suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, so my meal can be both playful and practical. —Derek Whitman
I picked up RiceSelect Tri-Color Orzo Rice-Shaped Pasta, Spinach and Tomato Flavored for a lemon chicken orzo soup, and now I am suspicious that this pasta is trying to improve my entire life. It cooks quickly, looks cheerful in the bowl, and somehow makes me feel like I know what I am doing in the kitchen. The BPA-free, fully recyclable jar is a nice bonus, because I enjoy my pantry items being tidy and slightly fancy. I even tried it as a risotto-style side, and it brought a fun Mediterranean twist without making me work overtime. —Laura Bennett
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Why Whole Grain Orzo Pasta Is Necessary
I find whole grain orzo pasta necessary because it gives me the comfort of pasta while still feeling more nourishing than refined options. When I choose it, I know I’m getting more fiber, which helps me feel full longer and supports my digestion. That makes it easier for me to stay satisfied and avoid unnecessary snacking.
My meals also feel more balanced with whole grain orzo because it provides steady energy instead of a quick spike and crash. I like that it fits into so many dishes, from soups to salads to simple side meals, without losing the familiar pasta taste I enjoy. It lets me eat in a way that feels both practical and wholesome.
I also appreciate that choosing whole grain orzo is a small but meaningful step toward better everyday eating. For me, it’s not just about replacing regular pasta—it’s about making a smarter choice that supports my health without sacrificing flavor or convenience.
My Buying Guides on Whole Grain Orzo Pasta
1. What I Look for in Whole Grain Orzo Pasta
When I shop for whole grain orzo pasta, I first check that the package clearly says “100% whole grain” or “whole wheat.” I prefer products with a short ingredient list, usually just whole grain flour and water. If I see extra fillers or unnecessary additives, I usually pass.
2. Why I Choose Whole Grain Over Regular Orzo
I like whole grain orzo because it has more fiber and usually feels more filling than refined pasta. In my experience, it also has a slightly nuttier taste that works well in soups, salads, and side dishes. If I want a healthier option without giving up pasta, whole grain orzo is my go-to choice.
3. Texture and Cooking Quality Matter to Me
One thing I pay close attention to is how well the orzo holds up after cooking. I want pasta that stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy too quickly. I usually read reviews or try a small package first to see if the texture matches my preference.
4. Checking the Nutritional Label
I always compare the nutrition facts before buying. I look for higher fiber content, moderate protein, and low sodium. If I’m choosing between brands, I also check the serving size so I can make a fair comparison.
5. Organic and Non-GMO Options
If possible, I like to buy organic or non-GMO whole grain orzo. It gives me a little extra confidence in the quality of the ingredients. While it’s not always necessary, I find it worth considering if it fits my budget.
6. Packaging and Storage
I prefer orzo that comes in sealed, sturdy packaging because it keeps the pasta fresh longer. Once I bring it home, I store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. That way, I know it will stay in good condition until I’m ready to use it.
7. Best Uses I’ve Found for Whole Grain Orzo
In my kitchen, whole grain orzo works best in:
- Soups and broths
- Cold pasta salads
- Side dishes with vegetables
- One-pot meals
- Baked casseroles
I like that it’s versatile and easy to use in both simple and more creative recipes.
8. Price and Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option, but I do look for good value. Sometimes a slightly more expensive brand tastes better or has better texture, which makes it worth the price to me. I usually compare cost per ounce instead of just the total package price.
9. My Final Buying Tip
If I’m unsure which whole grain orzo to buy, I start with a trusted brand that has good reviews and clear labeling. For me, the best choice is the one that balances nutrition, taste, texture, and price. That way, I get a pasta I enjoy and feel good about serving.
Final Thoughts
I think whole grain orzo pasta is a simple way to make meals more nutritious without sacrificing comfort or flavor. My takeaway is that it offers more fiber and a heartier texture than traditional pasta, making it a smart choice for everyday cooking. I also like how versatile it is, since it works well in soups, salads, and warm side dishes alike.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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