According to the National Pasta Association, America falls in the top 10 of 47 countries analyzed for pasta consumption. Americans consume almost 20 pounds of pasta per person a year. Traditional pastas, made from durum wheat flour, are a huge part of the American diet; however, an increasing number of vegetable- or bean-based pasta and pasta-like alternatives are offering more competition for a healthier alternative.

These newer varieties are eye-catching and intriguing, as their colors range from deep green and orange to dark red, depending on the vegetables added.Â