Ronzoni Pastina is beloved by Italian American home cooks—and it's finally returning to stores.
This Beloved Pasta Shape Will Return After a Year-Long Hiatus
Published on Dec. 03, 2024
Most of us shop for groceries without giving much thought to the vast global supply chain that stocks our supermarkets. In fact, we only really become aware of it when things go wrong. Ever since 2020, it’s become a bit easier to understand when a company discontinues a product due to supplier issues, but it still hurts all the same, especially if it was a beloved staple.
Such was the case when Ronzoni Pastina was discontinued last year. But now, fans are rejoicing because the product is back on shelves!
What is pastina?
The word pastina generally refers to any small pasta (that’s the literal translation from Italian). Ronzoni Pastina, which has long been a leading brand in the U.S., features small star-shaped pieces known as stelline. This pastina cooks quickly, appeals to young kids and makes a great addition to soups. Of all the pasta shapes that exist, stelline has to be the cutest.
In January 2023, Ronzoni posted a message to social media that read in part, “After extensive efforts, we regretfully announce that Ronzoni Pastina is being discontinued…our long-term supplier informed us that they would no longer be making Ronzoni Pastina as of January 2023.”
The public was understandably upset. Elegies were written, and more than 3,600 people signed a petition to save the product. That level of fan devotion might have worked, because Ronzoni Pastina has reappeared in grocery stores.
Where do I find it?
As Parade notes, Ronzoni Pastina fans are posting photos of themselves holding boxes of the precious pasta with captions confirming its return. One Instagram user even called it a “Christmas miracle.”
“We were previously unable to deliver Ronzoni Pastina,” reads an emailed statement from 8th Avenue Foods, owner of the Ronzoni brand. “However, our customers’ passion for our pastas continually inspires us to provide the shapes you enjoy. We understand how much Ronzoni Pastina means to our customers, and we’re excited to welcome it back to Ronzoni.”
The statement confirms that the pasta is an active part of the product line and that it is not a limited time re-release. There’s even a brand-new webpage heralding Pastina as a “beloved star.”
As for where to buy Ronzoni Pastina, availability varies by region and will depend on which stores choose to carry it. Using the store locator can help. If you don’t see it at your local grocery, 8th Avenue recommends speaking with store management about potentially stocking the product.
