A “shame”, “cat food”… carbonara pasta sold in cans causes scandal in Italy

Spaghetti carbonara in a can. A surprising idea from the Heinz brand that has been on sale in Great Britain since the beginning of September, but which is causing a scandal in Italy.

In Italy, Heinz, a brand mainly known for its sauces, recently caused a scandal by presenting a new product: a can of spaghetti carbonara. This product named “#NoDramaCarbonara” is sold for the equivalent of just over two euros in Great Britain.

Across the Channel, its pasta is already out of stock, very popular with Generation Z, targeted by this product because it is described as "lazy". "Did you know that 32% of Gen-Z members want their diet to be both quick and convenient ?", defends the American brand on its website.

"Food for cat"

“People are looking for easy-to-prepare meals and our product meets that need,” adds Alessandra de Dreuille, Heinz's director of meals, in the columns of the Daily Mail. “It's the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying meal at home. Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal after a long day or shared with friends whilst watching the latest TV series, spaghetti carbonara is the perfect no-fuss dinner solution."

However, while this dish is supposed to be "foolproof" for young people who don't know how to cook, it's nonetheless considered a "shame" by our transalpine neighbors. Horrified, the owner of an Italian restaurant says that anyone who eats the can will be fired. Alessandro Pipero, owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Rome, agrees. In an interview with The Times, he compares canned pasta to “cat food”, adding: “Shouldn't we just stick to putting Coca-Cola in a can”?”