Gal Gadot's nutritious mac-and-cheese brand, Goodles, has been acquired by pasta giant Barilla, marking a significant partnership in food innovation.
Gal Gadot's mac-and-cheese brand, Goodles, has officially been acquired by Barilla Group, the largest pasta company in the world. The announcement was made in a statement reported by Variety on September 3, 2026. This deal represents a significant milestone for Goodles, a brand co-founded by Gadot and her husband, Jaron Varsano, which aims to provide a healthier twist on a classic American comfort food.
While the financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed, Goodles will maintain its headquarters in Santa Cruz, California, and will continue to operate independently as a stand-alone brand. Jen Zeszut, co-founder and CEO of Goodles, will continue to lead the team of 73 employees. This operational independence may allow Goodles to retain its unique brand identity while benefitting from Barilla's extensive distribution and resources.
In earlier statements, Zeszut noted that over 90% of people in the U.S. have not yet tried Goodles, reflecting significant potential for growth both domestically and internationally. The vision of Gadot and Varsano for more nutritious comfort food, established from the brand's inception, underscores their commitment to quality in the food industry.
Guido Barilla, chairman of the Barilla Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, detailing how the company had been closely monitoring Goodles and had grown increasingly impressed by its brand strength and product quality. Barilla's long-standing focus on quality aligns closely with Goodles' mission, suggesting a robust partnership focused on food innovation. Furthermore, Barilla's resources may enhance Goodles' reach beyond its current market.
Goodles was founded in October 2020 under the name Gooder Foods, with the goal of transforming traditional mac-and-cheese into a more nutritious alternative. The brand’s philosophy merges comfort food ideals with a commitment to quality and health-conscious ingredients. Since its inception, the company has cultivated a loyal customer base and developed its identity around the idea that mac-and-cheese can be both enjoyable and healthful.
The acquisition raises questions about Gadot's future involvement with the brand, but as of now, there have been no specific announcements regarding her ongoing role or impact following the deal. As Goodles aims for global expansion, the collaboration with Barilla presents opportunities for expanded product offerings and market reach.
The merger between Goodles and Barilla signifies an important crossover between celebrity-driven food startups and established companies in the food industry. It illustrates a growing trend wherein health-conscious eating habits are reshaping traditional markets like mac-and-cheese. While the full scope of the impact remains to be seen, Goodles' operational independence within Barilla's ecosystem could lead to innovative products that align with modern culinary standards.
For further updates on related entertainment and food industry developments, check out our coverage on Dianna Russini's ties to NFL Coach and Maria Bartiromo's departure from Fox.
Entertainment news
EpisodeBreakdown may use automated tools to assist research, drafting, and formatting. Published pages are governed by our editorial and corrections policies, and source links are shown when they are available in the article record.
Discovery source: Variety. The source identifies where the topic was discovered; EpisodeBreakdown is responsible for the commentary published on this page.
Reader response
Reactions and poll results are based on real reader responses. No account is required.
