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Goodles news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Barilla Group acquires Goodles, the mac-and-cheese brand co-founded by Gal Gadot.
The deal expands Barilla's US reach in a growing niche market.
Background
Goodles is a fast-growing mac and cheese brand founded in 2020, focusing on combining indulgent comfort food with improved nutrition. Barilla, the world's largest pasta company, had been following Goodles closely and was impressed by its brand strength, product quality, and growth momentum. The acquisition will allow Goodles to remain headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, and operate independently.
How it unfolded
- 2020Goodles was founded with a focus on better-for-you mac and cheese.
- Sep 2, 2026Reports emerge that Barilla will acquire Goodles, citing the Wall Street Journal.
- Sep 3, 2026Barilla Group confirms the acquisition; financial terms not disclosed.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Barilla chairman Guido Barilla said they were impressed by Goodles' brand strength, product quality, and growth momentum.
- Founder
- Goodles co-founder and CEO Jen Zeszut said they had to 'play a different game' against big food companies, focusing on nutrition and clean ingredients.