Dove è la pasta?

Italians boycotted their signature staple Thursday in protest to high prices.

In a symbolic move, an Italian consumer organisation encouraged shoppers not to buy pasta.

The rising wheat prices – which also affect bread – could see the cost of pasta rise by 7%. While this rise may not seem much to those who partake of pasta a couple times a month, for Italians – many of whom eat pasta several times a week – pasta may not be an economical choice.

Pasta producers were quick to jump into the sauce, telling CBC news: "There is no dish that costs less," said Furio Bragagnolo, vice-president of the Italian pasta manufacturer's association. "Whoever decides to strike against pasta will spend more on whatever they buy instead. A plate of pasta probably costs less than an apple."

Lest many forget, Italian cuisine consists of much more than pasta. Dried beans, gnocchi, fresh meats, fish and vegetables all feature prominently in the diet.

However, if it is the rising cost of energy – as many say – that has caused the price hike in wheat products, spaghetti may no longer be the cheap dish of choice.