Our favorite Italian duo, Mario and Fabio show you what to skip and where to splurge on your Italian Pantry Essentials.

Mario says skip the…

1. Truffle Oil

Many truffle oils are not made with truffles and have unauthentic aromas and flavors.

2. Flavored / Colored Pastas

Keep the green and black pastas, they’re made of spinach and squid ink and are traditional to Italian cuisine. Skip the rest!

3. Ravioli with “experimental fillings”

Keep it old school! The beauty of Italian food is in it’s simplicity.

4. Old Olive Oil

Olive oil has a shelf life of about a year, make sure to buy the freshest oils possible by checking the date.

Fabio says splurge on…

1. Parmigiano Reggiano

We all know that it IS the undisputed King of Cheeses!

2. Olio Nuovo

First press olive oil has a more fragrant and fruity flavor

3. Proscuitto di Parma

This is the authentic stuff! Proscuitto di Parma has a very distinct salting and curing process to ensure a delicate flavor profile. It’ll be the perfect edition to your cheese platter.

4. Real Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar originated in the Modena and Reggio Emilia region of Italy. Good quality aged balsamics have a sweet and slightly viscous consistency.