Goodles, the mac-and-cheese brand co-founded by actress Gal Gadot, has agreed to be acquired by Barilla Group, the world's largest pasta manufacturer. The deal marks a significant step up for the health-conscious mac-and-cheese startup, giving it access to Barilla's global scale and resources, though it remains unclear what role, if any, Gadot will play in the brand going forward.

Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, and the deal is pending regulatory approval. Founded in October 2020 as Gooder Foods, Goodles will keep its headquarters in Santa Cruz, California, continue operating as a standalone brand, and retain its 73-strong team under co-founder and chief executive Jen Zeszut. Barilla chairman Guido Barilla praised the brand's strength and growth momentum, while Zeszut noted that over 90% of people in the US have yet to try Goodles, signalling ambitions for wider domestic and eventual global expansion.