Banza Shells, Made from Chickpeas
Why It Scored This Way
Good overall nutrition gives this product clear value, though some processing or minor tradeoffs keep it from ranking higher.
- Protein
- Fiber
- Sodium
- Processing
Verdict
Banza Shells, Made from Chickpeas are a legume-based pasta alternative. Its main strength is a high protein content for this food type, while its main tradeoff is a more formulated profile. Overall, it serves as a nutrient-dense swap for traditional wheat pasta.
How to Use This
Suitable for regular use a few times per week within a balanced diet, especially as part of a complete meal. Pair it with a chunky vegetable marinara or toss it into a creamy cashew-based pasta salad.
Nutrition Overview
The profile is characterized by a strong balance of protein and fiber with very low sodium and no saturated fat.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 190 | Per serving |
| Total Fat | 3.5g | 4% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | — |
| Sodium | 45mg | 2% |
| Total Carbs | 32g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 17% |
| Total Sugars | 2g | — |
| Added Sugars | 0g | 0% |
| Protein | 13g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 4% |
| Iron | 4mg | 20% |
| Potassium | 510mg | 10% |
Ingredient Analysis
The pasta is built from chickpeas and pea protein, using tapioca and xanthan gum to achieve a traditional noodle texture. This reliance on refined starches and binders results in a more processed formulation than whole-grain alternatives.
Ingredients
Chickpeas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Xanthan Gum.
