Banza (25)

Gluten-free dinners used to be the stuff of dreams deferred. (Goodbye mac and cheese, hello leafy salads.) But today’s inventive brands are making formerly gluten-based ingredients available to all, often with added health benefits to boot. Take Banza, a startup pasta company that makes penne, spaghetti, shells, and other favorite noodle shapes all with one key ingredient: chickpea flour. Rich in protein, each box packs a nutritional punch that’s simply an added bonus alongside being able to enjoy pasta whenever the craving strikes. So whether you’re gluten-free due to health reasons, or just looking to limit binging on all things carb, Thrive Market has lots of GF products that’ll satisfy your desire to maintain a gluten-free lifestyle without sacrificing your favorite dishes.

The History of Banza

Banza launched in 2014, when founder Brian Rudolph decided there had to be a better version of his favorite comfort food, pasta. Made from chickpeas, the pasta Rudolph created was packed with more protein, more fiber, and fewer net carbs than the traditional stuff, but tasted just like the real deal. Joining forces with his brother, Scott, the duo’s innovative approach to pasta went from an idea to a product in 14,000+ stores in just five years, and is now the fastest-selling pasta brand in Whole Foods and Target. Banza has been named one of TIME’s 25 Best Inventions of the year, appeared on The Today Show and Good Morning America, been in the NYT and WSJ, and most importantly, brought a better pasta to millions of happy customers.

Banza Company Mission

Banza’s mission is to increase the consumption of legumes, one of the best foods for human health and the environment, yet underrepresented in the average US adult’s diet.

Benefits of Banza

Today, we have 4 different product lines, including pasta, pizza, rice, and mac & cheese. What makes Banza better? Made from chickpeas: We make all our products from the nutritious legume, which means its better for your taste buds, better or the planet, and better for, well, you! Full of the good stuff: Thanks to those chickpeas, all of our products are packed with protein and fiber, go easier on the carbs, and are gluten-free. Most importantly, delicious: Just read the thousands of reviews we’ve received from satisfied Banza eaters. “This pasta changed my life” says Kristen Bell (yes, the actress). “This pasta is worth the gluten-free hype” says Bon Appetit. “Heck to the yes! This is the best thing on the planet.” says one hyper-enthusiastic Sarah M. We’re constantly continuing to innovate our product line to offer nutritious meals powered by chickpeas in delicious formats, so stay tuned for more!

Top Banza Products

Stock your Italian pantry with these gluten-free favorites.

Penne Chickpea Pasta

A best-seller, Banza’s chickpea pasta means Italian night is never out of reach. Made with chickpeas and pea protein, each 2-ounce serving delivers a whopping 14 grams of protein.

Shells Chickpea Pasta

These shells were made for mac and cheese. Their shape easily soaks up creamy sauces, making it your go-to gluten-free pasta option. Each 8-ounce box cooks up just like traditional noodles (but with more protein to help keep you full).

Spaghetti Chickpea Pasta

Banza’s spaghetti swaps out traditional wheat noodles with chickpea-based strands that’ll swirl around your fork with ease. Gluten-free, vegan, and kosher, this box is a perfect pantry pick for a range of diets.

Best Gluten-Free Recipes

Eating gluten-free is easier than ever—start with some of our most popular GF recipes and you’ll see what we mean.

The Only One-Pot Pasta Recipe You Really Need

If cleaning a sink full of dirty dishes isn’t your idea of a good time, enter the one-pot meal. This pasta pairs gluten-free Banza rotini with hearty shiitake mushrooms, kale, and Parmesan cheese for a supper that’ll fill everyone up.

Gluten-Free Products and Recipes

Consider this post a gluten-free checklist of products, recipes, and wellness gurus you need to know about. We’ve done the research for you and pulled together the best of all things GF so you can get cooking.

62 Top Gluten-Free Recipes

Meals will never be boring when you make dishes from this extensive list of Thrive Market’s best gluten-free recipes. Take your pick from Morning Glory Muffins, Sriracha Salmon Tacos, Red Lentil Soup, and even Biscuits and Gravy.