Banza chickpea pasta is a popular gluten-free pasta alternative made from chickpeas. With its high protein and fiber content, Banza pasta has become a go-to option for many looking to cut calories without sacrificing taste or nutrition. But exactly how many calories are in Banza chickpea pasta?
In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the calorie content of Banza pasta, looking at the different shapes and serving sizes. We’ll compare Banza calories to traditional pasta and see how it stacks up. We’ll also look at the complete nutrition facts, including protein, carbs, fat, and fiber.
Whether you are counting calories, monitoring carbs, or simply want to make informed food choices, read on to find out everything you need to know about the calories in Banza chickpea pasta.
Calories in Banza Pasta
Here is a quick overview of the calorie content in Banza pasta:
– Banza rotini (2 oz dry): 190 calories
– Banza penne (2 oz dry): 180 calories
– Banza elbows (2 oz dry): 180 calories
– Banza spaghetti (2 oz dry): 180 calories
– Banza fettuccine (2 oz dry): 180 calories
As you can see, Banza pastas contain around 180-190 calories per 2 oz dry serving. This is 60-70% fewer calories than traditional pasta, which offers around 200 calories per 2 oz dry serving.
Now let’s take a more detailed look at the calories and serving sizes for different Banza pasta shapes.
Banza Rotini
– 1 oz dry = 95 calories
– 2 oz dry (about 1⁄2 cup) = 190 calories
– 4 oz dry (about 1 cup) = 380 calories
– 8 oz dry (about 2 cups) = 760 calories
With 190 calories in the standard 2 oz dried serving, Banza rotini offers a high amount of protein and fiber for relatively few calories.
Banza Penne
– 1 oz dry = 90 calories
– 2 oz dry (about 1⁄2 cup) = 180 calories
– 4 oz dry (about 1 cup) = 360 calories
– 8 oz dry (about 2 cups) = 720 calories
At just 180 calories per 2 oz serving, Banza penne contains 40% fewer calories than traditional penne pasta.
Banza Elbows
– 1 oz dry = 90 calories
– 2 oz dry (about 1⁄2 cup) = 180 calories
– 4 oz dry (about 1 cup) = 360 calories
– 8 oz dry (about 2 cups) = 720 calories
With only 180 calories in a standard serving, Banza elbow pasta is an excellent choice if you are monitoring your calorie intake.
Banza Spaghetti
– 1 oz dry = 90 calories
– 2 oz dry (about 1⁄2 cup) = 180 calories
– 4 oz dry (about 1 cup) = 360 calories
– 8 oz dry (about 2 cups) = 720 calories
At just 180 calories per 2 oz, Banza spaghetti contains significantly fewer calories than traditional spaghetti.
Banza Fettuccine
– 1 oz dry = 90 calories
– 2 oz dry (about 1⁄2 cup) = 180 calories
– 4 oz dry (about 1 cup) = 360 calories
– 8 oz dry (about 2 cups) = 720 calories
With only 180 calories per serving, Banza fettuccine is a lower-calorie option compared to traditional fettuccine.
As you can see from the numbers above, Banza pastas in different shapes offer very similar calorie counts, ranging from 180-190 calories per 2 oz dry serving. So you can choose the pasta shape you want without worrying about significant differences in calories.
How Banza Calories Compare to Traditional Pasta
To fully appreciate the calorie savings of Banza chickpea pasta, it helps to compare it directly against traditional wheat pasta:
Pasta Type | Calories (per 2 oz dry) |
---|---|
Banza penne | 180 |
Traditional penne | 320 |
Banza rotini | 190 |
Traditional rotini | 200 |
Banza spaghetti | 180 |
Traditional spaghetti | 200 |
As you can see, Banza contains significantly fewer calories than traditional wheat pasta, offering:
– 40% fewer calories than traditional penne
– 5% fewer calories than traditional rotini
– 10% fewer calories than traditional spaghetti
The exact calorie savings depends on the pasta shape, but Banza consistently contains fewer calories across the board.
So if you are looking to reduce your calorie intake from pasta, Banza can help you cut significant calories compared to regular pasta. Just 2 oz of Banza can provide plenty of pasta goodness for around 180-190 calories.
Complete Nutrition Facts for Banza Pasta
Now that we’ve covered the calories in Banza pasta, let’s look at the complete nutrition facts.
Here are the full nutrition facts for a 2 oz dry serving of Banza chickpea pasta:
Banza Chickpea Pasta Nutrition Facts (per 2 oz dry)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Protein | 13g |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 1g |
Fat | 3g |
Saturated Fat | 0g |
Sodium | 20mg |
As you can see, Banza pasta provides:
– 13g protein – More than 2x a traditional wheat pasta
– 30g carbs – Comparable to traditional pasta
– 5g fiber – 3x more than traditional pasta
– 1g sugar – Much less than traditional pasta
– 3g fat – Mostly unsaturated
So in addition to being low-calorie, Banza offers a nutritional upgrade over traditional pastas. You get far more protein and fiber to keep you full, while still getting a similar carb count.
The protein and fiber combo is key, since both nutrients are very filling and can help curb cravings. The added protein and fiber goes a long way toward explaining why Banza pasta can be so satisfying despite having fewer calories.
Tips for Serving Banza Pasta
When serving Banza chickpea pasta, keep these tips in mind:
– Read serving sizes carefully. Stick to 1/2 cup dry or 2 oz dry for around 180 calories. Measure out servings rather than eyeballing.
– Pair with lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables. Grilled chicken breast, shrimp, and leafy greens are all excellent complements.
– Use tomato-based sauces rather than cream-based. Marinara sauce will add flavor for minimal calories. Avoid drenching pasta in high-calorie sauces.
– Avoid adding extra oils. Banza pasta tastes delicious without extra fats.
– Add veggies to pasta dishes. Broccoli, spinach, peppers and onions will bulk up pasta and provide nutrients.
– Fill up on salad first. Enjoy a low-calorie salad before your pasta to help control portions.
– Practice mindful eating. Savor each bite and listen to your body’s fullness cues.
Following these tips will help keep your Banza pasta servings in check and maximize nutrition without overdoing the calories.
Benefits of Banza Pasta
Given its stellar nutrition stats, Banza chickpea pasta offers several benefits:
Higher Protein
With 13g of protein per serving, Banza provides over 2x more protein than traditional pasta. The extra protein promotes satiety, curbs hunger hormones, and helps sustain energy levels.
More Fiber
At 5g of fiber per serving, Banza pasta contains 3x more fiber than regular pasta. The increased fiber content supports digestive and heart health.
Lower Glycemic Index
Made from chickpeas, Banza pasta has a lower glycemic index than traditional pasta. This means Banza causes a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar.
Gluten-Free
Banza pasta is certified gluten-free. So it can be enjoyed by those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Non-GMO
Banza chickpea pasta is verified non-GMO and contains no artificial ingredients.
Vegan
Properly suited for plant-based eaters, Banza pasta is 100% vegan.
So in summary, Banza offers high protein, high fiber, fewer carbs, and a clean ingredient profile. All for significantly fewer calories than regular pasta.
Banza Pasta Recipe Ideas
Banza chickpea pasta is extremely versatile and can work in any pasta recipes you love. Here are some healthy, low-calorie recipe ideas to try:
Banza Pasta Primavera
Sauté mixed veggies like zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and red peppers in olive oil and garlic. Toss with Banza penne and fresh basil. Top with parmesan.
Banza Pasta with Shrimp and Tomatoes
Cook Banza rotini according to package directions. Sauté shrimp with garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Toss everything together and garnish with feta cheese.
Vegan Banza Bolognese
Make a meaty mushroom bolognese sauce. Cook Banza elbows and toss with sauce. Top with parsley.
Banza Pasta Salad
Mix cooked Banza fusilli with chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olives, and Italian dressing. Chill before serving.
Banza Mac and Cheese
Prepare Banza elbows and toss with warm low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, salt, and pepper. Optionally add in broccoli.
Banza Pasta with Chicken Sausage
Sauté sliced chicken sausage with peppers and onions. Toss with Banza penne and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
The possibilities are truly endless for how to prepare Banza chickpea pasta in delicious ways that keep calories in check. Let creativity be your guide!
Finding Banza Pasta
Wondering where you can find Banza pasta? Here is where to get it:
– Major grocery stores: Sold at Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, Walmart, etc. Check pasta aisle.
– Natural food stores: Carried at Sprouts, Earth Fare, Fresh Thyme, etc.
– Amazon: Available for delivery through Amazon Fresh and Prime Pantry.
– Online direct: Purchase online at www.eatbanza.com and get delivered to your door.
– Select restaurants: Some restaurants like Noodles & Company have Banza pasta menu options.
Thanks to Banza’s surge in popularity, it’s now easy to find at most major grocery retailers. Be sure to look for the green bag to spot it quickly.
You may also see Banza shells, macaroni, lasagna sheets, and other shapes. Feel free to try them all! Just watch serving sizes, as the calorie counts will be similar for all Banza pastas.
Banza Pasta Cost
Banza chickpea pasta typically costs a bit more than traditional dried pasta. Here are some average prices:
– Banza penne, rotini, etc: $3-$4 for 8 oz bag
– Traditional wheat pasta: $1-$2 for 16 oz bag
SoBanza is around 2x the price per pound compared to regular pasta. However, many find the extra cost worthwhile for the added nutrition, more protein and fiber, lower carbs, and fewer calories.
Banza pasta could be thought of as more of a protein/fiber supplement than just a plain pasta. And the calories savings compared to traditional pasta may balance out the extra cost per serving.
Luckily Banza pasta frequently goes on sale at major retailers. So keep an eye out for deals, coupons, and store discounts whenever possible.
Banza Pasta: Final Thoughts
Conclusion
When it comes to calories in Banza chickpea pasta, a 2 oz dry serving will provide around 180-190 calories across all Banza shapes like penne, rotini, spaghetti and more.
This is far fewer calories than traditional wheat pasta, with Banza providing around 40% fewer calories in comparably sized servings.
Yet despite having fewer calories than regular pasta, Banza delivers impressively high protein, fiber, and key nutrients from its chickpea base.
So if you are looking for a low-calorie swap for traditional pasta, Banza chickpea pasta is a health-boosting option offering excellent nutrition for relatively few calories. Monitor your portion sizes, and Banza can be a smart way to enjoy pasta as part of an overall healthy diet.