# Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese Classic Cheddar > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Banza - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Pasta & Pasta Sauce - **Size:** 5.50 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/banza-chickpea-pasta-mac-cheese-classic-cheddar-550-oz - **Slug:** `banza-chickpea-pasta-mac-cheese-classic-cheddar-550-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially processed ingredients and additives (xanthan gum, disodium phosphate), reconstituted cheese components, and formulated protein isolates, fitting the NOVA definition of ultra-processed foods. ## Review Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese Classic Cheddar is a shelf-stable boxed meal that sits where supermarkets blur the boundaries between health foods and pantry staples — often in the pasta aisle near other gluten-free and legume-based pastas, and alongside premium boxed mac & cheese. Shoppers pick it up on quick weekday runs for family dinners, on grocery trips driven by dietary needs (gluten-free or higher-protein), or when looking for a faster, slightly healthier spin on a childhood staple. The brand positions itself as a modern, protein-forward alternative to traditional pasta: marketed to health-conscious millennials, flexitarians, and parents seeking more fiber and protein for kids without sacrificing familiar comfort flavors. Packaging leans clean and contemporary rather than cartoonish, and label claims — “17 g protein,” “high fiber,” “gluten-free,” “low glycemic index,” and “RBST-free” — create a strong health halo without organic certification. Sensory notes: the chickpea elbows cook firm with a slightly nutty, earthy note; the cheddar sauce reconstitutes into a creamy, bright-orange coating (color from annatto/paprika extract) and offers familiar, cheddar-forward comfort. Preparation ritual is simple and quick: boil, drain, stir in the cheese mix, and serve — a one-pot, kid-friendly dinner or post-workout refuel. In plain terms, the product combines milled legumes and added proteins with stabilizers and an emulsified cheese component produced in an industrial process, so while it leans on whole-food ingredients like chickpeas, it is a processed, convenience-focused pantry item. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.5 oz - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 260 - **Total fat:** 8g (10% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 670mg (29% DV) - **Total carbs:** 35g (13% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 5g - **Protein:** 17g ## Ingredients Chickpea Pasta: Chickpeas, Tapioca, Pea Protein, Xanthan Gum, Cheese: Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Buttermilk, Butter (Cream, Salt), Salt, Lactic Acid, Disodium Phosphate, Annatto and Paprika Extract (Color). ## Flagged ingredients - **Annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring - **Paprika Extract** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, meal-prep-sunday, post-workout - **Vibes:** comforting, wholesome, convenient ## FAQ ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese healthy? Well, it depends on what you're comparing it to! This mac & cheese packs a punch with 17 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, which is a nice boost compared to traditional mac & cheese. But keep in mind, it still has 670 mg of sodium, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you're watching your salt intake. ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese vegan? Nope, this one isn’t vegan. It contains cheddar cheese and buttermilk, which means it’s definitely dairy-based. If you're looking for a vegan mac option, there are some brands that use plant-based cheeses instead! ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, Banza's chickpea pasta is gluten-free! They use chickpeas as the main ingredient, making it a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. So, if you're gluten-sensitive or just trying to cut back on wheat, you can dig in with confidence! ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won't find any seed oils here! Banza sticks to wholesome ingredients like chickpeas and cheese, so you can enjoy this mac & cheese without worrying about those highly processed oils. It's a nice change of pace from some other processed foods out there. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not a chance! Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese is free from artificial sweeteners, so you won't find any sneaky sugar substitutes in the ingredient list. It's all about that cheesy goodness without the weird stuff! ### Is it high in sugar? Not really—this mac & cheese has only 5 grams of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low. Plus, there are no added sugars, so you can enjoy it without the sugar crash later. It’s a savory treat, not a sweet one! ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for alternatives, consider making a homemade mac & cheese with whole grain pasta and reduced-fat cheese! Or, try a veggie-packed pasta dish with a sauce made from pureed vegetables for a nutrient boost. It all depends on what flavors you’re craving! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese, especially since it offers a bit more protein and fiber than traditional mac & cheese. Just keep an eye on that sodium content and pair it with some veggies for a balanced meal! ### Is it good for weight loss? This mac & cheese can fit into a weight loss plan, especially because it's higher in protein and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the sodium content can be a bit high. Balance it out with fresh veggies or a salad on the side! ### Is it ultra-processed? While Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese does contain some processed ingredients, it's not quite in the ultra-processed category like many fast-food or snack items. It’s made with real ingredients like chickpeas and cheese, but keep in mind it's still a convenience food, so moderation is key! ## Related products - [Rao's Caramelized Onion Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-homemade-caramelized-onion-sauce-24-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-homemade-caramelized-onion-sauce-24-oz - [Barilla Ready Pasta Penne](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/barilla-ready-pasta-penne-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/barilla-ready-pasta-penne-7-oz - [No Yolks Egg White Noodles, Broad](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/no-yolks-egg-white-noodles-broad-12-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/no-yolks-egg-white-noodles-broad-12-oz - [Dreamfields Spaghetti](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dreamfields-spaghetti-1325-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dreamfields-spaghetti-1325-oz - [Dreamfields Rotini](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dreamfields-rotini-1325-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dreamfields-rotini-1325-oz - [Tinkyada Brown Rice Pasta Lasagna](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tinkyada-brown-rice-pasta-lasagna-10-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tinkyada-brown-rice-pasta-lasagna-10-oz - [Delallo Tomato Crushed San Marzano](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/delallo-tomato-crushed-san-marzano-28-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/delallo-tomato-crushed-san-marzano-28-oz - [Rao's Pasta Penne](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-pasta-penne-16-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-pasta-penne-16-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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