# Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & 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-shells-cheese-classic-cheddar-550-oz - **Slug:** `banza-chickpea-pasta-shells-cheese-classic-cheddar-550-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrially formulated ingredients (pea starch, tapioca, xanthan gum, disodium phosphate) and a reconstituted cheese component, fitting the ultra-processed NOVA 4 category due to additives and formulation for convenience and long shelf life. ## Review Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese Classic Cheddar reimagines a childhood pantry staple with a legume-first twist. You’ll most often find this 5.5 oz boxed product in the pasta aisle’s specialty or “better-for-you” section, shelved near other alternative pastas (lentil, red lentil, brown rice) and alongside microwaveable mac & cheese cups and family-size boxed macs. It lands on quick weeknight shopping lists and in carts of shoppers browsing the health-forward pasta substitutes. Occasions for its use include rushed school-night dinners, easy meal-prep batches, or late-night comfort meals; it’s pitched as a convenient, protein-forward swap for traditional wheat mac and cheese. Banza’s brand voice leans modern and mission-driven—sustainable, protein-packed, and approachable—targeting parents, fitness-minded adults, and flexitarians who want familiar comfort with a perceived nutrition upgrade. Labels emphasize health halos like “chickpea protein,” sustainability of legumes, and an rBST-free milk claim; there’s no organic seal, and the box styling favors bold, family-friendly graphics rather than kid-centric mascots. In plain terms the product is a processed convenience food: chickpea-based pasta is combined with a cheddar cheese component and stabilizers/emulsifiers for shelf-stable, consistent sauce performance. Sensory notes: the shells have a slightly nuttier, denser bite than semolina pasta and hold sauce well; the cheddar is creamy and tangy with a bright orange hue from annatto/paprika, and the finished dish is smooth and comforting. Typical ritual: boil the shells, stir in the cheese sauce, and serve as a quick solo meal, lunchbox addition, or side to a roasted vegetable for a weeknight family dinner. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2 onz - **Servings per container:** 2 - **Calories:** 260 - **Total fat:** 7g (9% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 3g (15% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 15mg (5% DV) - **Sodium:** 640mg (28% DV) - **Total carbs:** 38g (14% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 4g - **Protein:** 15g ## Ingredients Chickpea Pasta: Chickpeas, Pea Starch, Tapioca, Xanthan Gum, Cheese: Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Salt, Enzymes), Nonfat Milk, 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, movie-night - **Vibes:** nostalgic, wholesome, convenient, comforting ## FAQ ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese healthy? Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese can be a healthy option, especially for those looking to boost their protein and fiber intake. With 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, it offers a hearty alternative to traditional mac and cheese. Just remember, 'healthy' can be subjective—it's all about how it fits into your overall diet! ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese vegan? Nope, this pasta isn't vegan since it contains cheese and nonfat milk. If you're looking for a plant-based mac and cheese alternative, you might want to explore brands that specifically cater to vegan diets. But hey, if you're not strictly vegan, this could still be a fun treat! ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese gluten-free? Good news! Banza pasta is gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Instead of traditional wheat pasta, it's made from chickpeas, so you can enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness without the gluten worries. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese doesn't contain any seed oils, which is a relief for many who are cautious about those ingredients. Instead, it focuses on chickpeas and cheese for flavor and texture. So, if you're avoiding seed oils, you can dig in without a second thought! ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? Not at all! This pasta is free from artificial sweeteners, so you can enjoy a savory meal without any of those overly sweet additives. It's all about the natural flavors of cheese and chickpeas, which is a nice change of pace. ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese high in sugar? Nope, it's not high in sugar—there are only 4 grams of total sugars per serving, and no added sugars. This makes it a solid choice for those who are watching their sugar intake. It's all about that cheesy goodness without the sugar overload! ### What are healthier alternatives to Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese? If you're looking for alternatives, consider options like lentil pasta or zucchini noodles for a veggie-packed meal. Brands like Annie's offer organic mac and cheese that’s a bit simpler if you're after fewer ingredients. Of course, it all comes down to your personal dietary goals! ### Can kids eat Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese, especially since it packs in protein and fiber. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, and maybe pair it with some veggies for a balanced meal that even picky eaters might love! ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese good for weight loss? It can be a good option if you're watching your weight! With a decent amount of protein and fiber, it can help keep you fuller longer. Just be mindful of portion sizes, especially since it does have a moderate amount of sodium. ### Is Banza Chickpea Pasta Shells & Cheese ultra-processed? While it's not the most 'minimally processed' option out there, it's not exactly ultra-processed either. The ingredient list is relatively straightforward, but the presence of cheese and additives like disodium phosphate means it’s a step above whole foods. Just remember, a little processing is sometimes necessary for convenience! ## Related products - [Banza Chickpea Pasta Mac & Cheese Classic Cheddar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/banza-chickpea-pasta-mac-cheese-classic-cheddar-550-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/banza-chickpea-pasta-mac-cheese-classic-cheddar-550-oz - [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 ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md