Banza Launches Wheat Protein Pasta Line Blending Semolina With Chickpeas

Brian Rudolph, who built Banza into one of the country's most recognized alternative pasta brands on the back of a gluten-free chickpea formula, launched a wheat pasta line on April 1, the company's first move outside the gluten-free category in its 12-year history.

The new Wheat Protein Pasta line comes in Rotini, Penne, and Elbow, delivering 22 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving by blending semolina wheat with chickpeas. A companion Wheat Protein Mac & Cheese, offered in Cheddar Elbows and White Cheddar Shells, provides 16 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. For comparison, a standard semolina pasta serving typically yields around 7 to 8 grams of protein.

"There are millions of consumers who want better nutrition but aren't willing to compromise on the taste and texture of wheat pasta," Rudolph said. "This product is designed to meet them where they are."

The company's central pitch is that the semolina-chickpea blend will behave like the pasta already in most kitchen pantries: same sauce pairings, familiar cook times, traditional texture. That framing sets this apart from Banza's original chickpea line, which some shoppers found had a distinct beany or chewier bite, with texture varying especially on shapes like spaghetti or with leftovers. Anyone inclined to run a side-by-side at home now has a ready three-way test: original chickpea Banza against the new wheat-protein version, against standard semolina, all dressed in the same sauce.

There is one critical allergen shift. These products contain wheat and gluten, making them off-limits for the gluten-free community that first drove Banza's growth. Rudolph, who is himself gluten-free, addressed this directly: "I'm gluten-free myself, so I understand the importance of trust when it comes to what's on the label." The company emphasized that the new wheat-based products are manufactured in a dedicated facility separate from its gluten-free lines, maintaining its commitment to allergen safety and product integrity.

The range launched exclusively via TikTok Shop on April 1, with wider retail distribution planned throughout April across major U.S. grocery chains including Kroger, Publix, Sprouts, Target, Walmart, and Whole Foods Market. All Banza lines, including the new wheat-based products, carry CleanScan Certification from The Detox Project, with the company reporting non-detectable levels for glyphosate and more than 400 pesticides.

"We started Banza to inspire people to eat more chickpeas, and this launch is about finding new ways to do exactly that," Rudolph said.