Banza reviews and discussion

4.2

83% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • High-protein, fiber-rich pasta
  • Convincingly pasta-like texture
  • Gluten-free, celiac-friendly options
  • Consistently tasty frozen pizzas
  • Prone-to-mushy overcooking noodles
  • Slight beany or bitter aftertaste
  • Fragile shapes, breakage issues
  • Sticky, grainy long-cut texture

Banza earns strong reviews for delivering chickpea-based pasta, pizza, and mac & cheese that often taste close to traditional versions while adding substantial protein and fiber. Reviews praise the consistently tasty pasta (rotini, cavatappi, shells), kid-approval, and standout frozen pizzas, but note weaknesses: noodles can overcook into mush, stick, or break; some shapes feel dense or grainy with a bitter/bean aftertaste; spaghetti/long cuts underperform; and texture declines as leftovers. Ideal for gluten-free or higher-protein swaps, provided cooking is precise.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

1,962 reviews and posts

  • I love the Mac and cheese but the plain pasta isn’t my favorite

    Received a free product from Banza
  • As a vegan, it can be hard to get enough protein. I like to work out and have been prioritizing protein for weight-management. Banza makes it super easy to add more protein without thinking about it. They taste great, have a ton of variety in pasta shapes, and other products like pizza, "rice," and instant meals. Not all products are vegan, but there are a ton of options. I have four boxes in my pantry right now, I always stock up when they are on sale.

  • I’m always looking for ways to incorporate more protein into my diet and lessen my intake of simple carbs. Pasta seems like an easy place to do that, however the times I tried Banza I really found myself missing the texture and taste of real pasta. It may have just been the size and shape of the penne pasta I chose, but the texture had a springiness to it that I really didn’t love. I’d prefer to indulge in normal pasta and bolster my protein elsewhere.

  • This pasta was very nice and I paired it with a nice sauce with some chicken. I felt very healthy eating it and will buy it again! Also love the packaging.

  • Awesome for vegetarians! Doesn't taste *exactly* like regular pasta but not far off at all. I love getting extra protein so I don't have to worry about empty carbs.

  • Unsure how I feel about this pasta. The texture can be a little slimy but the taste and protein are nice perks. Can see how it would be great for someone who is gluten free.

  • I wanted to like this because I've been having tummy issues related to wheat (any fructan-intolerant peeps out there?), but the texture is super gummy in a very unpleasant way. It sticks to the teeth way more than regular pasta, and as someone with sensory issues, that's a pretty solid no from me. It'll do in a pinch, but my hunt continues.

  • I’m not gluten free but there are a few times where my stomach gets upset after eating certain pasta so I wanted to give this brand a try and bought it. Considering that it’s made of chickpeas it didn’t taste like it at all. It just tastes and feels like regular pasta and as a bonus you get so much protein.

  • i ... really want to like this but as someone who is affected by texture, this is incredibly off-putting. it is super grainy to the point where i stop eating the dish and cook regular pasta to add to it.

  • Banza is fine. Nice as an alternative to wheat pasta but I don't love the texture as much. I like that they're branching out to pizza and rice and more. For gluten free alternative that tastes good and has a familiar texture, i'd opt for brown rice alternatives.

  • Banza pasta is pretty close to the "real deal" - but with an ever so slightly different taste and chew to traditional pasta. It is not forgiving if you boil it over al dente, but that isn't a huge issue. My biggest issue is that they do not hold well as leftovers. If I make a bit too much for dinner, overnight the pasta (even if cooked to al dente) continues to absorb any liquid, and turns to mush by the next meal time. I really wish it would hold up better, that would make it 5 stars for me.

  • Great pasta, and very protein dense which is good - if you have a sensitive stomach maybe watch your portion size! Some of the pastas are a miss but the smaller shapes are better than the spaghetti. Very hit or miss with products across their whole brand, very much trial and error!

  • I've new to the Banza brand but I immediately fell in love with the chickpea penne. I've tried a lot of pasta alternatives (mostly veggie pasted until now) and they have never tasted like real pasta to me. Banza is the closest I've come and the amount of protein it has is such a game changer. If you love pasta but are looking for more protein and less carbs, definitely check it out. I don't have kids, but my niece/nephew ADORE boxed mac & cheese and I think it would be easy to swap it with this. They'd never know the difference and it's way healthier and more filling with the chickpea base. The pizza crust is next on my list to try for homemade pizza night.

  • This was okay! It wasn’t my favorite pasta but it also wasn’t the worst. Not sure if I will buy unless on sale

  • The texture and taste of Banza pasta are remarkably similar to traditional pasta, making it a seamless swap for those looking to incorporate more plant-based options into their diet without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you're enjoying it with your favorite sauce, in a hearty pasta salad, or as part of a nutritious macaroni and cheese, Banza pasta holds up well and delivers a satisfying eating experience.

  • I purchased Banza spaghetti because it was on the clearance rack at my local store, and I had a rebate in one of my shopping apps. I was also happy to see that it had added nutrients that isn't found in standard pasta. When I cooked it at home, I enjoyed the dish, but it was because of the flavors of the dish itself, not necessarily because the pasta had any significant flavor. That said, perhaps I should be happy enough with the added nutritional value, even while I don't think I'd pay full price for it.

    Rebate from ibotta