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Chickpea, Lentil, and Bean Pastas Take a Third of the Pasta Aisle

Banza, Barilla Protein+, and ZENB are reshaping the pasta category — once a commodity — into a high-protein, low-glycemic battleground.

By FTW Editorial·May 20, 2026·5 min read
Chickpea, Lentil, and Bean Pastas Take a Third of the Pasta Aisle

Banza, Barilla Protein+, and ZENB are reshaping the pasta category — once a commodity — into a high-protein, low-glycemic battleground.

What happened

Mainstream pasta brands are reformulating with legume flour to compete, and private label is following fast.

Why it matters

Pasta has been a flat $5B category for decades. Protein-forward pasta is unlocking growth and pulling shoppers back from rice and grain bowls.

Market impact

Durum wheat pasta still dominates volume, but value share is shifting fast. Expect a 30%+ legume-pasta footprint by 2027.

Consumer insight

GLP-1 users explicitly want lower-glycemic carbs that still feel familiar — legume pasta hits the spec.

Strategic takeaway

Category managers should expand legume-pasta facings now; pasta innovation should center on protein/fiber, not new shapes.

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