Detroit, Michigan-based Banza has expanded beyond chickpea-based pasta and rice options with the introduction of what is being promoted as the first-ever frozen pizza made with a chickpea crust. The new product reinforces the company’s commitment to reformulating favorite comfort foods traditionally made with wheat, corn or rice by substituting chickpeas.
As detailed in the table below, Banza’s pizzas have more protein and fiber, and fewer net carbohydrates and sodium, than traditional (wheat-based) and better-for-you (cauliflower-based) frozen pizzas currently sold in the United States retail market. They rely on whole ingredients like chickpeas, olive oil, yeast and oregano to deliver the taste and texture consumers prefer when eating pizza, including a crispy crust with a doughy center that doesn’t flop over when one picks up a slice.
“Chickpeas are one of the most nutrient-dense and environmentally friendly foods available, yet we consume far less of them than we should,” said Brian Rudolph, chief executive officer and co-founder of Banza. “We’re demonstrating the versatility of the ingredient and increasing consumption by using them to upgrade some of America’s favorite foods.”
The new line is available in three varieties including Four Cheese, Roasted Veggie and Margherita, and a two-pack, build-your-own Plain crust option. Each pie takes less that 15 minutes of oven cooking time to prepare, and provides either eight servings (for the Plain option, which comes with two crusts per package) or two servings (for others).
Since launching five years ago, Banza has become the fastest-growing pasta brand in the USA, and is currently sold in more than 13,500 stores across the nation. The company offers 16 different pasta shapes, four varieties of chickpea rice, and six varieties of macaroni and cheese.
Banza Pizza is now available at Whole Foods Market, Target, Wegmans and Heinen’s, as well as online at Amazon and EatBanza.com, at a suggested retail price of $8.99.
