How We Tested

Testers, judges and analysts received the pasta directly from Banza in its original packaging, with distribution coordinated by Best of the Year beginning in early July. Each of the 15 recipients received two boxes each of penne, rotini and elbow variants, for a total of 90 boxes. Most responses were collected by the end of August, giving most participants approximately four to six weeks to prepare and assess the pasta.

Designated consumer testers prepared it at home and rated its overall quality, taste, texture, package function, freshness, household appeal and their likelihood to recommend or purchase it. They also shared what they liked, what they would change and any problems they encountered.

A chef and two registered dietitians assessed the pasta’s taste, texture, ingredients, nutritional value, allergen labeling and overall performance within the category. These judges also considered consumer need, innovation, differentiation, value and the accuracy of the marketing claims. Two packaging experts reviewed functionality, product protection and material selection, while two additional experts looked more broadly at the entry’s environmental and social initiatives.

Best of the Year analysts reviewed the entry and submitted materials, weighing the product’s performance, packaging and social and environmental attributes. They also prepared the pasta in their own homes and served to their families just as consumer testers.

What Experts and Consumer Testers Said

Our judges put Banza through the kinds of things that can expose a protein pasta pretty quickly: different cook times, different sauces and, of course, the taste test. It held up to marinara and pesto, stayed al dente and resisted getting soft or mushy, even when cooked a little longer. One food judge credited the semolina for giving it the familiar taste and texture of traditional pasta, while noting the chickpeas bring added fiber and nutrition, calling the combination “excellent flavor and nutritional value.”

And our consumer testers? They mostly just ate their pasta. Households served it as they normally would, kids didn’t clock the swap and testers repeatedly commented on the texture and taste. One parent told us, “My kids didn't notice I gave them a different pasta. We will definitely keep buying this one now.” Hard to ask for a better endorsement of a healthier pasta swap than that.

“It's genius. Almost double the protein of regular pasta, and it tastes great with a perfect al dente texture. You no longer have to sacrifice the texture of pasta to get more protein.” -Best of the Year Judge & Food Category Expert

Our registered dietitians noted the short ingredient list and the added protein and fiber, while our sustainability-focused reviewers appreciated that Banza backs up its chickpea sourcing with third-party pesticide-residue testing. One thing to know: the pasta takes a touch longer to cook than some traditional pastas.

Testers landed on the same two things again and again: it tastes like real pasta, and the protein is a genuine plus. Households ate it happily, kids didn't clock the swap, and testers liked how well it held its texture. The only real nitpick was a wish for the label's serving units to be more consistent, which one tester was careful to say shouldn't count against it.

"Using semolina as the primary ingredient creates a familiar, widely appealing taste and texture while still retaining the fiber and nutritional benefits of chickpeas. Excellent flavor and nutritional value." -Best of the Year Judge & Food Category Expert

Best of the Year Bottom Line

If you've wanted to work more protein into weeknight dinners but haven't loved the protein pastas you've tried, give this Best of the Year Award winner a try. It cooks and eats like the pasta you already love, but with more protein and fiber. Bonus if the kids, your partner, roommates, or guests don't even notice you've made a swap! Are we right or are we right?

Why Trust Us?

The Best of the Year Media team comprises award-winning editors, analysts, subject-matter experts and consumer specialists who have spent their careers helping people make smarter, more confident decisions. With deep expertise across consumer lifestyle categories, our team brings decades of experience evaluating products, brands and services. Our recommendations are grounded in rigorous evaluation combined with expert judgment and consumer insights, giving readers trusted guidance on products, services, and experiences worth bringing into their lives.

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