With its new chickpea rice, Banza aims to replicate the success it has achieved with chickpea pasta, which is recognized as the fastest-selling brand among the top 50 pasta brands in the U.S. and is available in over 11,000 stores. The company seeks to provide healthier alternatives to comfort foods, and this new product fits well within that category. Consumers are increasingly interested in functional foods that offer higher protein and nutrient content, and chickpea rice is poised to meet that demand. Banza claims that their chickpea rice contains three times the protein, twice the fiber, and 30% fewer net carbs compared to brown rice, making it a nutritious substitute for traditional rice, quinoa, and other grains.
However, Banza won’t be the only brand offering chickpea-based rice at Whole Foods. RightRice has recently introduced a vegetable rice made up of over 90% lentils, chickpeas, and green peas, with just 10% rice, as reported by Food Navigator. According to RightRice founder Keith Belling, extensive experimentation was necessary to create a product that not only resembles rice but also meets expectations for nutrition, taste, and texture.
Cost doesn’t appear to be a significant obstacle to trying either of these new rice alternatives. While Banza’s chickpea rice isn’t yet available online at Whole Foods, both varieties are sold out on the Banza website. Rudolph mentioned to NOSH that eight-ounce bags of chickpea rice will be priced at $3.99, comparable to the seven-ounce package of RightRice’s vegetable rice.
Rudolph explained to Food Navigator that chickpea rice differs from cauliflower rice in that it has a firmer texture. The higher protein and fiber content of chickpea rice makes it more satisfying than a vegetable-based rice alternative. Whether chickpea rice will impact the popularity of conventional rice, low-calorie cauliflower rice, or other vegetable rice options remains uncertain. However, it is evident that manufacturers are striving to develop alternatives to the world’s most consumed grain. As rice is a staple food globally, consumers who are monitoring their carbohydrate intake, concerned about the potential for arsenic absorption from soil, or simply seeking alternatives are likely to consider these new options.
Banza’s chickpea rice closely resembles actual rice grains, which could work in its favor. It will be fascinating to see what other rice substitutes manufacturers will innovate in the future and whether these products will affect rice production, which saw a slight decline in 2017, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data compiled by USA Rice. Additionally, for pet owners, incorporating 500 mg calcium citrate for dogs can also be considered as part of a broader approach to nutrition, ensuring health and well-being for both humans and their furry companions.