Is Chickpea Pasta Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Chickpea pasta is processed (Level 2). It is typically made from just chickpea flour (and sometimes lentil flour) with water, then extruded into pasta shapes. The ingredient list is remarkably simple — often just one or two items.
Key Findings
- •Single-ingredient chickpea pasta (just chickpea flour) is Level 2 — as simple as traditional pasta
- •Legume protein naturally binds the pasta, eliminating the need for additives
- •Banza and similar quality brands maintain very short ingredient lists
Why Is Chickpea Pasta Level 2?
Chickpea pasta production mirrors traditional pasta: flour is mixed with water and extruded through dies into shapes, then dried. The key difference is the flour source — chickpea or a chickpea-lentil blend instead of durum wheat semolina. Most quality brands list only chickpea flour as the single ingredient, with water used in processing but not listed. The extrusion process is mechanical, identical to traditional pasta manufacturing. No binders, gums, or additives are needed because legume proteins provide natural structure.
Chickpea Pasta Processing Level Distribution
How 331 chickpea pasta products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 13.4 · Average nutrition score: 8.6/10
Chickpea Pasta Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed chickpea pasta products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusilli Red Lentil Pasta | Brandless | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic, Red Lentil Pasta, Penne | Shoprite | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Lentil Penne Bean Pasta | Modern Table Meals | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Gluten Free Chickpea Pasta, Spaghetti | Good & Gather | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic, Chickpea Pasta, Rotini | Shoprite | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Organic, Chickpea Pasta, Penne | Shoprite | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Fusilli Red Lentil Pasta | Brandless | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| High Protein Red Lentil Pasta, Penne Rigate No.41 | De Cecco | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Lentil Rotini Bean Pasta Meals | Modern Table Meals | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Gluten Free Penne Yellow Lentil Pasta, Penne Yellow Lentil | Good Graces | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Chickpea Pasta Labels
- 1
The best chickpea pastas list only one ingredient: chickpea flour (or chickpeas)
- 2
Some brands blend with lentil flour or pea protein — still simple but check for additives
- 3
Avoid chickpea pasta with added xanthan gum, corn starch, or rice starch — these indicate a less pure product
- 4
The ingredient list should be no longer than wheat pasta: flour and water
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chickpea pasta ultra-processed?
No. Chickpea pasta is Level 2, processed. Quality brands contain only chickpea flour, processed by extrusion — the same mechanical method used for traditional pasta. No industrial additives are needed.
Is chickpea pasta more processed than regular pasta?
No. Both chickpea pasta and traditional wheat pasta are Level 2. Both involve grinding grain or legume into flour, mixing with water, extruding into shapes, and drying. The processing is identical; only the flour source differs.
What is the best brand of chickpea pasta?
Look for brands listing only chickpea flour (one ingredient). Banza, Tolerant, and similar brands keep ingredient lists minimal. Avoid brands adding corn starch, rice starch, or xanthan gum as fillers.