Is Banza Pasta Toxic for Celiacs, or is it Gluten-Free?

Celiac.com 12/28/2024 - We get a lot of questions about the gluten-free status of many products, especially pasta products. Lately, we've been seeing a number of questions about Banza pasta. Specifically, is Banza pasta "toxic," for celiacs, or is it gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? No, Banza pasta is not toxic. And yes, it's gluten-free. Here's the rundown.

Banza pasta is a popular brand of gluten-free pasta made primarily from chickpeas. Chickpeas are naturally gluten-free, and safe to consume. Banza pasta is gluten-free, and typically well tolerated by most people, including those with celiac disease.

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A recent study found high levels of glyphosate in Banza Chickpea Pasta, which found 2,963 ppb in the pasta, however, Karl Rickett from Banza has responded to this by indicating that it is a safe level according to FDA rules:

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Thanks for sharing that. I wanted to make sure you had the below facts for any future coverage since this is important context for readers to understand:

• The EPA’s limit for glyphosate in chickpea products is 8,000 parts per billion. Additionally, the MAA blog states the EU’s limit is 10 ppb when in fact the EU's limit is actually 10,000 ppb for chickpeas. The Banza product tested by MAA is well below both of those limits and is safe.
• The EPA and FDA have determined dietary exposure to glyphosate at these limits is safe for both adults and children
• There is also no connection between the use of glyphosate and celiac disease, as reported by Beyond Celiac and the Celiac Disease Foundation.
• There have been numerous scientific studies and government agencies that have proven that these trace amounts of glyphosate are completely safe.
  • The EPA, FDA, and larger scientific community have determined dietary exposure to glyphosate at these limits is safe and inconsequential for both adults and children. (EPA)
  • The European Food Safety Authority found no “areas of concern” for human, animal and environmental health from the use of glyphosate
  • The European Commission recently renewed their approval of glyphosate for another 10 years
  • The National Cancer Institute published a study that found no evidence linking glyphosate with cancer.

Banza pastas typically contain these gluten-free ingredients: Chickpeas, Pea Starch, Tapioca, Xanthan Gum. 

Banza is also produced in facilities that meet gluten-free standards, which helps to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods. Per the Banza website FAQ: 

• "All [Banza] pasta shapes (Alphabets, Angel Hair, Bowties, Bucatini, Cascatelli, Cavatappi, Elbows, Gemelli, Lasagna, Linguine, Penne, Rigatoni, Rotini, Shells, Spaghetti, Wheels, and Ziti) are certified by Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), and are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility."

As with any gluten-free product, it’s important to check the label to ensure it’s marked “Gluten Free”, which indicates it meets FDA standards (containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten). Banza's chickpea pasta offers a nutritious, high-protein, and high-fiber alternative to traditional pasta, making it suitable for those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Digestive Sensitivity: Chickpeas are a type of legume, and for some people, legumes can cause mild digestive discomfort (such as gas or bloating) due to their high fiber content. This is not a toxicity issue but rather a matter of individual digestive sensitivity.
• Allergies: Banza pasta may not be safe for people who have legume allergies, as it could trigger an allergic reaction.
• Phytic Acid: Like many legumes, chickpeas contain phytic acid, an anti-nutrient that can interfere with the absorption of certain minerals. This is only a concern if chickpeas (or foods high in phytic acid) are eaten in large amounts without a balanced diet.

For most people, Banza pasta is a healthy, nutritious alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta, providing more protein and fiber.