# Cheesy Protein-Packed Pastas The New Chickapea Mac and Cheese Comes in Three Delicious Flavors By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-02-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickapea-mac-and-cheese References: [foodbev](https://www.foodbev.com/news/chickapea-pulse-based-vegetarian-mac-cheese/) & [choosechickapea](https://choosechickapea.com) The Chickapea [Mac](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies) and Cheese has been released by the brand to provide consumers with access to a delicious yet healthy product that is suitable for all members of the family. Crafted from organic chickpeas and lentils, the [packaged pasta dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytoeat-pasta-meals) come in three flavor options including 'Mac with Classic Cheddar,' 'Shells with White Cheddar' and 'Mini Spirals with Classic Cheddar.' Each one is packed with [19 grams of protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-pasta), less than 500mg of sodium and eight grams of fiber, which makes them ideal for consumers who are looking for a healthier way to indulge their craving for macaroni and cheese. The Chickapea Mac and Cheese pastas are USDA Organic, Project Non-GMO Verified, certified vegetarian and don't contain gluten. Image Credit: FoodBev Media ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Protein-packed Pasta:** Opportunity for companies to create innovative, healthy pasta products with high protein content. - **Healthy Convenience Foods:** Potential for the development of more packaged foods that are both convenient and nutritious. - **Alternative Grain Pastas:** Potential for the creation of pasta dishes made from alternative grains, such as chickpeas and lentils. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food Manufacturing:** Opportunity for food manufacturers to create and produce protein-packed pasta products. - **Health and Wellness:** Potential for the health and wellness industry to promote and market healthier convenience foods. - **Alternative Grains:** Opportunity for companies specializing in alternative grains to expand into the pasta market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Better-for-You Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gluten-free-veggie-pasta.md) - [Cheesy Artisan-Inspired Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodles-mac-and-cheese-flavors.md) - [Limited-Edition Kid Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healthy-mac-cheese.md) - [Nutrient-Rich Instant Macaronis](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/annies.md) - [Clean-Label Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deluxe-mac-and-cheese.md) - [High-Fiber Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/goodwheat-1.md) - [Protein-Packed Boxed Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mac-cheese-and-rigatoni.md) - [Protein-Packed Macaroni Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-mac-cheese.md) - [Guilt-Free Protein Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/equii-protein-pasta.md)