Hey there pasta lover! If you‘ve been hanging around the food scene lately, you‘ve probably heard some buzz about a little something called ZENB pasta. As someone who‘s always on the hunt for the latest and greatest in delicious eats, I simply had to get my hands on this intriguing new noodle and put it to the test. And let me tell you, I was blown away!
But before I dive into my personal experience with ZENB, let‘s back up a bit. If you‘re scratching your head wondering what the heck this ZENB stuff is, allow me to enlighten you. In a nutshell, ZENB is a totally unique, plant-based pasta made from 100% yellow peas. Yup, you read that right – no wheat, no gluten, just wholesome, nutritious peas in all their glory.
The Scoop On ZENB Pasta
So what‘s the big deal with pea pasta, you ask? Well, my friend, buckle up because we‘re about to take a deep dive into all things ZENB. First off, let‘s talk nutrition. One serving of ZENB pasta boasts a whopping 17 grams of protein and 11 grams of fiber. That‘s some serious plant power! It‘s also got 50% less net carbs compared to traditional pasta. As someone who‘s always trying to sneak more veggies into my diet, I love that ZENB makes it so effortless.
But the bennies don‘t stop there. ZENB pasta is also gluten-free and non-GMO. As more and more people are hopping on the gluten-free train, whether by necessity or choice, it‘s awesome to see a tasty pasta option that caters to those needs. In fact, the gluten-free food market is projected to reach a value of $7.5 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2020 to 2027, according to a report by Grand View Research. ZENB is right on trend!
Now, I know what you might be thinking. Pea pasta? Sounds kind of…meh. But trust me, ZENB is anything but boring. It comes in all sorts of fun shapes like penne, rotini, elbows, and even a cool curly one called agile. And the best part? It cooks up in a mere 3 minutes. As someone who‘s always go-go-go, I appreciate a speedy meal option that doesn‘t skimp on flavor or nutrition.
Taste Testing ZENB
Alright, let‘s get to the good stuff – how does ZENB actually taste? I‘ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, could a pasta made from peas really rival my beloved carby noods? But from the moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. The texture is spot on – slightly chewy and al dente, just how I like it. And the flavor? Surprisingly neutral, which means it pairs perfectly with any sauce your heart desires.
But don‘t just take my word for it. I scoured the web for other ZENB reviews and found that I‘m far from alone in my love for this pasta. Check out what some other foodies had to say:
"I‘m blown away by how similar ZENB is to ‘real‘ pasta. It has the same mouthfeel and neutral taste. I would never guess it was made from peas!" – Katie, food blogger at Bistro Katie
"As someone with Celiac disease, I‘m always on the lookout for gluten-free options that don‘t taste like cardboard. ZENB pasta is a game-changer! It‘s delicious and packed with nutrients." – Mark, reviewer on Amazon
"I love that ZENB is a no-brainer way to get more plant-based protein and fiber. It keeps me full for hours. Plus, it‘s so versatile – I use it in everything from pasta salads to soups!" – Lauren, health coach and ZENB fan
Beyond The Pasta
While the pasta is undoubtedly the star of the show, ZENB also offers some other craveable creations. Their veggie-based sauces are the perfect complement to your plate of pea pasta. I‘m personally obsessed with the Roasted Tomato Sauce, which gets its luscious texture from a sneaky addition of almond butter. Yum!
And for those times when you need a nutritious nibble on the go, ZENB‘s snack bites are the answer to your snacky prayers. Available in both savory and sweet flavors, they pack a full serving of veggies into every pouch. The Edamame Green Pea is a personal fave – it‘s got a satisfying crunch and a zesty kick of wasabi.
The Lowdown On The Brand
At this point, you might be curious about the masterminds behind this pasta revolution. ZENB was founded in 2019 by the Mizkan Group, a Japanese company that‘s been around for over 215 years. Talk about some serious history! While ZENB is a relatively new kid on the block, it‘s got some major backing.
One of the things I love most about ZENB (besides the insanely delish pasta, of course) is the company‘s commitment to sustainability and reducing food waste. They use parts of veggies that are often discarded, like peels and stems, to create their products. It‘s a small step with a big impact – according to the UN Environment Program, global food waste generates about 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Props to ZENB for being part of the solution!
The Question On Everyone‘s Mind
By now, you‘re probably wondering if ZENB is worth the hype (and the slightly higher price tag). A 12oz box of ZENB pasta will run you around $5, which is definitely steeper than your standard spaghetti. But in my opinion, the nutritional benefits and top-notch taste make it a worthwhile splurge.
To break it down a bit further, let‘s compare ZENB to some other popular pastas on the market:
| Nutrition (per serving) | ZENB Pasta | Banza Chickpea Pasta | Barilla Protein+ | Barilla Regular |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 190 | 190 | 200 | 200 |
| Total Fat | 0.5g | 3.5g | 1.5g | 1g |
| Protein | 17g | 14g | 10g | 7g |
| Fiber | 11g | 8g | 4g | 2g |
| Net Carbs | 22g | 32g | 38g | 41g |
As you can see, ZENB packs in more protein and fiber than even other alternative pastas like Banza, and blows traditional pasta out of the water in those departments. It‘s also got the lowest net carbs of the bunch. While calories are similar across the board, I personally feel that ZENB‘s stellar nutritional profile makes it the clear winner.
Of course, the value of ZENB pasta goes beyond just the numbers. For those with gluten sensitivities or anyone trying to incorporate more plant-based foods, ZENB is a total game-changer. It makes it easy (and crazy delicious) to enjoy a classic comfort food, minus the gluten and with a boost of nutrients. I‘d say that‘s priceless!
Final Thoughts On ZENB
Well, my friend, we‘ve reached the end of our ZENB pasta journey. I hope I‘ve given you all the deets you need to decide if this trendy noodle is right for you. From my personal experience and rave reviews around the web, I can confidently say that ZENB is the real deal. It‘s a pasta that tastes amazing, fuels your body with the good stuff, and fits seamlessly into a busy lifestyle. What more could a girl ask for?
If you‘re intrigued by ZENB but not quite ready to commit, I feel you. Trying new things can be daunting! Luckily, ZENB offers a starter pack filled with a variety of pasta shapes and sauces, so you can sample the goods before diving into a full box. And pssst…if you sign up for ZENB‘s email list, you‘ll score a sweet 30% off discount. You‘re welcome!
Well, that‘s all she wrote! I hope my ZENB pasta review has inspired you to switch up your noodle game and give this plant-powered pasta a twirl. I truly believe that small changes, like opting for a more nutritious pasta, can make a big difference in how we feel. And when those changes taste this dang good? That‘s a win-win in my book.
Until next time, happy cooking…and eating!
Ciao bella,
Your Trusted Food Bestie
ZENB Pasta FAQ
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Is ZENB pasta keto-friendly?
While ZENB is lower in net carbs than traditional pasta, it is not strictly keto-friendly. With 22g net carbs per serving, it exceeds the typical limit for keto dieters. However, it can still be incorporated into a low-carb or cyclical keto diet. -
Can I cook ZENB pasta in the Instant Pot?
You bet! Since ZENB pasta cooks so quickly on the stovetop, you‘ll want to adjust your cook time accordingly. For perfect al dente results, try cooking on high pressure for 0 (yes, zero!) minutes, then quick releasing and straining immediately. -
How should I store leftover cooked ZENB pasta?
To keep your noods fresh and fabulous, store any leftover cooked ZENB pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for 3-5 days. For optimal texture, I recommend reheating gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or sauce. -
Is ZENB pasta safe for those with peanut allergies?
Yes! ZENB pasta is made in a peanut-free facility and does not contain any peanut products. However, always check the label and contact the company directly if you have any concerns about potential cross-contamination. -
Can I use ZENB pasta in cold dishes?
Absolutely! ZENB pasta holds up beautifully in chilled pasta salads and other cold concoctions. I love tossing cooled ZENB noodles with fresh veggies, mozzarella pearls, and a bright pesto for a satisfying summer lunch. Don‘t be afraid to get creative with your pea pasta creations!
