EV’s Take: We’ll pass on Banza’s Deluxe Vegan Cheddar Shells.
Banza claims that you won’t believe these deluxe cheddar shells are plant-based. Unfortunately, I fear I can believe it. Which is sad because I generally enjoy plant-based mac and cheese. I liked Goodles, and after reviewing Daiya’s Cheddar Deluxe Vegan Mac & Cheese, I almost thought it seemed silly to review vegan mac and cheese. How could anyone mess it up? Well, unfortunately, this review proves that I must continue my pilgrimage through vegan mac and cheeses. I was really upset that these cheddar shells were so bad. I love the packaging! The sauce looks so luxe on the box! Why is mine so anemic and smelly?
Side tangent: the smell is one thing I really had a problem with. You’ll notice that my three parameters are taste, texture, and price. But Banza has me questioning if odor needs to be accounted for. When I made these and called my husband down to try them, he immediately said, “Whoa, it does NOT smell good in here,” as soon as he entered the dining room. I felt the same way upon opening the cheese package. It just delivers a very odorous funk that I don’t vibe with at all. It’s a sort of bitter, chemical smell that really penetrates your nostrils.
I digress. All in all, this was not a good mac and cheese experience, and I would not recommend trying it.
Banza Deluxe Vegan Cheddar Shells Ingredients:
Banza uses its signature chickpea pasta for its plant-based cheddar shells.
Here’s what’s in each bite:
Chickpea Pasta: Chickpeas, Pea Starch, Tapioca, Xanthan Gum.
Vegan Cheese: Water, Coconut Oil, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil*, Tapioca, Salt, Contains 2% or Less of: Pea Protein Isolate, Sodium Alginate, Yeast Extract, Monoglycerides, Annatto Extract, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Vegan Natural Flavor.
*Non-GMO
Banza Deluxe Vegan Cheddar Shells Nutrition:
| Serving Size | 94g |
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Total Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 12g |
The nutrition would not be bad if I could stomach eating it! Banza delivers a nutritionally balanced vegan mac and cheese, with a good amount of protein and fiber. Unfortunately for me, this is all moot because I won’t be eating it again. But, if you are looking for something in the general vicinity of mac and cheese with good macros, this might be something you want to have occasionally to curb the craving. I’d definitely be choosing Daiya or Goodles over Banza, though.
How to Cook Banza’s Deluxe Vegan Cheddar Shells:
Just like any other mac and cheese! Simply boil the pasta, drain and rinse it, and then toss with the cheese sauce. Easy peasy, squeezy cheezy.
How did EV eat Banza’s Deluxe Vegan Cheddar Shells?
For our taste test, we just ate a few bites fresh off the stove. We couldn’t eat the entire package, truthfully.
Where can I buy Banza?
These are currently out of stock on the Banza website, but appear to be available from online retailers like Amazon (in bulk). I wonder if they’re discontinuing these, as I can only find the brown rice pasta and vegan cheddar sauce available on Instacart now. Which is strange because I just purchased these recently! You can use their store locator to find a retailer near you.
What do you think?
Have you tried Banza’s vegan cheddar shells? Love them or hate them? Tell us in the comments!
