A combination of organic chickpeas and lentils, Chickapea Pasta is a rising gluten free option produced by Earth to Kids Inc., founded by current CEO Shelby Taylor. Nominated for Best New Emerging Specialty Food Product at the Gluten Free Expo in Vancouver, B.C., attendees can visit the Chickapea booth January 14-15, 2017 from 10- 4PM at Booth 319.
As a health shop owner and soon-to-be mother, Taylor noticed a major gap between convenient and nutritious food options available. “When I was pregnant with my son, I found myself more passionate about nutrition than ever,” says Taylor. “Talking to parents, I realized they are struggling to feed their children healthy meals they will actually eat and don’t require hours in the kitchen after a long day at work. That’s why I created Chickapea.”
Taylor presented her business idea at Georgian College’s exCite Week, a pitch event where a panel of experts guide and judge local entrepreneurs. Taylor won Best Pitch and soon gained investment and mentorship through one of the judging panelists.
Later that year, Taylor launched a Kickstarter campaign online and upon surpassing her fundraising goal of $25,000, spent 8 months working to bring Chickapea Pasta to market. Launching into retail on July 1st of 2016, the young brand is now sold in approximately 400 stores across Canada and set to launch in the US next month. The endeavour was later recognized by Maclean’s Magazine in an editorial on the successful assistance to new entrepreneurs by college-based programs.
Chickapea Pasta is a nutrient-dense, protein-rich alternative to traditional pasta for those looking for a more nutritious and gluten free option to a food they already know and love. With great taste and texture, unlike many alternatives on the market, Chickapea is a favourite for families needing a quick and easy meal with sustenance. It’s also a great option for vegetarians, individuals with food allergies and intolerances, and health issues like diabetes.
Both ingredients in Chickapea Pasta are classified as pulses. What are pulses you ask? Pulses are the dried seed of peas, edible beans, lentils and chickpeas. These are very high in protein and fibre while being low in fat. Benefits include:
•Blood sugar balance
•Cholesterol reduction
•Digestion support
•Immune system boosts
•Increase in energy
•Sleep induction
Among the benefits mentioned above, the combination of chickpeas and lentils is full of essential nutrients like complex carbs, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc and antioxidants. Chickapea has 23 grams of protein per serving, 40% of your daily iron intake and 11 grams of fibre – nearly half of your daily recommended value.
A unique alternative to traditional options, Chickapea Pasta is available across Canada and will launch into retail in the United States February 1st, 2017.
About Chickapea Pasta
Chickapea Pasta is an organic, high protein and high fibre pasta made from just two ingredients: organic chickpeas and lentils. Chock full of nutrients, Chickapea is delicious and free of gluten, preservatives, common allergens and anything artificial. It’s a pasta that anyone can feel good about eating and serving their family.
