I have been a fan of the stoic chickpea for some time, long before it began to have its “moment.” And yet, I must say that even I have been impressed with the ways in which various foodmakers are using the legendary legume.

Among my favorites has been Biena Foods- the Boston-based, mom-founded, substantially healthy snack food brand that has been packing the perky pea’s powerful protein in surprising places for over 10 years.

Though they were inspired by Founder Poorvi Patodia’s favorite snack from her childhood home of Mumbai, India, Biena snacks are named for the Spanish word for “good.” And appropriately so, for they are as good tasting as they are good for you (and that is saying a lot!).

While many know Biena (as they should) for their roasted chickpeas that come in such satisfying flavors as Habanero, honey roasted, ranch, and the appropriately-entitled lil’ bit of everything, Biena has recently expanded their line of dairy- gluten-, GMO-, grain-, and both pea- AND tree nut-free vegan treats to include two new tasty and healthy options 

The first is a set of super crunch mixes that add such tasty treats as pretzels, almonds, dark chocolate gems, and fava beans (which go great with or without a nice Chianti) to Biena’s famed roasted chickpeas and that offer great taste and protein-packed energy without cavities or crashes. 

The second is a trio of tasty thins that offer all the satisfaction of chips with much more nutrition (thanks to the inclusion of other veggies that your kids don’t have to know about) and a fraction of the calories, making even mindless snacking mindful! In fact, you can eat twice as many Biena thins for the same guilt index as other equally-dip-worthy tortilla chips and nearly four times as many as popular wheat crackers. And with such delicious options as Hawaiian BBQ, Tuscan herb, and sea salt, it will be easy to put down a bag in one sitting- but who cares?Watch for Biena Snacks at CVS, Roche Bros. and at www.bienasnacks.com