Perhaps you've come across lupin flour by accident, perusing the ingredient list on a food label.
Maybe you've been snacking on sweet lupini beans for years but have never even heard of lupin flour. Well, get ready, because this up-and-coming ingredient is taking the plant-based foods world by storm.
Made from ground lupini beans (also known as lupin beans), it's a type of flour that is becoming increasingly popular, especially as more plant-based proteins rise in demand.
Naturally, we're lupin flour’s biggest fans, as it's the main ingredient in our lupini pastas. In fact, if it wasn’t for lupin flour, we would still be lost trying to come up with the perfect low-carb pasta recipe.
Fortunately, it does exist, and here are eight good reasons why lupini pasta is the best keto pasta.
Lupin flour explained
So, what is lupin flour exactly and is it just another food trend?
We're happy to say that we think lupini is here for the long-haul.
It's a legume flour made out of ground lupini beans, a nutritional powerhouse. It is high in protein, high in fiber and low in carbs, which is why it's becoming more commonly used in gluten-free, low-carb and keto recipes.
With a fairly neutral flavor, very low glycemic index and overall "fluffy" texture that is similar to wheat flour, lupin flour is a great keto-friendly flour on its own or in combination with other nut flours or flour alternatives.
What does lupin flour taste like?
On their own, lupini beans can have a bitter taste (they actually require soaking before use to mellow out the flavor). Since lupin flour is simply ground beans, the flour can have a very slight bitterness that some people describe as a light aftertaste.
This is another reason why lupin flour is often combined with other low-carb wheat flour alternatives.
For instance, we use a combination of lupin flour, fava bean protein and tapioca starch to create a mellow, neutral flavor in our pastas. They taste just like the real deal- no bitterness at all!
Lupin flour texture
As for the texture? That’s where the magic happens.
Lupin flour can create amazingly airy baked goods and help achieve the “perfect texture.”
While almond flour and coconut flour are often known for producing dense baked goods, lupin flour offers a stark comparison: light and fluffy results. And for the low-carb and gluten-free baker, this is where lupin flour really shines.
Lupin flour nutrition
When it comes to the nutritional profile, lupin flour is impressive! A 1/4 cup serving contains only 1 gram net carbs, 2 grams fat and 12 grams of protein. It's no wonder lupin flour is making a name for itself.
Not only is it a good choice for low-carb and keto dieters, but it's also perfect for those who have allergic reactions to more commonly-used wheat flour substitutes like almond flour, coconut flour and other nut flours.
For that reason, lupin flour is an incredible keto-friendly ingredient that is packed with nutrients and has the ability to achieve optimal baking results.
What are lupini beans?
Lupini beans might be new to you, but they’ve actually been around and enjoyed as a culinary treat for quite some time- centuries, to be exact!
The use of this ancient superfood dates back to before ancient Rome. It’s a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern, Italian and Mediterranean cuisines and is often regarded as a snacking item (think tasty, boldly-spiced street food) in those regions.
Lupini beans are in the legume family- same as peanuts- so keep in mind that this ingredient may not be ideal for people who have a peanut allergy. According to the FDA, if you’re allergic to peanuts, you may also react to lupin or lupini.
Health benefits of lupini beans
But if you’re not, this little bean offers so much! It adds impressive nutritional value to recipes since it’s high in both dietary fiber and protein. And the amazing health benefits continue.
Lupini beans have also been shown to support the digestive system and heart health. They’re anti-inflammatory and offer a great option for those on a plant-based diet and others who are simply looking to incorporate more plant protein and high fiber ingredients into their lifestyle.
About Kaizen lupin flour pasta
Plant-protein, nutrient-dense, with a low glycemic index. We took everything amazing that lupin flour has to offer and packed it into our lupini pasta!
From Ziti to Radiatori to Fusilli, you can feel good knowing that each serving of our low-carb pastas offer:
- 15 g fiber
- 20 g protein
- 6 grams net carbs.
Our pastas are perfect if you're following a low-carb lifestyle, a ketogenic diet or plant-based diet.
But really, they’re ideal for anyone who cares about fueling their body with nutrition while enjoying their favorite foods.
Did we mention they taste just like pasta?! And they are just as versatile, too. Kaizen’s lupin flour pasta has all kinds of uses!
Lupini Pasta Recipes
Let's Connect
What are your favorite ways to enjoy Kaizen pasta?
Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram @kaizenfoodcompany- we love to see how you flex your Kaizen creations with all of our low-carb pastas!
