Thinking about school lunches? Pulses – such as chickpeas, lentils and beans – offer an easy lunch alternative for parents who are looking for a new source of protein and fibre to pack in their child’s lunchbox as another school year gears up.

“Many parents are looking for quick and easy lunch ideas that their kids will actually eat or a source of protein to replace peanut butter, which is often not allowed in schools due to allergies,” said Debra McLennan, Food and Nutrition Coordinator with Alberta Pulse and a Registered Dietitian. “Pulses are a nutritious and delicious source of protein and other nutrients that are easy to add into lunches to give kids the energy they need for a busy school day.”

The Alberta Pulse recipe for Five-Minute Hummus is a simple dish that packs 5 g of protein and 2.5 g of fibre into a 75 mL serving. Hummus is a delicious, versatile recipe that can be used as a spread for breads and wraps that pairs well with fillings like sliced apple or lettuce and tomato. Kids also enjoy it as a dip for vegetables and crackers. Pre-packaged hummus is also available at grocery stores as a convenient alternative to making your own.  McLennan recommends checking for brands with lower sodium and fat content. The Alberta Pulse hummus recipe can also be made using black beans or lentils instead of chickpeas.

Marinated and Roasted Chickpeas can also be eaten as a crunchy snack for children who don’t enjoy the texture of hummus. A 60 mL serving contains 2 g of fibre and 4 g of protein. They are also a great addition to salads.

Both of the recipes mentioned above are gluten-free and vegetarian. The Alberta Pulse website (https://pulse.ab.ca/eating-pulses/ ) offers many other recipes that feature chickpeas, beans, lentils and field peas in appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and desserts.

The Alberta Pulse Growers Commission represents 6,000 growers of field pea, dry bean, lentil, chickpea, faba bean and soybean in Alberta.  Our vision is to have Alberta pulses recognized by consumers as environmentally friendly, healthy, nutritious, and recognized by all producers as being an essential element in a sustainable cropping system. 

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Peterson, Communications Coordinator
Alberta Pulse Growers
Phone: 780-986-9398 ext. 3
rpeterson@pulse.ab.ca