Fuel Your Workout Without the Gluten Guilt
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Carb-loading doesn't have to mean a food coma before your session.
The Power Protein Duo pairs our two highest-protein SKUs — Chickpea Penne (19.51g protein/100g) and Makhana Penne (13.27g protein/100g) — into one combo built for people who train and still want an actual meal, not a shake in a pasta-shaped disguise.
Why this specific pairing
Chickpea brings the protein density; Makhana keeps things light enough to not sit heavy before or after a session. We didn't want to just bundle our two most popular pastas together and call it a fitness pack — the pairing is deliberate. Chickpea Penne alone is protein-dense but slightly heavier; Makhana alone is lighter but less protein-forward. Together, you get a rotation that covers both pre-workout fuel and post-workout recovery without needing to think too hard about which pack to reach for.
Where pasta actually fits in a training week
Pasta is a genuinely solid pre-workout carb source — that's not new information, athletes have relied on carb-loading for decades. What's usually missing from regular wheat pasta is meaningful protein; it's mostly along for the ride. Swapping in chickpea-based pasta changes that math: you're getting real protein per bowl without reaching for a separate protein source on top, which matters most on the days you genuinely don't have time to cook two different things before or after training.
Pre-workout vs. post-workout, practically
Chickpea Penne, with its higher protein and slightly denser carb profile, works well 60 to 90 minutes before a workout for sustained energy that won't spike and crash mid-session. Makhana Penne's lighter profile makes it a better post-workout option — easier on a stomach that's just been through a hard session, while still delivering solid protein for recovery. It's not a rigid rule, but it's a useful default if you're not sure which to reach for.
Where this doesn't replace anything
We want to be upfront: this isn't a replacement for your actual protein targets if you're training seriously. A combined 13-20g protein per 100g bowl is a strong protein-forward meal base, not a substitute for hitting a daily protein target built around your bodyweight and training goals. Think of it as a smarter foundation to build a meal on — add a side of dal, paneer, or your usual protein source if you're training hard, rather than expecting the pasta alone to carry your macros.
Can I eat this before a workout, or only after?
Either — Chickpea Penne works well 60-90 minutes pre-workout for sustained energy; Makhana's lighter profile makes it a solid post-workout option too.
Is this enough protein to replace a protein shake?
Not on its own for serious training volumes — it's a strong protein-forward meal base, not a substitute for hitting your full daily protein target.
How should I split the combo across a training week?
A common pattern is Chickpea on heavier training days for the extra protein and density, Makhana on lighter or recovery days when you want something gentler on digestion.
Get the Power Protein Duo or explore Chickpea Pasta alone.
