4 New Ways to Eat More Pulses

This plant-based milk alternative from Ripple Foods is produced from yellow peas, which are blended with water, sunflower oil, and omega-3 rich algal oil to create a creamy beverage with 8g protein per 8-ounce glass (more than any nut milk); half the sugar and 50% more calcium than cow's milk; and 30% of your daily vitamin D, a nutrient that's difficult to obtain from plant sources.

These specialty beans are worth seeking out if you're a true bean aficionado. They're pricier than their conventional counterparts but are subtly different in taste and texture—an elegance you'll only pick up if you're planning to eat the beans on their own. They may lose that gorgeous speckled, spattered, and vibrant coloring once cooked. Top brands include Bob's Red Mill and Rancho Gordo.

Unlike most gluten-free flours, Bob's Red Mill chickpea flour (also called garbanzo bean flour) is high nutritious; it's packed with protein, fiber, and all the good-for-you benefits that come with the whole bean. Bonus: At less than $3 a pound, it's very affordable. Use it in savory pancakes and muffins, to bind veggie burgers, to bread meats, and to thicken soups.

Light, airy, and pleasantly savory, these lentil-based sea salt chips from Enjoy Life Eat Freely are far from the dense, meaty texture of their whole-lentil counterpart and boast a hearty 3g protein per ounce. Try the Dill and Sour Cream flavor for an herby, vibrant kick.