The present invention relates to the utilization of pre-cooked cereal tubular starch such as oat flour, corn flour, corn starch, rice flour, rice starch, potato starch, pre-gelled potato starch, Cassava starch, or tapioca starch in the making of high protein pretzels and snacks as well as food particles which posses a lower bulk density and lighter crunch in the finished products. Such a matrix combined with a gas infused plasticizing agent in the making of pretzels, high protein pretzels, and snacks will result in an even lighter texture in the finished product.