Chickpea Snacks Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, 2019-2029F

The Chickpea Snacks Market was valued at USD 1.84 Billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 2.98 Billion by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 8.43%.. The global chickpea snacks market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by rising consumer demand for healthier, plant-based snack options. Chickpeas, known for their high nutritional value, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, are increasingly being recognized as a healthier alternative to traditional snack ingredients. This has led to the development of a wide range of chickpea-based products, including roasted chickpeas, chips, puffs, and flour-based snacks, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking nutrient-dense snacks.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Plant-Based and Nutritious Snacks

One of the primary drivers of the global chickpea snacks market is the increasing demand for plant-based and nutrient-rich snacks. As consumers become more health-conscious and aware of the importance of incorporating plant-based proteins into their diets, chickpea snacks have gained popularity. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them an ideal snack choice for individuals seeking healthier alternatives to traditional snacks, which are often high in unhealthy fats and sugars.

Chickpeas are naturally gluten-free, non-GMO, and provide a sustainable plant-based protein, making them an attractive option for people following plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian diets. The growing trend toward plant-based eating, fueled by both health and ethical considerations, has created a strong demand for chickpea snacks. For instance, Sales data from the wholesaler revealed a 39% increase in the 'healthy snacking' category in 2023 compared to 2022. Current sales for 2024 indicate an additional 4% growth to date compared to the same period last year, which drivers the market growth
Furthermore, consumers are increasingly interested in foods that not only meet their nutritional needs but also offer an enjoyable taste and satisfying texture. As a result, manufacturers are innovating to produce a wide variety of chickpea-based snacks, such as roasted chickpeas, chips, puffs, and hummus-based snacks, in different flavors and formats, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences.

Health-Conscious Eating Habits

Another significant driver of the global chickpea snacks market is the increasing adoption of health-conscious eating habits. Modern consumers are becoming more aware of the nutritional value of the foods they consume and are actively seeking out healthier snack alternatives. This growing emphasis on health has led to a shift away from traditional snack foods, which often contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives. As a result, snacks made from chickpeas, which are naturally high in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, are gaining traction.

Chickpea snacks, particularly roasted chickpeas and chickpea-based chips are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps consumers feel full for longer periods, making them a great option for weight management. Additionally, chickpeas are a rich source of plant-based protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth, making them particularly appealing to athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The presence of essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, and magnesium further enhance the nutritional profile of chickpea snacks, appealing to consumers looking for snacks that support overall well-being.

As the awareness of the link between diet and health continues to grow, the demand for nutritious, low-calorie, and functional snacks will continue to rise. This has led to the proliferation of health-focused snack products that promote weight loss, digestion, and energy levels, creating a strong demand for chickpea-based snacks.

Popularity of Gluten-Free Products

The growing popularity of gluten-free diets is another key factor driving the global chickpea snacks market. Gluten intolerance and celiac disease have become increasingly recognized, leading to a surge in demand for gluten-free food products. As more people avoid gluten due to medical reasons or personal preference, the market for gluten-free snacks has expanded, and chickpeas are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal ingredient for snack foods targeting this consumer segment.

Chickpeas, being a versatile legume, can be easily incorporated into various gluten-free snack options without compromising taste or texture. This has led to the rise of chickpea-based snacks like chips, crackers, and puffs, which are marketed as both gluten-free and highly nutritious. Gluten-free snacks are no longer just a niche market but have become mainstream, with consumers actively seeking out gluten-free options in grocery stores and online marketplaces. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing chickpea-based snacks that cater to this growing segment.

Key Market Challenges

Consumer Taste Preferences and Perception

While chickpea-based snacks are touted for their health benefits, convincing mainstream consumers to embrace them fully remains a challenge. Many people still associate legumes like chickpeas with savory dishes, such as hummus or curries, rather than snacks. As a result, changing consumer perceptions and encouraging people to adopt chickpea snacks as a regular snack option can be a slow and challenging process.

Another issue is that chickpea-based snacks, such as roasted chickpeas or chips, may not appeal to all taste preferences. While some consumers may find the texture and flavor of chickpea snacks enjoyable, others may find them too dry, bland, or unfamiliar compared to traditional snacks like chips, crackers, or popcorn. Chickpeas, when not prepared with the right flavorings or seasonings, can also have an earthy or slightly nutty taste that may not be palatable to everyone.

Competition from Other Snack Categories

The global snack market is highly competitive, and chickpea snacks face significant competition from other healthier snack categories, such as snacks made from other legumes (like lentils or peas), nuts, seeds, and even plant-based protein snacks. While chickpea snacks offer various nutritional benefits, they must compete with an array of other plant-based and gluten-free options that are also being marketed as healthy, low-calorie, or high-protein alternatives.

For example, lentil-based snacks and pea protein-based products have emerged as direct competitors to chickpea snacks. These alternatives often offer similar nutritional profiles and can appeal to consumers who are looking for variety in their plant-based snack options. Pea-based snacks are gaining popularity due to their mild flavor and versatility, which can make them more attractive to a wider range of consumers.

Key Market Trends

Innovation in Flavors and Product Formats

As consumer tastes evolve, there has been an increasing demand for more diverse and exciting flavor options in the chickpea snacks market. Chickpeas are versatile and can be flavored to cater to a wide variety of taste preferences, from savory to sweet. Manufacturers are experimenting with bold and unique flavor combinations to capture the attention of consumers who may be hesitant to try chickpea snacks due to unfamiliarity with the taste. For instance, In July 2024, Walkers is introducing a new line of Wotsits and Monster Munch flavors made with chickpeas, classified as non-HFSS (not high in fat, salt, or sugar). This tasty new range of chickpea snacks contains fewer than 100 calories, is 25% lower in salt than the average extruded product, and provides a source of fiber, offering consumers healthier snacking options without sacrificing flavor.

Savory flavors such as barbecue, cheese, sour cream and onion, and spicy varieties are gaining traction, particularly among those seeking alternatives to traditional snack foods like potato chips and crackers. At the same time, sweet flavors like honey, cinnamon, and chocolate are appealing to consumers with a sweet tooth but who are looking for healthier options. By offering a broad range of flavors, chickpea snacks are becoming more palatable and accessible to a larger audience, including those who are new to plant-based snacks.

Additionally, there has been a rise in innovative product formats. Chickpeas, traditionally roasted, are now being incorporated into puffs, chips, crackers, and even protein bars, making them more versatile for different snacking occasions. The development of chickpea-based snack options with various textures, such as crunchy or light and airy, allows manufacturers to cater to the diverse preferences of consumers, enhancing the appeal of chickpea snacks across various demographic groups. As the market matures, this trend is expected to continue, with more product innovations expected to emerge, expanding the potential for chickpeas as a core ingredient in the snack industry.

Clean-Label and Sustainable Products

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the ingredients used in their food, with a growing preference for products that have simple, recognizable, and minimally processed ingredients. The clean-label trend, which emphasizes transparency and natural ingredients, is gaining momentum in the chickpea snacks market. Chickpea-based snacks, which often rely on just a few core ingredients like chickpeas, seasonings, and oil, naturally align with the clean-label movement.

This trend reflects the broader consumer demand for snacks that are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and other synthetic ingredients commonly found in traditional snacks. As such, chickpea snacks are being marketed as healthier, more wholesome alternatives. Brands are positioning their products as “all-natural,” “non-GMO,” “gluten-free,” and “vegan,” which resonates with the growing demand for transparency and clean eating.

Along with clean-label ingredients, sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in consumer purchasing decisions. Chickpeas are a relatively sustainable crop, requiring less water and fewer resources than many other protein-rich crops. The environmental impact of food production is a growing concern for consumers, and many are looking for snack options that have a smaller carbon footprint. Chickpea snacks are gaining popularity because they are seen as more sustainable than other protein-rich snacks, particularly those derived from animal products. Additionally, many companies are adopting eco-friendly packaging, such as recyclable or biodegradable materials, to further align with consumer values around environmental sustainability.

Increasing Demand for High-Protein and Functional Snacks

The increasing focus on health and wellness is driving demand for high-protein and functional snacks, which provide more than just basic sustenance. Chickpeas, as a rich source of plant-based protein, are a natural fit for this trend. With the rise of plant-based diets, many consumers are looking for alternative sources of protein, particularly in snacks that are easy to consume on the go.

Chickpea snacks, such as roasted chickpeas, chickpea puffs, and protein bars, are often marketed as high-protein, low-calorie snacks, making them particularly appealing to health-conscious consumers, athletes, and those following specific dietary plans such as low-carb or ketogenic diets. As protein intake becomes a central component of many consumers' diets, chickpea-based snacks provide a convenient and nutritious way to increase protein consumption without the need for animal-based products.

In addition to protein, chickpea snacks are also being marketed for their functional benefits. Many chickpea snacks are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps with weight management by promoting satiety. Some brands are further enhancing their product offerings with added functional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, to appeal to consumers seeking snacks that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This trend toward functional snacks is expected to drive growth in the chickpea snacks market, as more consumers seek snacks that contribute to their overall well-being.

Segmental Insights

Sales Channel Insights

Supermarkets/hypermarkets are the dominating segment in the global chickpea snacks market due to their wide reach and ability to offer a diverse range of products to consumers. These retail outlets provide convenient access to chickpea snacks, often placing them alongside other popular snack options, which increases visibility and encourages impulse purchases. The growing trend of health-conscious eating has led supermarkets and hypermarkets to stock more plant-based, gluten-free, and protein-rich snacks, including chickpea-based products. Additionally, large-scale distribution networks and in-store promotions help boost the availability and sales of chickpea snacks, making this segment the most prominent in the market.

Regional Insights

North America is the dominating region in the global chickpea snacks market due to a growing preference for healthier, plant-based, and gluten-free snack options. The increasing awareness of the health benefits of chickpeas, including their high protein and fiber content, has led to rising demand for chickpea-based snacks in the region. Additionally, the expansion of health-conscious and vegan consumer bases, along with innovations in product offerings and flavors, has driven market growth. The presence of key players, along with robust distribution channels through supermarkets, e-commerce, and health food stores, further supports North America's leading position in the market.

Key Market Players

• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Nestlé S.A.
• Mondelez International, Inc.
• General Mills Inc.
• Calbee, Inc.
• Campbell Soup Company
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Aryzta AG
• The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
• The Kraft Heinz Company

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Chickpea Snacks Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Chickpea Snacks Market, By Product:

• Roasted Chickpea
• Seasoned Chickpea
• Chickpea Chips
• Chickpea Puffs
• Others

Chickpea Snacks Market, By Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

Chickpea Snacks Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• South America
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Brazil
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Turkey

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Chickpea Snacks Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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