Health Benefits of Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritious legume packed with protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. One cup of cooked chickpeas contains around 14 grams of protein to support muscle growth and maintenance. Chickpeas are also high in dietary fiber, with around 12 grams per cup. Getting enough fiber through foods like chickpeas can help promote regularity, control blood sugar levels, and reduce cholesterol levels. Chickpeas are also a good source of iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and vitamins K, B6. The protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants in chickpeas have been linked to reducing inflammation and protecting heart health.
Rise of the Roasted Chickpea Snack
With increasing awareness of the health benefits of plant-based proteins, chickpea snacks have seen rapidly growing popularity in recent years. Roasted chickpeas have emerged as a top snack choice, presenting an alternative to traditional potato or corn chips. Roasting brings out the natural nutty, creamy flavor of chickpeas and gives them a crispy texture similar to chips. Many brands now offer an array of roasted chickpea snacks featuring different seasonings and flavors. Sea salt, bbq, ranch, sriracha lime, and garlic parmesan are some of the most commonly found flavors. The nutritional profile of roasted chickpea snacks is an important selling point, providing around 130 calories per ounce along with 6-8 grams of protein.
Variety of Plant-Based Protein Snack Formats
Chickpea Snacks reign as a top-selling format, companies are innovating chickpea snacks in various forms to drive further market growth. Chickpea puffs have gained popularity as a lighter, airy version that retains protein and fiber yet has fewer calories than roasted beans. Similar to other puffed snacks, chickpea puffs are made by heating chickpeas under pressure to explode their natural starch. This creates an extremely low-density snack that is crisp yet melts in the mouth. Another novel format is the chickpea crisps - thin, crispy crackers made with chickpea flour as the primary ingredient. Chickpea crisps provide a multi-grain crunch with chickpea nutrition in a convenient cracker form. They're perfect for pairing with dips, spreads, or eating on their own.
Global Demand and Market Potential
The demand for chickpea snacks is seeing substantial gains worldwide as more consumers seek convenient, plant-based protein sources. In the United States alone, sales of chickpea snacks grew over 23% between 2019-2021 according to data from SPINS. Major retail chains now dedicate significant shelf space to different chickpea snack varieties. Though roasted chickpeas remain the top-selling format, innovative items like puffs and crisps are gaining ground rapidly. The global chickpea snacks market is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2028, representing a CAGR of around 9% over this period, according to a recent report by Global Market Insights Inc. Strong growth is expected to be driven by increasing health consciousness, expansion in distribution networks, and continued new product launches featuring unique chickpea flavors and forms. Escalating demand for sustainable, vegetarian protein paired with long product shelf life make chickpea snacks well positioned for further market dominance.
Marketing Strategies Fueling Sales
Leading brands are strategically marketing chickpea snacks to leverage their appeal as plant-based proteins appropriate for various lifestyles. Messaging highlights the snacks' nutrition, versatility, and environmental sustainability advantages. Brands promote chickpeas snacks as ideal keto or paleo diet options given their low carb, high protein profiles. They're also positioning items as suitable snacks for vegans, flexitarians, and omnivores seeking alternative yet familiar flavors. Many brands partner with dietitians and highlight endorsements on packaging to build trust. Some focus on gifting and bulk value packs ideal for home snacking or office pantries. Sampling campaigns and social media influencer marketing help spread awareness of the snacks' myriad uses in various recipes or as portable high-protein snacks. Strategic partnerships with gyms, yoga studios and health retailers further reinforce positioning in the wellness space. These multilayered efforts are expanding chickpea snacks' reachable audience and fueling ongoing category growth.
Staying Innovative to Drive Continued Growth
To maintain competitive advantage and category leadership, chickpea snack companies are consistently innovating new product lines. Brands experiment with unique flavors inspired by global cuisines to appeal to evolving consumer tastes. Ketchup, dill pickle, harissa, curry masala are some recent flavor launches. Companies also seek new formats - chickpea bites or popcorns let brands play in the flourishing puffed/popped snack space. Some products now contain added superfood ingredients like moringa, chia seeds or acai berries to tap growing demand for functional nutrients. Niche products target specific diets with items like Keto chickpea snacks having very low net carbs. As the plant-based protein trend matures, brands must stay agile by developing exciting new products that keep the category fresh. Sustained innovation remains key to long term growth opportunities for chickpea snacks in both domestic and global marketplaces.
Get more insights on, Chickpea Snacks
About Author:
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups.
(LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)
