Why Are Chickpeas Expensive?

The global chickpeas market reached a value of US$ 16.2 Billion in 2020. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% during 2021-2026.

They are also used as a primary ingredient in hummus, a dip made with mashed chickpeas and other materials, which is popular in numerous parts of the globe. Moreover, consumers are nowadays opting for food products with high protein content owing to rising health awareness, which is further driving the product demand.

For those with food allergies or dietary restrictions, meanwhile, chickpeas are a utility player. They tend to trigger fewer reactions than wheat or soy while furnishing a similar stable of flours, extracts, and nonanimal protein sources.

Its particular combination of cultural and nutritional circumstances makes the chickpea’s expanding popularity a different phenomenon than Millennial trends that might be dismissively associated with it, such as avocado toast or gluten avoidance. It’s less of a fad, and more of a new norm in what people expect from the food they buy.

What Exactly are Chickpeas?

Chickpeas, the common name for garbanzo beans, are a Middle Eastern dietary staple that has been around for thousands of years. Chickpeas have recently garnered a ton of popularity, but their uses have long been documented in a number of traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, chana masala, and curries.

Despite their small size, chickpeas are super nutritious for only a moderate amount of calories, making them a great addition to meals or a plant-based protein in their own right. One cup of chickpeas is about 210 calories and contains a high percentage of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.