Chickpea Snacks Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Chickpea Snacks Market is projected to expand from a valuation of USD 2.34 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.81 Billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 8.46%. This market sector encompasses a wide variety of savory items derived from garbanzo beans, such as roasted kernels and extruded crisps, which are formulated to serve as nutrient-dense substitutes for conventional potato or corn-based options. Key growth catalysts involve rising consumer appetite for plant-based proteins and a shift toward functional foods that offer sustained energy while avoiding common allergens like gluten. These drivers represent a lasting transformation in dietary consciousness and a global demand for clean-label ingredients rather than fleeting trends.

One significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the volatility of raw material supply caused by climatic fluctuations, which creates procurement instability for manufacturers. According to USA Pulses, in 2024, chickpea acreage in the United States expanded by 38 percent to meet surging demand yet actual crop yields simultaneously declined by 6 percent due to adverse weather conditions. This inconsistency in agricultural output hampers efficient supply chain management and exerts upward pressure on production costs.

Market Drivers

The escalating demand for plant-based protein alternatives acts as a core growth engine for the industry, fueled by global consumers actively searching for nutritious replacements for animal-based products. This movement encompasses not only strict vegetarians but also a growing "flexitarian" demographic that values nutrient-rich ingredients like chickpeas for their high protein and fiber content, devoid of the saturated fats found in traditional snacks. The significance of this shift is confirmed by widespread purchasing behaviors favoring plant-forward nutrition; according to the Plant Based Foods Association's '2023 State of the Marketplace' report released in April 2024, 62 percent of all U.S. households bought plant-based food items in 2023, signaling widespread mainstream adoption that directly advantages the chickpea snack segment.

Simultaneously, the development of inventive product formats and diverse flavors is essential for retaining consumer interest and expanding retail availability. Manufacturers are increasingly applying extrusion technologies to convert chickpea flour into puffs, crisps, and tortilla-style chips that emulate the texture of conventional savory snacks while delivering cleaner labels and better nutrition. This innovation suits modern dietary habits prioritizing convenience; according to Mondelez International's 'Fifth Annual State of Snacking' report from March 2024, 60 percent of global consumers prefer consuming multiple small meals daily over a few large ones, a behavior that favors portable chickpea options. To accommodate this rising consumption, major exporters are boosting output, with ABARES forecasting in June 2024 that Australian chickpea production would surge by 133 percent to 1.1 million tonnes to secure raw material supplies.

Market Challenges

Supply chain volatility driven by climatic fluctuations presents a major obstacle to the growth of the Global Chickpea Snacks Market. Unpredictable weather conditions negatively impact agricultural yields, leading to severe instability in procurement for manufacturers who depend on a steady supply of premium garbanzo beans. This unreliability disrupts supply chain efficiency and compels companies to manage fluctuating input costs, which can diminish profit margins and restrict investment in new products. Consequently, when key ingredients become scarce or excessively costly, manufacturers struggle to scale production to meet growing consumer demand, effectively limiting the market's potential.

The tangible effects of this instability are reflected in recent production statistics from major growing regions, where adverse weather has tangibly lowered output. According to the Global Pulse Confederation, chickpea production in India for 2024 was estimated at 11.04 million metric tons, representing a significant decrease from the 12.3 million metric tons produced the prior year. This drop in output from a primary global supplier worsens supply constraints and elevates raw material prices, establishing a financial and logistical barrier that directly impedes the broader growth trajectory of the chickpea snack sector.

Market Trends

The market is being transformed by the adoption of regenerative agriculture and sustainable sourcing claims, as brands emphasize supply chain ethics to attract buyers. Manufacturers are increasingly capitalizing on the nitrogen-fixing capabilities of chickpeas to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, forming partnerships with growers to verify soil health enhancements. This focus on the environment is drawing substantial investment to expand organic supply chains and differentiate products based on their ecological impact. For instance, according to an April 2024 Fast Company article titled 'The USDA has a plan to help organic farmers. It starts with hummus', the USDA provided a $2.2 million grant to the chickpea brand Little Sesame to boost its production capabilities and support a network of regenerative organic farmers.

Simultaneously, premiumization through the use of gourmet ingredients and artisanal branding is driving value as chickpea snacks evolve from niche health foods into upscale lifestyle products. Brands are enhancing perceived quality by incorporating complex flavor profiles aimed at affluent consumers looking for culinary indulgence beyond mere sustenance. This strategic pivot toward high-end positioning is supported by the strong performance of the wider specialty sector; according to the Specialty Food Association's 'State of the Specialty Food Industry' report from July 2024, sales in the specialty snacking category increased by 21 percent between 2021 and 2023, demonstrating a clear consumer readiness to pay a premium for high-quality snack choices.

Key Players Profiled in the Chickpea Snacks Market

• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Nestle 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:

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
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

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

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

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

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