Chickpea Snacks Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity and Forecast, By Product (Roasted Chickpea, Seasoned Chickpea, Chickpea Chips, Chickpea Puffs, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.34 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.46%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.81 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Chickpea Snacks Market will grow from USD 2.34 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.81 Billion by 2031 at a 8.46% CAGR. Chickpea snacks encompass a diverse range of savory food products derived from garbanzo beans, including roasted kernels and extruded crisps, designed to offer a nutrient dense alternative to traditional potato or corn starch options. The primary drivers supporting market growth include the escalating consumer demand for plant based protein sources and the increasing preference for functional foods that provide sustained energy without common allergens like gluten. These factors are distinct from temporary consumption fads as they stem from a fundamental shift in dietary awareness and a desire for clean label ingredients among global populations.

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.

Key Market Drivers

The rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives serves as a fundamental engine for the industry, driven by global consumers proactively seeking nutritious substitutes for animal-derived products. This trend extends beyond strict vegetarianism to a broader "flexitarian" population that prioritizes nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas, which offer high fiber and protein profiles without the saturated fats associated with traditional snacks. The market impact of this shift is substantiated by widespread purchasing behaviors that favor plant-forward nutrition. According to the Plant Based Foods Association, April 2024, in the '2023 State of the Marketplace' report, 62 percent of total U.S. households purchased plant-based food products in 2023, indicating a sustained mainstream adoption that directly benefits the chickpea snack sector.

Simultaneously, the expansion of innovative product formats and flavor variations is crucial for maintaining consumer engagement and widening retail shelf presence. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing extrusion technologies to transform chickpea flour into puffs, crisps, and tortilla-style chips that mimic the texture of conventional savory snacks while offering superior nutritional value and cleaner labels. This innovation aligns with modern eating habits where convenience is paramount. According to Mondelez International, March 2024, in the 'Fifth Annual State of Snacking' report, 60 percent of global consumers prefer to eat many small meals throughout the day rather than a few large ones, a behavior that favors portable chickpea options. To support this growing global consumption, major exporters are ramping up output; according to ABARES, in June 2024, Australian chickpea production was forecast to jump by 133 percent to 1.1 million tonnes, ensuring raw material availability for these expanding product lines.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material supply, precipitated by climatic fluctuations, acts as a substantial impediment to the expansion of the "Global Chickpea Snacks Market." Unpredictable weather patterns disrupt agricultural yields, creating severe procurement instability for snack manufacturers who rely on a consistent intake of high-quality garbanzo beans. This inconsistency hampers supply chain efficiency and forces companies to operate under the pressure of fluctuating input costs, which can erode profit margins and limit investment in product lines. When essential ingredients become scarce or prohibitively expensive, manufacturers face significant difficulties in scaling production capacities to meet rising consumer interest, effectively capping market potential.

The direct impact of this instability is evident in recent production metrics from major cultivation regions, where adverse conditions have measurably reduced output. According to the 'Global Pulse Confederation', in '2024', chickpea production in India was estimated at 11.04 million metric tons, a notable decline from the 12.3 million metric tons recorded in the previous year. This reduction in output from a key global producer exacerbates supply tightness and drives up raw material prices, thereby creating a financial and logistical barrier that directly stalls the broader growth trajectory of the chickpea snack sector.

Key Market Trends

The adoption of regenerative agriculture and sustainable sourcing claims is reshaping the market as brands highlight supply chain ethics. Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging the nitrogen-fixing properties of chickpeas to appeal to eco-conscious consumers, establishing partnerships with growers to certify soil health improvements. This environmental focus is attracting significant investment to scale organic supply chains and differentiate products based on their ecological footprint. According to Fast Company, April 2024, in the article 'The USDA has a plan to help organic farmers. It starts with hummus', the USDA awarded a $2.2 million grant to the chickpea brand Little Sesame to expand its production capacity and support a network of regenerative organic farmers.

Premiumization via gourmet ingredients and artisanal positioning is simultaneously driving value as chickpea snacks transition from niche health items to upscale lifestyle products. Brands are elevating perceived quality by utilizing complex flavor profiles to target affluent demographics seeking culinary indulgence rather than just sustenance. This strategic shift towards high-value positioning is substantiated by the robust performance of the broader specialty sector, which is outpacing conventional categories. According to the Specialty Food Association, July 2024, in the 'State of the Specialty Food Industry' report, sales within the specialty snacking category grew by 21 percent between 2021 and 2023, indicating a strong consumer willingness to pay a premium for high-quality snack options.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment constitutes the fastest growing division within the Global Chickpea Snacks Market, driven by the expanding reach of online retail channels and the convenience they provide. Digital storefronts allow vendors to display a more extensive range of unique flavors and packaging options than typical physical retail outlets. Moreover, producers are utilizing direct sales models to connect effectively with consumers prioritizing health and wellness. This approach removes geographical limitations, ensuring that various chickpea products are available to a broader audience. Consequently, the digital landscape supports higher market penetration and facilitates easier access to diverse snack options.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global chickpea snacks market due to the rising consumer demand for plant-based and gluten-free dietary alternatives. The region experiences high adoption rates of healthy snacking habits, driven by widespread awareness of the nutritional benefits of legumes, including high protein and fiber profiles. Additionally, clear labeling guidelines mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding health claims enable manufacturers to transparently communicate product value, thereby fostering consumer trust. This combination of health-conscious purchasing behavior and a favorable regulatory environment secures North America’s status as the primary market revenue generator.

Recent Developments

• In August 2025, Banza broadened its product offerings by launching a new line of gluten-free pasta crafted primarily from brown rice and chickpeas. The company, a prominent player in the chickpea-based food category, designed this new product to deliver a taste and texture comparable to traditional wheat pasta while offering the nutritional benefits of legumes. The pasta was introduced in distinct packaging, featuring a dark green color scheme to differentiate it from the brand's classic orange boxes. This development was aimed at consumers seeking a culinary-focused, gluten-free option that performed well in a variety of recipes, further establishing the company's versatility in the legume-based market.
• In August 2024, Stellar Snacks introduced a new line of grain-free pretzels, incorporating chickpea flour as a key ingredient to cater to health-conscious consumers. The newly launched Pretzel Thins were formulated with a blend of superfoods, including cassava flour, hemp protein, and chickpea flour, and were freshly baked using avocado oil. Available in gourmet flavors such as Bruschetta, Truffle Pesto, and Sea Salt, the products were certified gluten-free and received the Heart-Check certification from the American Heart Association. This launch represented a significant innovation in the savory snack market, offering a nutrient-dense alternative that maintained the texture of traditional pretzels.
• In July 2024, Walkers expanded its better-for-you portfolio by launching a new range of snacks made with chickpeas under its popular Wotsits and Monster Munch brands. The UK-based manufacturer introduced three innovative flavors—Cheese Toastie, Crispy Bacon, and BBQ Sauce—which were classified as non-HFSS (high in fat, salt, and sugar) and contained less than 100 calories per pack. This product launch was supported by a £58 million investment in the company’s Leicester manufacturing site to enhance its capability to produce snacks with diverse ingredients. The initiative was part of the company’s broader strategy to have half of its snack sales come from healthier alternatives by 2025.
• In May 2024, Hippeas announced a strategic collaboration with Illumination to release a limited-edition snack line celebrating the film Despicable Me 4. The company introduced Minions-themed packaging for its Chickpea Puffs and Veggie Straws, replacing the brand's signature chickpea smile graphic with character designs from the movie. These limited-time products were made available at retailers nationwide, maintaining the company's commitment to clean-label attributes such as being free from major allergens and Non-GMO Project Verified. The Chief Marketing Officer of the company highlighted that the partnership aimed to combine the brand's nutritional benefits with playful packaging to enhance the summer snacking experience for families.

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

By Product	By Sales Channel	By Region
Roasted Chickpea Seasoned Chickpea Chickpea Chips Chickpea Puffs Others	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

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
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE