Chickpeas: On the Menu and Shelves in 2024 and Beyond

Consumer preferences are ever-evolving, which poses a challenge for CPG, foodservice and retail leaders striving to meet consumer demand today and in the future. Gluten-free products¹, heritage ingredients that honor ancestral recipes² and conscious consumption³ are just some of the trends that have emerged from a consumer base that is increasingly seeking products that align with their dietary needs and values.

Fortunately, the chickpea is versatile enough to keep up with these moving targets. A humble bean with an impressive nutritional profile⁴, it can be included in vegan and gluten-free diets, among others. The chickpea has also played an integral role in Mediterranean, Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines – that helps explain how a staggering 96% of consumers are familiar with chickpeas.⁵  

Chickpeas can be a vehicle for innovation, and consumers are already on board with new chickpea products. Our research shows that 65% of U.S. consumers agree chickpeas should play a bigger role in the daily diet of Americans.⁶  This favorable perception, coupled with widespread familiarity, translates into positive purchase intent for products that include chickpeas as a featured ingredient.⁷ 

Curious what this actually looks like? Our visual blog below uses the latest data and trends to paint a picture of what’s driving the popularity of chickpeas and how you can incorporate them into your product mix or menu. 

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Ardent Mills Knows Chickpeas

We are your single source for whole bean and flour form chickpeas. With a direct network of 100+ family farms and a robust supply chain, you can leverage this growing industry trend and incorporate chickpeas into your offerings. Most chickpea formats are available in organic, and all offerings are kosher certified and inherently non-GMO.

 Let's Continue the Conversation 

[1] “Gluten-free Products Market Size, Share & Trend Analysis Report By Product (Bakery Products, Dairy/Dairy Alternatives, Convenience Stores), By Distribution Channel (Online, Specialty Stores), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023–2030, Grand View Research, updated August 2023, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/gluten-free-products-market

[2] Trend to Table™, Ardent Mills, https://www.ardentmills.com/trend-to-table/

[3] Where “conscious consumption” is defined as foods that are “better for the consumer and/or better for the environment”

[4] Based on 2024 USDA Nutritional Database

[5] Ardent Mills Proprietary Research

[6] Ardent Mills Proprietary Research, U.S. Consumers 18+

[7] Ardent Mills Proprietary Research, U.S. Consumers 18+

[8] “Chickpea Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029),” Mordor Intelligence, https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/chickpea-market

[9] Ardent Mills Proprietary Research and Analysis

[10] Byzzer, Total FMCG, using the Contains Chickpea Qualified characteristic, L52 weeks through June 29, 2024, and the two previous 52-week cycles; includes categories such as Shelf Stable Pasta and Noodles, Prepackaged Cookies, Sandwich Prepackaged Bread, Tortilla Chip, Pretzel and Cereal and Granola Bars

[11] Datassential, “Flavor of the week: Chickpea, the versatile legume.” Nation’s Restaurant News. July 12, 2021, https://www.nrn.com/consumer-trends/flavor-week-chickpea-versatile-legume.

[12] Chickpeas are inherently gluten-free

[13] Ardent Mills Proprietary Research, August 2022

[14] Battle, Mackenzie, Pierce, Ben, Carter, Michael, Clarke, Jessica Colley, Fathman, Liz, Gertner, Daniel, Ignaszewski, Emma, Mansukhani Kogar, Dr. Nikhita, Leet-Otley, Taylor, Panescu, Dr. Priera, “2023 State of the Industry Report: Plant-based: Meat, seafood, eggs, and dairy,” Good Food Institute, 2024, https://gfi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-State-of-the-industry-report_Plant-based.pdf

[15] Buchholz, Katharina, “Are Americans Trying to Eat Healthy?,” Statista, February 24, 2023, https://www.statista.com/chart/16796/us-interest-in-healthy-food/

[16] Schneider, Mark, “Consumers want sustainable options. What food producers, suppliers, and retailers can do now,” World Economic Forum, January 16, 2023, https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/01/consumer-power-net-zero-food-producer-retailer-davos23/

[17] Based on 2024 USDA Nutritional Database

[18] Based on 2024 USDA Nutritional Database

[19] Based on 2024 USDA Nutritional Database

[20] “Pulses: Sustainable Foods for a Plant-Forward Future,” Ardent Mills, 2023, https://www.ardentmills.com/media/0mcpqaus/pulse-sustainability-brochure.pdf

[21] “Pulses: Sustainable Foods for a Plant-Forward Future,” Ardent Mills, 2023, https://www.ardentmills.com/media/0mcpqaus/pulse-sustainability-brochure.pdf

[22] “Pulses: Sustainable Foods for a Plant-Forward Future,” Ardent Mills, 2023, https://www.ardentmills.com/media/0mcpqaus/pulse-sustainability-brochure.pdf

[23] “Pulses: Sustainable Foods for a Plant-Forward Future,” Ardent Mills, 2023, https://www.ardentmills.com/media/0mcpqaus/pulse-sustainability-brochure.pdf

[24] Innova Market Insights, United States

[25] Ardent Mills Proprietary Research

[26] Technomic

[27] Whole chickpeas are an excellent source of protein (per 90g RACC). Based on USDA Nutritional Database

[28] Datassential, “Flavor of the week: Chickpea, the versatile legume,” Nation’s Restaurant News, July 12, 2021, https://www.nrn.com/consumer-trends/flavor-week-chickpea-versatile-legume

[29] Innova Market Insights, United States, through June 2024, Bakery includes Bread & Bread Products, Savory Biscuits/Crackers, Sweet Biscuits/Cookies, Cakes – Pastries and Sweet Goods

[30] Byzzer/Nielsen, four 52-week cycles ending May 25, 2024