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Chickpea Market Set for Steady Growth Driven by Plant-Based Protein Demand | FMI

Author : mane ajay | Published On : 17 Apr 2026

NEWARK, Del., USA | April 17, 2026 — According to the latest analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global chickpea market is poised for steady expansion, supported by rising demand for plant-based protein, increasing snack food innovation, and evolving global supply chain strategies. The market is valued at USD 10.34 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 18.53 million by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%. The sector is expected to generate an incremental opportunity of USD 8.19 million during the forecast period.

This growth reflects the transition of chickpeas from a traditional staple crop into a versatile, value-added ingredient widely used across snacks, plant-based foods, and processed food applications.

Quick Stats of Chickpea Market Outlook

  • Market Size (2025): USD 9.69 million
  • Market Size (2026): USD 10.34 million
  • Forecast (2036): USD 18.53 million
  • CAGR (2026–2036): 6.7%
  • Incremental Opportunity: USD 8.19 million
  • Leading Form Segment: Dried (45.0%)
  • Leading Application: Direct Consumption (39.0%)

Detailed insights, segmentation breakdown, and competitive intelligence @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-15696

Market Overview: Chickpeas Gain Momentum in Global Plant-Based Economy

The chickpea market encompasses production, processing, and distribution across forms such as dried, canned, frozen, and fresh chickpeas. Increasingly, chickpeas are being utilized in flour, protein isolates, snacks, and ready-to-eat foods.

Market demand is being reshaped by three structural forces:

  1. Rising plant-based protein consumption globally
  2. Expansion of value-added chickpea ingredients
  3. Supply chain diversification and procurement strategies

These trends are positioning chickpeas as a critical ingredient in the global shift toward sustainable and alternative protein sources.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for Plant-Based Protein

Growing consumer preference for plant-based diets is driving demand for chickpeas due to their high protein content, clean-label appeal, and allergen-friendly profile.

2. Expansion of Value-Added Applications

Chickpea flour and protein isolates are enabling premium product development in bakery, snacks, pasta, and meat alternatives, delivering 30% to 50% higher margins compared to raw chickpeas.

3. Snack Food Innovation

The rapid rise of chickpea-based snacks, including roasted chickpeas, puffs, and protein bars, is expanding retail presence and driving mainstream adoption.

Market Trends Shaping the Industry

  • Plant-Based Formulation Growth: Increasing replacement of soy and wheat proteins
  • Clean-Label Preference: Demand for natural, minimally processed ingredients
  • Retail Expansion: Greater shelf space for chickpea-based snacks in global markets
  • Premiumization: Growth of branded, high-quality chickpea products

Segment Insights

Form Leadership: Dried (45.0%)

Dried chickpeas dominate due to:

  • Established supply chains
  • Long shelf life
  • High demand across food processing and direct consumption

Application Leadership: Direct Consumption (39.0%)

Direct consumption leads as:

  • Chickpeas remain a staple in traditional diets
  • Demand is strong across South Asia and the Middle East
  • Ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat formats are expanding

 

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Regional Insights

Top Growth Markets (CAGR 2026–2036)

  • India: 8.1% – Largest producer and consumer globally
  • China: 7.4% – Rising health awareness and urban demand
  • USA: 6.8% – Strong snack and hummus consumption
  • Germany: 6.7% – Growth in plant-based and organic foods
  • UK: 6.6% – Increasing plant-based adoption

Emerging Market Outlook

  • Asia-Pacific: Fastest growth driven by population and dietary shifts
  • North America & Europe: Growth led by product innovation and premiumization
  • Global: Expanding demand across both traditional and modern applications

Competitive Landscape

The chickpea market is characterized by a mix of global ingredient manufacturers and regional producers, with competition increasingly focused on processing capability, supply chain reliability, and product innovation.

Key Players

  • Archer Daniels Midland
  • The Hain Celestial Group
  • AGT Food and Ingredients
  • Arbel S.A.

Emerging Players

  • Biena Snacks
  • Banza LLC
  • The Scoular Company

 

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Competitive Differentiation Factors

  • Integrated global supply chains
  • Value-added processing capabilities
  • Product diversification into snacks and protein ingredients
  • Strong certification and quality compliance

Recent Developments

  • Expansion of chickpea processing capacity in North America
  • Long-term sourcing agreements to stabilize supply chains
  • Increased investment in chickpea protein and flour applications
  • Growth in branded chickpea snack products

Expert Insight

The chickpea market is evolving from a commodity-driven sector into a value-added, innovation-led industry. As demand for plant-based proteins accelerates globally, chickpeas are emerging as a key ingredient across food categories.

Companies that focus on processing innovation, supply chain resilience, and premium product development will be best positioned to capture long-term growth opportunities.

Access the full report for detailed market trends:  https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/chickpea-market

FAQs

1. What is the future outlook for the chickpea market?
The market is projected to reach USD 18.53 million by 2036, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%.

2. Which segment dominates the market?
Dried chickpeas lead with a 45.0% share due to strong demand and supply stability.

3. Why are chickpeas gaining popularity?
They are widely used as a plant-based protein source with clean-label and allergen-friendly benefits.

4. What are the major challenges?

  • Supply chain concentration
  • Price volatility due to harvest variability
  • Dependence on key producing regions

5. Which regions offer the highest growth potential?
India and China lead growth, while North America and Europe drive innovation-led demand.

Conclusion

The global chickpea market is set for robust growth, driven by the convergence of plant-based nutrition trends, product innovation, and expanding global consumption. While supply chain volatility remains a challenge, advancements in processing and diversification into high-value applications will continue to unlock new opportunities.

As the global food industry shifts toward sustainable and protein-rich alternatives, chickpeas are poised to play a central role in the future of food innovation.

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