Chickpeas Market size was around USD 17.65 Billion in 2026 and is slated to grow at 6.89% CAGR from 2027 to 2036, reaching USD 34.36 Billion by 2036. The industry revenue for 2027 is estimated at USD 18.68 Billion.
Growing preference for alternative protein sources is increasing consumption of legumes across food categories and supporting expansion of the chickpeas market. Chickpeas provide a versatile protein ingredient for consumers seeking plant-based dietary options, encouraging their use in traditional meals, prepared foods, and protein-focused products. Food manufacturers are incorporating chickpeas into formulations due to their nutritional profile and adaptability across different cuisines. The shift toward sustainable and diversified protein sources is strengthening demand from both retail and food processing channels.
Increasing consumer awareness of nutrition and preventive health is driving greater inclusion of legumes in everyday diets. The chickpeas market growth is supported by demand for foods that offer dietary fiber, essential nutrients, and functional health benefits while aligning with clean-label preferences. Consumers focused on balanced eating patterns are incorporating chickpeas into salads, meals, and prepared products as a convenient nutrient-dense ingredient. This trend is encouraging food brands to expand chickpea-based offerings across health-oriented product categories.
Growth in convenient food formats and healthier snack options is creating new applications for chickpea ingredients and supporting market development. The chickpeas market is gaining momentum as manufacturers introduce products such as roasted snacks, flour-based alternatives, and ready-to-eat formulations that use chickpeas as a core ingredient. Rising demand for portable and protein-rich foods is encouraging processors to develop innovative chickpea products that appeal to changing consumer preferences. Expanding food processing capabilities are enabling broader commercialization of chickpea-based offerings across multiple consumption channels.
| Growth Driver Assessment Framework | |||||
| Growth Driver | Impact On CAGR | Regulatory Influence | Geographic Relevance | Adoption Rate | Impact Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rising demand for plant-based protein accelerating global chickpea consumption | 2.3% | Moderate | Asia Pacific, North America | High | Near Term |
| Health-conscious diets boosting intake of fiber-rich and nutrient-dense legumes | 2.1% | Moderate | Europe, Asia Pacific | High | Mid Term |
| Expansion of processed food and snack industries increasing chickpea-based product usage | 1.9% | Low | Global | High | Mid Term |
The chickpeas market in Asia Pacific represented the largest regional share at 39.85% in 2026, reflecting the crop's importance in regional diets, established cultivation practices, and widespread use across traditional food products. Chickpeas are an important source of plant-based protein and are incorporated into a broad range of staple foods, snacks, and prepared dishes, supporting consistent consumption. Rising interest in nutritious foods and plant-based diets is also creating additional demand, while established agricultural and food-processing networks reinforce the region's strong market position.
North America is expected to register the fastest growth in the chickpeas market, supported by increasing consumer interest in plant-based nutrition, high-protein foods, and healthier dietary choices. Growing adoption of chickpea-based ingredients in packaged foods, snacks, meat alternatives, and gluten-free products is expanding applications beyond traditional consumption. Food manufacturers' increasing focus on plant-derived ingredients and consumers' preference for convenient, nutrient-rich products are creating new avenues for chickpea demand across the region.
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Holding the largest share of the chickpeas market, the desi chickpeas segment accounted for 58.51% in 2026. Its leadership is supported by broad cultivation across major producing regions, strong consumer familiarity, and extensive use in traditional cuisines. Desi chickpeas are widely preferred for their adaptability to diverse climatic conditions and their suitability for processing into a variety of food products, reinforcing consistent demand across domestic and commercial markets.
The kabuli chickpeas segment is expected to witness the fastest growth due to rising consumer preference for premium-quality pulses and increasing demand for international cuisines that incorporate larger, lighter-colored chickpeas. Expanding retail availability, growing interest in plant-based diets, and increasing use in ready-to-cook and convenience food applications continue to strengthen the growth prospects of this segment.
The dried segment led the chickpeas market with a 57.24% share in 2026. Dried chickpeas remain the preferred format because of their extended shelf life, ease of storage, and versatility in household as well as food service applications. Their affordability and suitability for long-term distribution further contribute to sustained demand across both developed and emerging markets.
Flour & powder is anticipated to be the fastest-growing form segment, driven by expanding applications in gluten-free products, bakery formulations, snacks, and protein-enriched foods. Growing consumer awareness of plant-based nutrition and the increasing use of chickpea flour as a functional ingredient in processed food manufacturing continue to support rapid adoption.
In the food & beverages application, the chickpeas market was dominated by the food & beverages segment in 2026. The segment maintained its leading position owing to the extensive use of chickpeas in traditional meals, packaged foods, snacks, bakery products, and plant-based formulations. Increasing demand for nutritious, protein-rich ingredients and the growing popularity of clean-label food products further reinforce the dominance of this application.
The nutraceuticals segment is projected to experience the fastest growth as manufacturers increasingly utilize chickpea-derived ingredients in health-focused products. Rising consumer interest in functional nutrition, digestive wellness, and naturally sourced plant proteins is encouraging the incorporation of chickpea ingredients into dietary supplements and specialized nutritional formulations.
| Report Segmentation | |||
| Segment | Sub-Segment | Largest Segment | Fastest Growing Segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Desi Chickpeas, Kabuli Chickpeas | Desi Chickpeas | Kabuli Chickpeas |
| Form | Dried, Flour & Powder, Canned | Dried | Flour & Powder |
| Application | Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Nutraceuticals, Other | Food & Beverages | Nutraceuticals |
| Sales Channel | Supermarkets and Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Others | Supermarkets and Hypermarkets | Online Retail |
The chickpeas market is becoming more competitive as suppliers focus on strengthening supply consistency, processing capabilities, and value-added product development. Market participants are moving beyond commodity-based competition by improving sourcing strategies, expanding product applications, and responding to rising demand for plant-based food ingredients. Differentiation is increasingly influenced by the ability to provide quality assurance, efficient processing, and adaptable offerings for food manufacturers and consumers. As dietary preferences continue to evolve, companies are refining their market approaches to capture opportunities across both traditional consumption channels and emerging food categories.
| Company Name | Date | Key Development |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Grain Technologies (AGT) | May-26 | Australian Grain Technologies secured leadership of the national chickpea breeding program through a competitive tender process managed by GRDC. The appointment centralizes industry variety development under AGT, driving strategic research and development initiatives to optimize future crop performance and yield. |
| Banza | Apr-26 | Banza expanded beyond its traditional gluten-free portfolio by launching a semolina wheat protein pasta line blended with chickpeas. The product launch represents a strategic entry into mainstream pasta categories, leveraging chickpea ingredients to meet consumer demand for higher nutritional value. |
| NuCicer | Mar-26 | NuCicer entered a strategic partnership with Stricks Ag to execute the first large-scale commercial deployment of its predictive breeding platform and high-protein chickpea varieties. The collaboration bridges seed technology innovation with commercial production and processing infrastructure to scale market adoption. |
| AGT Food & Ingredients | Oct-25 | AGT Food & Ingredients invested USD 3.1 million in Canadian brand Chickapea to accelerate its organic chickpea pasta portfolio across North America. The capital injection targets manufacturing capacity expansions and distribution network growth, strengthening AGT's operational footprint in the value-added pulse market. |
| This | Sep-25 | This collaborated with Germany-based Omami to launch a Burmese-style chickpea tofu, expanding its plant-based, whole-food offerings. The product introduction establishes a commercial footprint in the minimally processed alternative protein category, utilizing chickpea functional properties to diversify away from traditional soy formats. |
| NuCicer | Aug-25 | NuCicer secured $11.5 million in funding to scale the production of its high-protein chickpea varieties and accelerate its predictive breeding platform. The investment enhances commercialization capabilities within the legume ingredient sector, directly addressing growing market demand for advanced plant-based protein alternatives. |
| Tate & Lyle PLC | Apr-22 | Tate & Lyle PLC acquired the assets of Richmond-based Nutriati, a developer and producer of chickpea ingredients marketed under the Artesa brand. The transaction integrates chickpea protein and flour technologies into Tate & Lyle's global ingredient portfolio, enhancing its texturizing and nutritional solutions. |