Chickpeas are Having More than a Moment – They're Part of a Nutritional Movement

People are craving chickpeas. In fact, 63 percent of US consumers agree that chickpeas (and other pulses, beans and lentils) should play a bigger role in our daily diets¹. And with consumers also seeking out more health benefits from the foods they eat², chickpeas are staged to become one of the smartest ingredients in your reformulation and innovation strategies.

The Power of the Pea

When it comes to the role that ingredients play in food choices, consumer priorities are becoming clear. Because of trends like the rise in GLP-1 usage, seeking out cleaner labels and a drive to reduce ultra processed foods, today's consumer is seeking out ingredients they're familiar with and that provide multiple nutrition benefits - like fiber, protein and whole grains, while also delivering great taste and positive environmental outcomes³. Chickpeas have the potential to deliver in all these areas, and more.

Chickpeas Stack the Benefits in Your Favor

Even though consumers are eating less⁴, they want more from every single bite. Known as benefit stacking, this new consumer mindset focuses on getting as much punch as possible out of the foods we eat, and it's driving decisions at the shelf and in the home. The average consumer now pursues 7.5 dietary priorities at once; among GLP-1 users, that number rises to 9.3⁵. Benefit stacking could focus on more fiber or protien, inclusion of whole grain ingredients, the desire to feel fuller longer, or finding fewer ingredients onthe label. Regardless of the combination any consumer is seeking, chickpeas can help you address many of them simultaneously.

Deliver on Taste and Texture

Even though nutritional benefits are high on the benefit stacking list, consumers aren't willing to sacrifice taste or texture⁶. Simply put, the sensory performance of your products needs to meet expectations. For consumers familiar with chickpeas, they also view them as great tasting. 70 percent of consumers agree that chickpeas "taste good" and nearly 60 percent of them indicate they "like to see chickpeas listed on the foods they buy.⁷" With their subtle falvor and adaptable texture, chickpeas can enhance products consumers already know and love or become a core ingredient in your innovation pipeline.

Stack Snacks in Your Favor

They're no longer just a quick treat or bridge between meals. Consumers are intentionally snacking for the benefits smarter snacks can provide⁸. In fact, more than half of consumers report promising purchase intent for snacks made with chickpeas, especially those who snack regularly⁹. So start benefit stacking with chickpeas today!