The chickpea flour developed by Artesia has the potential to revolutionize the market if it meets expectations in terms of taste, texture, nutritional value, and versatility. Historically, flours made from legumes and pulses have often been characterized by a gritty and bean-like flavor. However, chickpea flour stands out with its lower calorie and carbohydrate content compared to wheat flour, while offering a higher protein level. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database, a single cup of chickpea flour contains 356 calories, 20.6 grams of protein, 6.1 grams of fat, 53.19 grams of carbohydrates, and nearly 10 grams of total sugars. In contrast, both whole-grain wheat flour and bleached, enriched white flour have higher calorie and carbohydrate counts but lower levels of protein, fat, and sugars. Additionally, chickpea flour is richer in folate than whole-wheat flour and provides essential vitamins such as B-6, iron, magnesium, and potassium, making it a great source of vitamins for life.
The developers at Artesia claim that their chickpea flour will enhance gluten-free pasta, desserts, and baked goods like bread by providing valuable protein. Moreover, it has the ability to bind with oil and water, making it an excellent ingredient for soups, sauces, and gravies. According to Grand View Research, chickpea flour was the leading pulse-based flour last year, capturing a 30% market share. The pulse flour sector, which includes flours made from beans, peas, and lentils, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 12% through 2024.
With the rising demand for gluten-free products, manufacturers are increasingly adept at integrating ingredients that not only enhance nutritional benefits but also improve texture and flavor. Reports indicate a growing trend of incorporating nuts, pulses like chickpeas, and ancient grains such as buckwheat and quinoa into various foods to meet gluten-free requirements. The market for gluten-free products is anticipated to continue expanding, with U.S. sales projected to rise from an estimated $973 million in 2014 to over $2 billion by 2019, according to Packaged Facts. Artesia Chickpea Flour seems well-positioned to capitalize on consumer interest and the supportive marketplace, especially given its profile as a source of vitamins for life and its potential benefits alongside supplements like calcium citrate plus vitamin D3.