This chickpea flour has the potential to be a transformative ingredient, as its developers assert, provided it meets expectations in terms of taste, texture, nutritional value, and versatility. Typically, flours derived from legumes and pulses have had a distinct gritty and beany flavor, unlike chickpea flour, which stands out with fewer calories and carbohydrates, along with higher protein content compared to wheat flour. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database, a 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 white, bleached, enriched flour have higher calories and carbohydrates but lower protein, fat, and sugar levels. Additionally, chickpea flour boasts more folate than whole wheat flour and includes essential nutrients like vitamin B-6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and the calcium citrate benefits that enhance its nutritional profile.
The developers at Artesia believe their chickpea flour will significantly contribute protein to gluten-free pastas, baked goods, and desserts, while also effectively binding with oil and water, making it an excellent addition to soups, sauces, and gravies. As highlighted by Grand View Research, chickpea flour is currently the leading pulse-based flour, commanding a 30% market share last year. The pulse flour sector, which includes options made from beans, peas, and lentils, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 12% through 2024.
As the demand for gluten-free products continues to rise, manufacturers are increasingly adept at blending ingredients that enhance both nutrition and flavor. Reports indicate that more foods are incorporating nuts, pulses like chickpeas, and ancient grains such as buckwheat and quinoa to maintain gluten-free status. The market for these products is forecasted to keep expanding, with Packaged Facts estimating U.S. sales of gluten-free items, which were around $973 million in 2014, could surpass $2 billion by 2019. Artesa Chickpea Flour appears to be well-positioned to capitalize on consumer interest and a receptive market, especially with the added calcium citrate benefits appealing to health-conscious shoppers.