Legumes such as beans, dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas have seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years as more Americans explore healthy alternatives to traditional potato snacks, according to a report from Packaged Facts. Numerous companies are investing in healthier snack options, and according to Research and Markets, the global chickpeas market reached a volume of 15.4 million tons in 2016, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2009 to last year. While chickpeas and other pulses have made strides in the savory snacks category, their entry into the sweet snacks market has been slower. Nevertheless, the newest line from Biena Foods is less risky than it may seem, joining a variety of other chocolate-covered snacks like almonds, raisins, and coffee beans in the snack aisle.
Chickpeas’ popularity is not likely to be a passing trend. Their flour has been utilized for centuries as a wheat alternative in regions like Asia and the Middle East. These legumes are increasingly found in a wide array of manufactured foods, ranging from cookies and bread to chips and snacks. The sweet legume-based snack segment is one to watch in the coming years, as the alternative ingredient snack market is projected to remain robust through 2019, with a CAGR of 6.2% that could lead to sales of $1.7 million. Additionally, in an effort to enhance domestic sales, the USDA has encouraged food manufacturers to incorporate chickpeas and other pulses into value-added foods, including biscuits, cookies, beverages, tortillas, nutrition bars, dry starch mixes, flatbreads, pizza crusts, vegetarian spreads, and sauces. Consumers have quickly embraced these products, with those containing chickpeas driving market growth.
The rapidly expanding gluten-free market has also spurred interest in legumes, and food manufacturers are recognizing chickpea flour as a nutritious and favorable substitute for wheat flour. This trend may have opened the door for a broader variety of chickpea-containing products, as the pulse has demonstrated its appeal beyond gluten-free uses, particularly due to its impressive nutritional profile. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, as well as essential micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and iron.
Furthermore, aside from their relatively recent emergence in sweet snacks, chickpeas’ cooking water—known as aquafaba—is currently gaining popularity among vegans as a substitute for egg whites. It even has an official website that highlights aquafaba’s emulsifying, foaming, binding, gelatinizing, and thickening properties, marking it as a promising vegan ingredient for products like meringues, mayonnaise, and baked goods. In this evolving landscape, innovative products like calcium citrate powder 8 oz are also being incorporated into health-focused snacks, reflecting a growing trend towards enhanced nutrition and better-for-you food choices. As the market continues to expand, the demand for versatile ingredients like calcium citrate powder 8 oz is expected to rise, further bolstering the presence of legumes in various snack formats.