Chickpeas market seen reaching $29 billion by 2033

The global chickpeas market is projected to rise from $18.2 billion in 2026 to $29.0 billion by 2033, driven by demand for plant-based protein, clean-label foods and sustainable ingredients. Growth is strongest in Asia-Pacific, with North America and Europe also expanding as chickpea-based products spread across retail and food manufacturing.

Why it matters: - The chickpeas market is benefiting from a broader shift toward plant-based protein and healthier eating habits. - Chickpeas are gaining traction because they are high in protein, rich in fiber and minerals, and usable across many food categories. - The market’s growth also reflects consumer interest in sustainable crops that use less water than several other protein sources.

What happened: - The global chickpeas market is projected to grow from US$18.2 billion in 2026 to US$29.0 billion by 2033. - The forecast implies a 6.9% compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2033. - The market is expanding as vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian diets become more common. - Food manufacturers are increasing use of chickpeas in snacks, ready-to-eat meals, flour products, beverages and meat alternatives.

The details: - Market growth is being supported by rising awareness of chickpeas’ nutritional benefits and wider use in food processing. - Functional food demand and clean-label preferences are strengthening demand for chickpea ingredients. - Chickpea-based products highlighted in the market include burgers, snacks, pasta and dairy alternatives. - The market is segmented by product type into Kabuli chickpeas and Desi chickpeas. - The market is segmented by form into dried/raw, flour and powder, and ready-to-eat products. - The market is segmented by application into food and beverages, animal feed, nutraceuticals and industrial uses. - The market is segmented by end user into food processors and manufacturers, household and retail consumers, food service operators and institutional buyers.

Between the lines: - Asia-Pacific leads the market because of high production, broad consumption and strong cultural use of chickpea-based foods. - India, Pakistan and Australia are major production contributors. - North America is growing on demand for plant-based proteins, gluten-free products and healthy snack options. - The United States and Canada are seeing stronger interest in hummus, chickpea flour and new chickpea-based products. - Europe remains important as demand rises for vegan and vegetarian foods, sustainable ingredients and functional nutrition. - The market is also being shaped by food technology upgrades, chickpea protein extraction and AI-enabled farming tools. - AI-powered farming is being used to monitor soil, analyze weather patterns and improve supply chain efficiency.

What’s next: - Future growth is expected to come from alternative proteins, health-focused diets and continued product innovation. - Advanced processing technologies should help improve taste, texture and ingredient functionality. - Precision farming, AI crop management and IoT monitoring are expected to support yields and supply consistency. - Regulatory support for sustainable agriculture may continue to encourage pulse cultivation. - The competitive landscape includes ADM, Agrocorp Processing Australia, AGT Food & Ingredients, Ardent Mills, Avena Foods, Bean Growers Australia, Diefenbaker Spice & Pulse, ETG Group, Grain Processing Corporation, Ingredion, MT Royal, Nutriati and Superior Pulses.

The bottom line: - Chickpeas are moving from a staple crop to a growth ingredient for health, sustainability and plant-based food innovation.