The global chickpea protein market has experienced significant growth in recent years, reflecting the rising consumer preference for plant-based nutrition. In 2019, the market was valued at USD 109.9 million, with worldwide demand achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% from 2019 to 2023, propelling the industry to USD 166.8 million in 2024. Projections for the 2024-2034 period predict an even steeper growth trajectory, with a 10.8% CAGR anticipated, leading to a market size of USD 465.2 million by the end of 2034.
This remarkable expansion is driven by a surge in global awareness of health, wellness, and sustainable food sources. Chickpea protein has emerged as a standout choice for consumers seeking nutritious, eco-friendly alternatives to animal proteins. Its integration into global cuisines, especially those in the Indian subcontinent, has fueled demand. Additionally, the market is supported by innovations in product applications, such as textured protein additives, hydrolyzed formulations for meat substitutes, and high-performance sports nutrition isolates.
Rapid expansion of the organic chickpea protein market is anticipated to fuel the market expansion of chickpea protein. This can be attributed to an upsurge in consumers diligently picking up ingredients that offer maximum health benefits.
Chickpea protein is derived from chickpeas, which are a part of the legume seed family. Chickpeas have a healthy nutritional composition, with protein content ranging from 16% to 24%, while also comprising other essential nutrients, such as starch, deity fiber, iron, and calcium.
Protein procured from chickpeas has various health benefits, making it ideal for consumption in food processing applications. Moreover, as consumers seek alternatives to animal-based food ingredients, chickpea protein is a fitting substitute.
Chickpea protein is further projected to gradually replace egg, dairy, and meat. In addition, chickpea protein is gluten-free and has no allergenic properties that tend to cause harmful immune responses and allergies in consumers.
Chickpea protein does not contain allergens and is widely applied in food manufacturing, and is expected to continue to be an important application in the future.
In addition, chickpea protein acts as an emulsifier that mixes water and fat, helping to form a stable, viscous bulk substance. Due to these factors, it is also used as a raw material for high- or low– temperature applications.
Based on the above factors, chick bean protein is mainly used to prepare beverages, chick bean protein bars, delicious snacks, meat substitutes, non-dairy yogurt, eggless mayonnaise, and other non-dairy products.
Key Takeaways
- Rising Consumer Demand: Increasing preference for plant-based protein among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
- Growth Acceleration: Projected 10.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2034, reaching USD 465.2 million.
- Diverse Applications: Expansion into sports nutrition, meat alternatives, and food processing additives.
Key Industry Highlights
- Rising Demand in Sports Nutrition:
The global sports nutrition industry is experiencing increased demand for plant-based proteins, including chickpea protein. With a growing number of fitness enthusiasts and athletes, chickpea protein is gaining popularity as an alternative to dairy and synthetic protein powders. It is favored for its high protein content, easy digestion, and beneficial functionalities, making it a preferred choice for sports nutrition brands targeting health-conscious consumers. - Emergence of Specialized Chickpea Protein Ingredients:
The industry is witnessing the development of specialized and value-added chickpea protein ingredients, including high-purity isolates. Manufacturers are focusing on creating formulations tailored for specific nutritional needs. This trend reflects the industry’s response to the evolving demands of consumers in the competitive plant protein market. - Expansion into Nutraceuticals and Personal Care:
Chickpea protein applications are diversifying beyond food and beverages. It is increasingly being incorporated into nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products, such as drugs and creams. The industry is investing in research and development to enhance technological standards and broaden the functionality of chickpea protein.
Growth Drivers
- Health & Sustainability Trends: Rising awareness of the environmental impact of animal-based proteins has fueled demand for chickpea protein.
- Cultural Integration: The prominence of chickpeas in traditional cuisines provides a natural bridge for increased protein extraction applications.
- Technological Innovations: Advanced processing techniques have improved product quality, scalability, and versatility, encouraging broader adoption.
“The chickpea protein market’s growth story reflects a larger trend of conscious consumption and sustainable living. As consumers seek healthier and eco-friendly food options, the industry is well-positioned to deliver innovative and impactful solutions. While challenges like cost and regulatory hurdles persist, the market’s robust growth projections signal a bright future for stakeholders willing to invest in technological advancements and strategic partnerships.” says Nandini Roy Choudhury (Client Partner for Food & Beverages at Future Market Insights, Inc.).
Country-wise Insights
Growth of Chickpea Production and Consumption Drives India’s Market Leadership
India’s dominance in the chickpea industry can be attributed to its position as the largest producer and consumer of chickpeas worldwide. Over centuries, chickpeas have been an integral part of Indian cuisine, fueling demand for various chickpea products, including protein ingredients. Additionally, India’s growing health-conscious population and preference for plant-based diets are contributing to the rising demand for chickpea protein in food and beverage applications.
Plant-Based and Sustainability Trends Drive Chickpea Protein Demand in the USA
The increasing consumer shift towards plant-based foods and beverages has solidified chickpea protein’s prominence in the USA market. Health- and eco-conscious consumers are seeking clean-label protein sources that offer high nutritional value and align with their sustainability goals.
Functional Foods and Health Trends Boost Chickpea Protein Use in China
China’s growing middle class, with its increasing demand for high-quality functional foods, is contributing to the rising popularity of chickpea protein. Chinese consumers are becoming more health-conscious, seeking alternatives to traditional protein sources, which has led to a growing preference for plant-based proteins like chickpeas.
| Countries | CAGR 2024 to 2034 | |
| USA | 11.4% | |
| Canada | 10.8% | |
| Brazil | 11.2% | |
| China | 12.0% | |
| India | 11.7% | |
Key Challenge: Environmental Limitations
Chickpea protein powder has a healthy nutritional profile, but certain side effects are hampering the market growth. Overdose of chickpeas and chickpea protein components can cause serious digestive problems and can damage the digestive system. In addition, it also causes bloating and acidity, which may probably limit acceptance to some extent.
Challenges related to chickpea production and subsequent raw material extraction are expected to prevent manufacturers from achieving full sales potential. Substantially, chickpea growers face macro issues such as ideal weather and soil quality.
Chickpeas grow at the end of the rainy season due to the need for residual moisture in the soil. Fluctuating climatic conditions and lack of ideal soil quality limit the production of chickpeas, resulting in a reduced availability of the raw materials needed to produce the raw materials.
In addition to the lack of availability, if chickpeas are not produced under the right conditions, their nutritional profile is severely compromised, which is reflected in the quality of the proteins derived from them. All of the above factors pose a key challenge for players active in the market.
Competitive Landscape
The global chickpea protein market is poised for significant expansion in the coming years, driven by the rising demand for plant-based proteins. Key market players are actively acquiring new companies to broaden their consumer base and strengthen their market presence.
To address the increasing consumer preference for cleaner, more sustainable food options, leading companies are investing heavily in the development of chickpea protein-enriched products. The industry’s future looks promising, with strategic partnerships, geographic expansion, and the creation of innovative processing technologies expected to be major catalysts for growth. Manufacturers are enhancing production capabilities, optimizing supply chains, and ramping up brand marketing to maintain a competitive edge.
In 2022, Roquette, a major player in plant-based ingredient manufacturing, acquired Barentz. This strategic move boosted Roquette’s distribution network and solidified its position in the chickpea protein market.
Ingredion launched its VITESSENCE Pulse chickpea protein concentrate in 2021, catering to the rising demand for plant-based meat alternatives and providing food manufacturers with an innovative ingredient solution.
Batory Foods, a well-known supplier of food ingredients in North America, acquired Nutriati in 2021, a company specializing in premium chickpea proteins. This acquisition strengthened Batory Foods’ chickpea protein portfolio and expanded their product offerings in the market.
Leading Companies
- ADM
- Cargill Inc
- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
- Kerry Group
- SunOpta Inc.
- Bunge
- Farbest Brands
- The Scoular Company
- Shandong Wonderful Biotech Co Ltd
- Wilmar International Ltd
- Fuji Oil Holdings Inc.
- Gemef Industries
- Sonic Biochem Extractions Ltd
- Others
Access the full report for detailed market trends. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/chickpea-protein-market
Key Segments of the product Report
By Product Type:
As per Product Type, the industry has been categorized into Isolate, Concentrate, Textured and Hydrolyzed.
By Nature:
As per Nature, the industry has been categorized into Organic and Conventional.
By End Use:
As per End Use, the industry has been categorized into Food & Beverage Processing, Sports Nutrition, Infant Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Products, Personal Care Products and Animal Nutrition.
By Region:
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe Eastern Europe, Balkans & Baltic, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific and Middle East & Africa.
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