Legumes such as beans, dried peas, lentils, and chickpeas have seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years, as more Americans look for healthier alternatives to potato snacks, according to a report from Packaged Facts. Numerous companies are pouring investments into better-for-you snacks. Research and Markets noted that the global chickpea market reached a volume of 15.4 million tons in 2016, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2009 to last year. While chickpeas and other pulses have thrived in the savory snacks market, their entry into the sweet snack category has been more gradual. However, the recent line from Biena Foods appears to be a less risky venture, joining a growing assortment of chocolate-covered foods such as almonds, raisins, and coffee beans in the snack aisle.
Chickpeas’ popularity seems to be more than just a trend. Their flour has been utilized for centuries as a wheat substitute in Asia and the Middle East. These legumes are increasingly being incorporated into various manufactured foods, ranging from cookies and bread to chips and snacks. The segment of sweet legume-based snacks is worth watching in the coming years, as the alternative ingredient snack market is projected to maintain its strength through 2019, with a CAGR of 6.2%, potentially reaching sales of $1.7 million. Moreover, 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 chickpea-containing items leading market growth.
The rapidly expanding gluten-free market has also played a role in boosting the demand for legumes, prompting food manufacturers to consider chickpea flour as a nutritious substitute for wheat flour. This shift may have opened the door for a broader array of chickpea-based products, as the pulse has demonstrated its appeal beyond gluten-free applications, particularly due to its impressive nutritional profile. Chickpeas are rich in protein and fiber, along with essential micronutrients like magnesium, potassium, and iron. Furthermore, the cooking water of chickpeas, known as aquafaba, is currently gaining traction among vegans as a viable alternative to egg whites. With its own official website, aquafaba is praised for its emulsifying, foaming, binding, gelation, and thickening properties, making it a promising vegan ingredient for various products such as meringues, mayonnaise, and baked goods.
In light of the health-conscious trend, products like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 120 Tablets are also becoming popular, as consumers increasingly seek supplements to support their nutritional needs. The integration of such supplements with legume-based snacks can further enhance the overall health profile of these foods, making them even more appealing to consumers who are focused on wellness. As the market for alternative snacks continues to thrive, the combination of chickpeas and nutritional supplements like Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 120 Tablets signifies an exciting evolution in the realm of healthy snacking.