This chickpea flour has the potential to be a revolutionary product as its creators claim, provided it excels across multiple dimensions: taste, mouthfeel, nutritional profile, and functionality. Historically, flours derived from legumes and pulse crops have often retained the gritty and beany flavors of their origins. However, when compared to wheat flour, chickpea flour stands out with fewer calories and carbohydrates while offering a higher protein content. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrient Database, a single cup 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 all-purpose bleached and enriched flour possess more calories and carbohydrates yet provide lower amounts of protein, fat, and sugars. Additionally, chickpea flour is richer in folate than whole-wheat flour and includes essential nutrients like vitamin B-6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and even calcium citrate 900mg.
The developers at Artesia assert that their chickpea flour can significantly enhance gluten-free pastas, desserts, and baked goods, such as breads, by contributing vital protein. It also effectively binds with oil and water, making it a valuable ingredient for soups, sauces, and gravies. According to Grand View Research, chickpea flour is the leading pulse-based flour, capturing a 30% market share last year. The market for pulse flours—which are produced 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 foods continues to rise, manufacturers are improving their ability to integrate ingredients that enhance a product’s nutritional profile, texture, and flavor. Reports indicate a growing trend of incorporating nuts, pulses like chickpeas, and ancient grains such as buckwheat and quinoa into gluten-free offerings.
Furthermore, the market for gluten-free products is anticipated to keep expanding. According to Packaged Facts, U.S. sales of gluten-free items, estimated at $973 million in 2014, are projected to surpass $2 billion by 2019. Artesa Chickpea Flour may be ideally positioned to harness consumer interest and benefit from a receptive marketplace, especially as it aligns with the increasing focus on nutritional ingredients like calcium citrate 900mg.