Global chickpeas market projected to hit $29 billion by 2033

The global chickpeas market is forecast 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, while North America and Europe are also expanding on the back of vegan, gluten-free and health-focused diets.

Why it matters: - The chickpeas market is benefiting from a broader shift toward plant-based protein, functional foods and lower-impact agriculture. - Chickpeas are becoming a higher-value ingredient for food makers as consumers look for protein, fiber and clean-label options. - The market's expected expansion to $29.0 billion by 2033 signals more demand for pulse-based ingredients across retail, foodservice and industrial uses.

What happened: - The global chickpeas market is estimated at $18.2 billion in 2026. - The market is projected to reach $29.0 billion by 2033. - The forecast implies a 6.9% compound annual growth rate from 2026 to 2033. - Persistence Market Research released the analysis on July 23, 2026. - The report was published from London.

The details: - Rising awareness of chickpeas' nutritional benefits is supporting demand. - Vegetarian and vegan diets are expanding demand for chickpeas and chickpea-based foods. - Food processors are using chickpeas in snacks, ready-to-eat meals, flour products, beverages and meat alternatives. - The market is also supported by growth in functional foods and clean-label ingredients. - Chickpeas are attractive in sustainable food systems because they require relatively less water than several other protein sources. - Food processing advances and investment in pulse-based product innovation are helping broaden use cases. - International trade networks are also expected to support market growth. - By product type, the market includes Kabuli chickpeas and Desi chickpeas. - By form, the market includes dried/raw, flour and powder, and ready-to-eat products. - By application, the market spans food and beverages, animal feed, nutraceuticals and industrial uses. - By end user, demand comes from food processors and manufacturers, household and retail consumers, food service operators and institutional buyers. - Asia-Pacific is the leading region because of high production, broad consumption and strong cultural use of chickpea-based foods. - India, Pakistan and Australia are major production countries. - India is one of the largest consumers and producers, with chickpeas central to traditional diets and food processing. - North America is growing on interest in plant-based proteins, gluten-free products and healthy snack alternatives. - The United States and Canada are seeing more demand for hummus, chickpea flour and new chickpea-based products. - Europe is also expanding, supported by demand for vegan and vegetarian foods, sustainable ingredients and functional nutrition. - Germany, the United Kingdom, France and Italy are seeing higher consumption tied to plant-based diets and Mediterranean-inspired cuisines. - Market innovation includes plant-based meat alternatives, protein-rich snacks, gluten-free bakery products and ready-to-eat meals. - Chickpea protein extraction is gaining attention as manufacturers look for alternatives to animal-based proteins. - Advanced processing technologies are improving ingredient functionality, nutrition, taste and texture. - Artificial intelligence and data analytics are being used in agriculture to optimize production, monitor soil conditions and improve supply chains. - AI-powered farming tools analyze weather patterns, crop health and resource use. - The market's 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.

Between the lines: - Chickpeas fit two major food-industry trends at once: healthier eating and sustainability. - The strongest growth story is not just the raw commodity market, but the widening use of chickpeas in processed foods and ingredient innovation. - Technology is becoming part of the value chain, from processing to farm management, which could help stabilize supply and improve margins.

What's next: - Demand is expected to keep rising as alternative proteins and health-focused diets spread globally. - Producers and food manufacturers are likely to keep investing in chickpea-based product development. - Precision farming, IoT monitoring and AI crop management may become more important as growers try to raise yields and manage climate variability. - The report also points to continued opportunities in nutraceuticals, functional foods and plant-based substitutes.

The bottom line: - Chickpeas are moving from staple crop to strategic ingredient, and the market's projected growth reflects that shift.