Chickpea Market Size, Share and Forecast Trends - Growth Analysis and Outlook Report 2026-2030

The global chickpea market comprises both Desi and Kabuli varieties traded in dried, canned, and fresh forms, serving food manufacturers, food service operators, and retail consumers. Production is concentrated in India, Australia, Turkey, and Myanmar, which together account for the majority of global output. The market has demonstrated resilience through recent years, supported by stable agricultural output and growing application across snack foods, hummus, and plant-based product lines.

• •Market valued at approximately $15.5 billion globally as of 2025
• •Primary production concentrated in South Asia, Australia, and the Mediterranean region
• •Dried chickpeas represent the dominant traded form, with growing demand for canned and ready-to-eat variants

The expansion of the global chickpea market is propelled by increasing consumer preference for plant-based proteins, particularly among flexitarian and vegan populations in developed economies. Rising awareness of chickpeas' nutritional profile, high in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, has broadened their appeal beyond traditional cuisines. Additionally, food manufacturers are incorporating chickpeas into snacks, pasta alternatives, and dairy substitutes to meet evolving dietary preferences and sustainability goals.

• •Growing vegan and flexitarian consumer bases driving demand for plant-based protein alternatives
• •Increasing application in processed foods, snacks, and meat analogues
• •Government sustainability initiatives encouraging pulse crop cultivation over water-intensive alternatives

The chickpea market is segmented by type into Desi, Kabuli, and green chickpeas, with Desi varieties representing the largest volume share due to their drought tolerance and widespread cultivation. Product forms include dried, canned, and fresh chickpeas, with dried commanding the largest market portion while canned varieties grow rapidly in convenience-driven segments. Regionally, India dominates both production and domestic consumption, while North America and Europe represent significant import markets driven by processed food applications.

• •Desi chickpeas account for the majority of global production volume
• •North America and Western Europe represent key demand centers for processed chickpea products
• •Asia-Pacific leads in production volume, with growing intra-regional trade

What are the recent trends and outlook?

Looking forward, the chickpea market is positioned for sustained growth as consumer preferences continue shifting toward sustainable, nutrient-dense protein sources. Product innovation in chickpea-based snacks, flours, and dairy alternatives is expected to accelerate, supported by advancements in food processing technology. The market may face pressure from climate variability affecting traditional growing regions, though expansion of cultivation in new geographies and improved agricultural practices are anticipated to offset supply risks.

• •Rising investment in chickpea-based product innovation across snack, bakery, and alternative protein categories
• •Expansion of cultivation into non-traditional growing regions to diversify supply chains
• •Continued growth in e-commerce and direct-to-consumer channels for chickpea-based food products