# Chickpea Snacking New snacks take chickpeas beyond merely usage as a healthful substitute. By [Rebecca Byers](https://www.trendhunter.com/becbyers), Insights Research at Trend Hunter | Published Mar 5, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/chickpea-snacking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Chickpea Snacking trend? **Chickpea Snacking:** Following the normalization of chickpeas as a healthful substitute in a variety of food and beverages, the superfood legume can now be seen as the star of various packaged snack products. ## The consumer insight behind the Chickpea Snacking trend Due to a culture of comparison bred through constant social media use, younger consumers are more health-conscious than most. Thus, many are adopting healthier habits, yet looking to do so in a way that is not restrictive. These consumers are searching out healthier alternatives to typical snack offerings that provide them with the experience of snacking while allowing them to maintain health goals ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 1, 2018 to Mar 4, 2019 - Published: Mar 5, 2019 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Chickpea Snacking trend ### Plant-Based Alternatives Increasing demand for plant-based food products has pushed companies to introduce innovative snacks that utilize chickpeas in various forms, such as spreads, cakes and savory bars. ### Allergen-Free Products The rise in peanut and tree nut allergies has led to an increase in demand for allergen-free products, such as chickpea-based snacks that are school-safe and free from top allergens like dairy, eggs and shellfish. ### Spicy Snacks Consumers' love for spicy snacks has driven companies to introduce chickpea-based snacks in bold savory flavors like chili haze and Buffalo, satisfying the demands of those looking for healthy alternatives to traditional junk food. ## What the Chickpea Snacking trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Companies in the food and beverage industry can take advantage of the trend towards plant-based products by introducing new snacks that use chickpeas in innovative ways and by offering allergen-free options. ### For Health and Wellness The health and wellness industry has an opportunity to embrace the trend towards healthier snacking options by promoting and distributing chickpea-based snacks that are high in protein, fiber, and lower in carbs. ### For Packaged Snacks The packaged snacks industry can disrupt the market by focusing on satisfying demands for bold and unique flavors in snack products that are also healthy and allergen-free, tapping into the growing market of health-conscious consumers. ## Workshop question How could your brand appeal to consumers looking for alternatives to standard ingredients or items? ## Trend signals for Chickpea Snacking Trend score 3.4 out of 10, from popularity 53%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 53% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Chickpea Snacking trend 5 featured examples from Mar 1, 2018 to Mar 4, 2019. - [Savory Chickpea Bars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tig-snacks): TIG Snacks Offers Crunchy, Savory Bars in Bold, Fun Flavors Like Pizza & BBQ (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity to introduce savory snack bars as a new category in the snack food industry and provide more options for consumers looking for a healthier and flavorful alternative to… - [Chickpea-Based Cake Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cake-snacks): Rule Breaker's Plant-Based 'Birthday Cake' is Made with Beans (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring the incorporation of healthier ingredients like chickpeas to create more nutritious and appealing snacks. - [Piquant Puffed Chickpea Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hippeas-chilli-haze): The Hippeas Chilli Haze Puffs are Spicy and Satisfying (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for snack food manufacturers to tap into the market of consumers looking for healthier and spicier snack options. - [Baked Chickpea Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-puffs): Biena's Protein-Packed Puffs are Low-Carb Better-for-You Snacks (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The snack food industry can capitalize on the growing demand for healthier and alternative snack options by innovating and expanding its product lines to cater to consumers' chang… - [Nut-Free Chickpea Spreads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-spread): The Amazing Chickpea Makes Flavorful Alternatives to Peanut Butter (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Manufacturers in the food industry can seize the opportunity to develop and market nut-free spreads to cater to the growing demand. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)