# Substitute Chickpea Chickpeas are being incorporated into unlikely edible formats. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Mar 5, 2018 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/substitute-chickpea ## Key Figures - Trend score: 1.8/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Substitute Chickpea trend? **Substitute Chickpea:** Chickpea has long been used as a substitute in various dishes and diets, and it is now being adopted into more unusual products – with everything from cocktails to alternative nut spreads being examples of this fact. This use of the affordable and accessible food reveals how a simple elevation in format is able to shift the narratives associated with a product – taking it from fundamental to indulgent. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: May 11, 2016 to Mar 2, 2018 - Published: Mar 5, 2018 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [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 Substitute Chickpea trend ### Alternative Protein Innovative food and beverage products are using chickpeas as substitutes for traditional sources of protein such as eggs, nuts, and dairy. ### Aquafaba as Egg Replacer Aquafaba, or chickpea brine, is becoming a popular egg replacer in vegan cocktails and other food products. ### Clean Labels Brands are using chickpeas to create healthier food alternatives with simple, natural ingredients, appealing to consumers seeking clean label products. ## What the Substitute Chickpea trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Chickpeas are being used as alternative sources of protein in food and beverage products, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions. ### For Cocktail and Bar Industry Bartenders are incorporating chickpea brine as a vegan-friendly egg replacer in cocktails, providing innovative options for health-conscious and vegan customers. ### For Health and Fitness Chickpeas are proving to be a popular source of protein for those looking to maintain a healthy diet or pursue plant-based nutrition, with new products emerging in the clean label and vegan food space. ## Workshop question How can your brand elevate one of its offerings in a way that re-frames any negative or neutral perceptions normally associated with it? ## Trend signals for Substitute Chickpea Trend score 1.8 out of 10, from popularity 25%, activity 20%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 25% - Activity: 20% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Substitute Chickpea trend 5 featured examples from May 11, 2016 to Mar 2, 2018. - [Chickpea-Based Cookie Dough](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytoeat-cookie-dough): P.S. Snacks Co.'s Ready-to-Eat Cookie Dough Remixes a Classic Formula (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Food companies can capitalize on the trend of alternative ingredient substitutes to develop innovative and healthier snack options. - [Vegan Chickpea Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-cocktail): This Egg-Free Pisco Sour is Made Using Bean Water Foam (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for manufacturers and mixologists to create new vegan-friendly cocktail options. - [Chickpea Brine Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-cocktails): The Theodore is Introducing Egg-Free Vegan Cocktails Made with Aquafaba (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Restaurants and bars looking to cater to vegan consumers can use innovative ingredients like aquafaba to add plant-based options to their menus. - [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. - [Cheesy Protein-Packed Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickapea-mac-and-cheese): The New Chickapea Mac and Cheese Comes in Three Delicious Flavors (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Opportunity for food manufacturers to create and produce protein-packed pasta products. ## 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)