# Protein-Rich Chickpea Ingredients NuCicer Nuchi Chickpeas are Ready for Clean-Label Formulations By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-07-13 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nucicer-nuchi References: [theplantbasemag](https://www.theplantbasemag.com/news/nucicer-presents-new-high-protein-chickpea-variety) & [nucicer](https://nucicer.com/news/nucicer-introduces-nuchi-a-new-class-of-high-protein-chickpeas-designed-for-clea.html)  The NuCicer Nuchi chickpeas have been announced by the brand as a new variety of the legume that maximizes its protein content to work seamlessly within clean-label food formulations. The chickpeas were developed using the brand's artificial intelligence (AI)-led genomic modeling and speed breeding in the plant genetics research process. The chickpeas maintain a [non-GMO profile](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/festive-chickpea-hearts) that's rated to outperform traditional chickpeas in terms of profile, function and flavor. The legume is reported to have 50% more protein an 25% less fat than conventional chickpeas to improve the protein-to-fat ratio, which accommodates the elimination of the defatting step in the [chickpea protein processing protocol](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chickpea-protein-toppers). The NuCicer Nuchi chickpeas come in four formats including a [high-protein flour](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-up-carb-down), a low-fat flour, protein concentrate and protein isolate. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 85% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **AI-bred Legumes:** Artificial intelligence-led genomic modeling is accelerating crop development, creating room for specialized plant ingredients with enhanced nutrition and processing performance. - **Clean-label Protein:** Higher-protein chickpea formats support simpler ingredient lists as brands reformulate plant-based foods without relying on heavily processed additives. - **Low-fat Pulses:** Naturally reduced-fat legumes can streamline protein ingredient production by minimizing processing steps while improving nutritional ratios for packaged foods. ### Who This Affects Most - **Plant-based Foods:** Advanced chickpea ingredients offer manufacturers new formulation flexibility for meat alternatives, dairy substitutes and high-protein snacks. - **Food Ingredients:** Specialized flours, concentrates and isolates create differentiated supply opportunities for ingredient companies serving clean-label and functional nutrition markets. - **Agricultural Biotechnology:** Non-GMO speed breeding and AI-enabled plant genetics are expanding the commercial potential of crops designed for specific food manufacturing needs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid Protein Pastas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/banza-wheat-protein-pasta.md) - [High-Protein Couscous](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boostcous.md) - [Functional Hummus Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-hummus.md) - [Puffed Plant Protein Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hippeas-protein-crunch.md) - [Bite-Sized Pea Puffs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baked-pea-puffs.md) - [Artisanal Flavor Puff Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hippeas-chickpea-puffs.md) - [Hearty Plant-Based Soup Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiced-chickpea-big-soup.md) - [Neutral-Flavored Plant-Based Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roquette-nutralys-pea-850f.md) - [Protein-Rich Chicken Nuggets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-chicken-nuggets.md)