Chickpea Protein Market

How big is Chickpea Protein Market in 2026?

The chickpea protein market is valued at USD 117.9 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 189.1 million by 2036, growing at a 4.8% CAGR as per FMI synthetic survey

Demand for chickpea protein is projected to expand at 4.8% CAGR between 2026 and 2036. Industry value grows from USD 112.4 million in 2025 to USD 117.9 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 189.1 million by 2036. FrieslandCampina Ingredients reported that 71% of consumers were prioritising protein intake in 2025[1]. Increasing protein intake per consumer is widening the total ingredient requirement, but chickpea protein remains less developed. Due to this, Pulse protein ingredients are finding application in bakery, snacks and dairy replacements. As per FMI, this application spread is increasing preference for higher-purity isolates as it provides more recipe space. Premium-grade shift will depend on cleaner taste, dispersion and heat behavior.

South Korea is projected to grow at 6.0% CAGR, while Japan is forecast at 5.5% through 2036. In May 2025, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries formulated its Basic Plan to expand sustainable protein crop utilization[2], whereas South Korea is supporting commercial food-tech initiatives. Plant-based food development is therefore expected to take a different route in both countries. Korean programs can increase trials, while Japanese processors will compare chickpea protein with established soy systems. Thus, qualification records, clear labeling and performance inside the plant will remain the final commercial filter.

Key Takeaways of Chickpea Protein Market

• Increasing demand for protein-enriched foods is expected to widen application of chickpea protein; however, taste, dispersion and stable functioning will decide actual commercial adoption.
• Protein isolates are projected to account for 45.3% in 2026, owing to higher protein concentration and better control over the remaining recipe.
• Conventional chickpea protein is estimated to hold 95.0% in 2026, due to larger availability of raw material and limited certification cost.
• In June 2025, Roquette added NUTRALYS T WHEAT 600L with more than 60% protein and NUTRALYS T PEA 700XC with 70% protein. The development shows increasing supplier focus on structured plant-based foods where protein level, texture and processing performance are required together.
• South Korea is projected to rise at 6.0% CAGR through 2036, followed by Japan at 5.5%, as food-tech programs are increasing trials of plant-based products.
• Notable companies in the chickpea protein market include Roquette, dsm-firmenich, Novonesis, Kemin Industries, AAK, and FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

Analyst Perspective

“Regular food products will generate higher volumes than supplement-only applications. Suppliers controlling taste and process variation will convert trials into repeat orders.”

- Nandini Roy Choudhury, Principal Consultant, Future Market Insights.

How is the Chickpea Protein Market segmented?

Chickpea protein market is segmented by three primary commercial axes and region: product type, nature, end use, and region. Protein isolates are projected at 45.3%, conventional at 95.0%, and food processing at 47.8% in 2026.

Product type covers protein isolates, protein concentrates, flour, and other product types.
Nature covers conventional and organic.
End use covers food processing, bakery and confectionery, functional foods, meat alternatives, dairy replacements, other food applications, animal feed, and livestock.
Region covers North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Pacific, and Middle East and Africa, with country coverage for South Korea, Japan, Germany, the UK, and the USA.

Why do protein isolates hold notable product type demand?

Based on product type, protein isolates are projected to account for 45.3% in 2026, owing to concentrated protein and tighter formulation control.

Protein isolates remove larger portion of starch and fiber than flour or concentrates, due to which higher protein level can be achieved with lower ingredient addition. Roquette launched NUTRALYS Pea 850F, a clean-tasting pea protein isolate, in February 2026 with high emulsion capacity, moderate gelling and strong solubility[3]. These functions show the level of performance chickpea isolates will require in beverages and dairy replacements. In the FMI report, preference for isolates is therefore expected to rise where manufacturers need more space for fats, flavors and stabilizers without reducing the protein claim.

• Protein isolates are projected to account for 45.3% in 2026, as concentrated protein supports the required claim with lower ingredient addition.
• Cleaner taste and stable dispersion is expected to reduce correction work before the product enters commercial production.

What supports conventional supply as the preferred nature category?

By nature, conventional chickpea protein is estimated to hold 95.0% in 2026, reflecting larger supply pools and lower certification cost.

Conventional chickpea protein uses a larger crop base and does not require identity-preservation steps associated with organic certification. USDA reported in its July 2025 outlook that expanded dry pulse availability supported processing options[4]. Larger crop availability is giving processors more raw-material contracting options and reducing dependence on limited certified supply. According to FMI, conventional products and related plant-based alternatives are therefore expected to remain preferred for larger commercial runs where landed cost and continuous availability are checked together.

• Conventional chickpea protein is estimated to hold 95.0% in 2026, owing to larger supply pools and lower certification cost.
• Wider contracting options is helping processors maintain ingredient supply and plant utilization during larger production runs.

How does food processing meet changing end use needs?

In 2026, food processing is expected to lead end use with 47.8% share, supported by use in several formulated food systems.

Chickpea protein is used in bakery products, snacks, dairy replacements, meat alternatives and nutrition products. Novonesis reported in May 2025 that 62% of global consumers considered high protein an important purchase factor[5]. This is increasing the number of food formats where chickpea protein can be tested. However, nutrition alone will not keep the ingredient inside a recipe. FMI research indicates that repeat production will depend on whether the same protein also provides emulsification, water binding and required texture without increasing formulation steps.

• Food processing is expected to account for 47.8% in 2026, owing to use across several formulated food products.
• Application across several products is expected to continue where hydration, texture and flavor remains controlled.

What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the Chickpea Protein Market?

In the chickpea protein market, the key driver is protein enrichment, the key restraint is variable functionality, and the key opportunity is targeted modification.

• Driver: Increasing demand for protein-enriched foods is creating requirement for plant proteins that can provide nutrition along with texture, emulsification and water binding.
• Restraint: Changes in flavor, solubility and processing performance can increase formulation time and keep buyers dependent on already established proteins.
• Opportunity: Enzymes, fermentation and physical processing can improve chickpea protein according to the needs of beverages, dairy replacements, bakery and structured foods.

Protein Enrichment Expands Formulation Work

Protein enrichment is moving into familiar snacks instead of remaining limited to supplements and sports nutrition. PepsiCo introduced Doritos Protein in February 2026 with 10 grams of protein in a one-ounce serving[6]. This development shows that additional protein can be introduced without changing the basic food format. Chickpea protein is expected to gain from the same movement where the consumer receives more protein but known taste and texture of the product is retained.

Variable Performance Extends Buyer Trials

Plant proteins can become bitter, astringent or uneven when ingredient loading increases. dsm-firmenich launched ModulaSENSE maskers in July 2025 for plant-protein drinks and bars[7]. Increasing need for a separate masking system shows how higher protein loading can also increase formulation work. This condition is expected to extend buyer trials and raise total product cost, which can restrict chickpea protein where an established protein performs with lower correction.

Targeted Modification Opens New Applications

Targeted modification can improve chickpea protein for one application instead of offering the same ingredient as a universal substitute. In April 2026, dsm-firmenich launched textured vegetable proteins with 55% and 65% protein and integrated taste modulation[8]. Similar processing is expected to support chickpea protein in structured foods by reducing separate masking steps. Thus, suppliers developing one protein according to a defined texture, flavor and processing requirement are likely to create better growth opportunities.

Which country CAGRs are profiled in the Chickpea Protein Market?

Country	CAGR
USA	3.5%
UK	3.9%
Germany	4.3%
Japan	5.5%
South Korea	6.0%

How do country-level CAGRs compare in the chickpea protein market?

Country growth is expected to remain different between established food-processing markets and countries where food-tech programs are increasing product trials. Actual demand will move according to the ability of manufacturers to use chickpea protein in foods already accepted by consumers.

East Asia has more growth space from a smaller base, whereas the USA and Europe have larger processing industries where cost and performance comparison is more strict.

• USA demand is supported by domestic pulse availability, development of protein-enriched foods and clear plant-source labeling.
• UK demand is benefiting from food innovation programs; however, taste, value and regulatory checks will continue to decide product entry.
• Germany has a developed plant-based food industry, but manufacturers closely check nutrition, labeling and technical performance before replacing an existing protein.
• Japan combines food-tech policy with manufacturers already having experience in soy beverages, prepared foods and other plant proteins.
• South Korea is developing a statutory food-tech system connecting startups, food manufacturers, investors and public programs.

Full report country CAGRs cover: North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; East Asia; South Asia and Pacific; Middle East and Africa.

Country-wise Analysis

• USA chickpea protein demand is forecast to rise at 3.5% CAGR, supported by domestic pulse supply and application in processed foods. USDA estimated United States chickpea planted area at 482,000 acres in July 2026, down 10% after expansion during 2025[9]. Lower crop availability can tighten raw-material options even when processors are testing more pulse proteins. FMI data suggests growth will remain connected with applications where suppliers can maintain protein content, taste and processing behavior when crop supply changes.
• UK chickpea protein demand is projected to grow at 3.9% CAGR through 2036, supported by food innovation programs and low pulse consumption. A 2025 UKRI-supported review reported average pulse consumption of 28 grams per person each day, while more than 40% of people consumed no pulses[10]. Bakery, snacks and prepared foods provide a route for adding chickpea protein without requiring consumers to change complete meals. However, known taste, labeling and price will continue to decide product entry. Thus, growth is expected where added protein fits the food already purchased by consumers.
• Germany chickpea protein demand is estimated to expand at 4.3% CAGR through 2036, supported by regional protein-crop policy and a developed plant-based food industry. In 2026, the European protein action plan proposed increasing the share of EU-grown oilseeds and protein crops used in feed from 25.8% in 2025 to 35% by 2035[11]. Although the target is wider than food ingredients, it can support regional crop processing and supply chains. German manufacturers will still check composition, labeling, allergens and process stability before changing a recipe. Therefore, regional sourcing can support growth, but it will not replace application proof.
• Japan chickpea protein demand is predicted to rise at 5.5% CAGR through 2036, supported by food-tech policy and existing experience with plant proteins. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries formed a food-tech working group in December 2025 with four units, including novel foods[12]. Japanese manufacturers already understand soy beverages and prepared foods, due to which chickpea protein needs a separate role in the formulation. Neutral flavor, stable dispersion and local technical support are expected to decide adoption. Public programs can increase trials, but commercial use will widen where chickpea improves a familiar product without requiring complete recipe change.
• South Korea is estimated to register 6.0% CAGR over the forecast period, the highest among the profiled countries. In July 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs issued its first statutory food-tech master plan and included plant-based alternatives among the target areas[13]. The plan connects technology developers with manufacturers, investors and public programs, which can increase product trials. Chickpea protein can enter meat alternatives, beverages, snacks and nutrition products where local partners manage taste, texture and continuous supply. As noted by FMI, co-development is expected to remain important for moving from public programs and pilot products to regular production.

Who are the notable companies in the Chickpea Protein Market?

Notable companies include Roquette, dsm-firmenich, Novonesis, Kemin Industries, AAK, and FrieslandCampina Ingredients.

Chickpea protein market is moderately fragmented as direct pulse-protein producers are working along with taste, enzyme, fermentation, fat and shelf-life companies. Roquette competes through plant-protein ingredients, whereas dsm-firmenich and Novonesis support taste and functional performance. Kemin and AAK work on stability, moisture and texture, while FrieslandCampina Ingredients brings wider protein formulation experience. An FMI analyst notes that competitive position will depend on the formulation issue solved by a company and not only on availability of a protein ingredient.

• Direct plant-protein platform: Roquette supplies pulse-protein isolates and textured ingredients along with application support.
• Taste and biosolution platforms: dsm-firmenich and Novonesis support flavor, texture, enzymes, cultures and processing performance.
• Formulation specialists: Kemin Industries and AAK support shelf life, fat function, moisture and sensory performance.
• Broad ingredient participant: FrieslandCampina Ingredients supports protein formulation through its larger nutrition portfolio.

Competitive Benchmarking: Chickpea Protein Market

Company	Pulse protein platform	Functionality enablement	Application support	Geographic reach
Roquette	High	High	High	High
dsm-firmenich	Medium	High	High	High
Novonesis	Low	High	High	High
Kemin Industries	Low	Medium	High	High
AAK	Low	Medium	High	High
FrieslandCampina Ingredients	Medium	Medium	High	High

Key Developments in the Chickpea Protein Market

• In October 2025, FrieslandCampina Ingredients presented high-protein bars and drinks with application support at SupplySide Global. The development shows increasing supplier focus on proving performance in a finished food format instead of offering the ingredient alone.
• In May 2025, Novonesis combined Vertera Smooth and culture systems for improving texture and flavor in high-protein plant-based yogurt alternatives. Such combined systems are expected to reduce separate formulation steps where higher protein loading changes the final eating experience.
• In April 2025, Kemin announced a United States patent for a low-salt or salt-free brine containing functional proteins, with plant-based products included among the applications. The development indicates that functional proteins are increasingly being combined with process and stability requirements of the finished food.

Key Players in the Chickpea Protein Market

Direct Plant-Protein Ingredient Platforms

• Roquette
• FrieslandCampina Ingredients
• dsm-firmenich

Enzyme, Culture, and Taste Systems

• Novonesis
• dsm-firmenich

Formulation and Shelf-Life Specialists

• Kemin Industries
• AAK

Chickpea Protein Market - Report Scope

Coverage field	Report scope
Market breakdown	Product type, nature, end use, and region.
Quantitative units	USD million.
Market definition	Revenue from chickpea protein ingredients sold as isolates, concentrates, flour, and other in-scope forms. Finished-food revenue and adjacent proteins are excluded.
Regions covered	North America; Latin America; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; East Asia; South Asia and Pacific; Middle East and Africa.
Countries covered	USA, UK, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and additional countries in the full report.
Key companies profiled	Roquette, dsm-firmenich, Novonesis, Kemin Industries, AAK, and FrieslandCampina Ingredients.
Forecast period	2026 to 2036.
Approach	The Future Market Insights report covers supplier activity, ingredient flows, end-use conditions, segment structure, and country adoption.

Chickpea Protein Market - Research Methodology

Method	Approach
Primary Research	Analysts collected inputs from manufacturers, distributors, technology developers, end users, procurement teams and industry experts. The interviews covered purchasing decisions, product trials, adoption barriers, approval requirements, pricing and the technical support required before an initial order moves into regular purchasing.
Desk Research	Desk research covered government statistics, regulatory publications, trade data, industry associations, technical literature, company filings, product information and official announcements. Claims related to performance, applications, approvals, capacity and commercial activity were used only where credible public evidence was available.
Market Sizing and Forecasting	The market model combined the baseline value with historical performance, segment structure, pricing and volume indicators, adoption levels, company participation and country demand. Economic activity, investment, regulation, technology adoption, supply availability and barriers were considered before segment and regional values were reconciled with the final market total.
Data Validation	Estimates were checked against public data, company activity, trade patterns, industry developments and primary interviews. Products and company activities outside the defined market boundary were excluded. Overlapping revenue, adjacent categories and unsupported claims were also removed for reducing double counting across segments and countries.

Chickpea Protein Market by Segments

Product type

• Protein isolates
• Protein concentrates
• Flour
• Other product types

Nature

• Conventional
• Organic

End use

• Food processing
• Bakery and confectionery
• Functional foods
• Meat alternatives
• Dairy replacements
• Other food applications
• Animal feed
• Livestock

Chickpea Protein Market by Region

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Chile
• Western Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Benelux
  • Nordics
• Eastern Europe
  • Poland
  • Czech Republic
  • Romania
  • Hungary
• East Asia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
• South Asia and Pacific
  • India
  • ASEAN
  • Australia and New Zealand
• Middle East and Africa
  • GCC countries
  • South Africa
  • Türkiye
  • Israel

Research Sources and Bibliography

• [1] FrieslandCampina Ingredients. (2025). Nutritional Trends 2025.
• [2] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. (2025, May). First Basic Plan for Food, Agriculture, and Rural Areas based on the Revised Basic Act.
• [3] Roquette. (2026, February 23). Launch of breakthrough clean-tasting pea protein isolate.
• [4] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. (2025, July 31). Vegetables and Pulses Outlook: July 2025.
• [5] Novonesis. (2025, May 16). Novonesis to capture fast-growing market for protein-rich products with Vertera plant-based biosolutions.
• [6] PepsiCo. (2026, February 26). Doritos launches boldest innovation yet: Doritos Protein.
• [7] dsm-firmenich. (2025, July 10). dsm-firmenich launches new ModulaSENSE maskers.
• [8] dsm-firmenich. (2026, April 8). dsm-firmenich advances plant-based performance with next generation Vertis TVPs.
• [9] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. (2026, July 30). Vegetables and Pulses Outlook: July 2026.
• [10] Transforming UK Food Systems. (2025, May). Putting UK grown pulses back on the table.
• [11] European Commission. (2026). Protein Action Plan for the European Union.
• [12] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan. (2026). Food Tech Working Group.
• [13] Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Republic of Korea. (2026, July 20). S. Korea unveils master plan to integrate advanced technologies into the food sector.

This bibliography is provided for reader reference. The full report contains the complete reference list and detailed citations.

This Report Answers

• What is Chickpea Protein Market worth during 2026?
• What value is Chickpea Protein Market projected by 2036?
• Which product type holds notable Chickpea Protein Market share?
• Which nature category holds notable Chickpea Protein Market share?
• Which country has notable Chickpea Protein Market growth?
• Which companies are notable in Chickpea Protein Market today?