Wholesale Chickpeas: Uses and Their Role in the Market

The chickpea, also known as the garbanzo bean, is one of the earliest cultivated plants. That is one of the reasons why it is also among the most popular types of plant foods across the world. Even though it’s not as consumed in the US as soybeans, it is an important ingredient in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. Wholesale chickpeas are also combined with different types of grains and used as livestock feed. The main application of this legume is in the food and beverage industry. It’s an ingredient for various salads, dips, and other dishes. The popularity of chickpeas as plant-based milk is also increasing. In this blog post, we’ll reveal more about the wholesale chickpeas industry. This article, along with the ones on wholesale lupine, wholesale beans, and other ingredients is part of our series on legumes.

What Businesses Buy Wholesale Chickpeas

Food Manufacturers

The main application of chickpeas is as a food ingredient. That’s why it is no wonder that the main clients of wholesale chickpea suppliers are food manufacturers. Here are some of the businesses in that field that purchase large quantities of this legume.

1. Hummus producers;
2. Canned chickpeas manufacturers;
3. Chickpea flour producers;
4. Ready-to-eat salads and dips manufacturers;
5. Manufacturers of vegan dishes and plant-based meat substitutes.

Livestock Feed Producers

Chickpeas, especially low-quality ones, can be mixed with other ingredients like grains and wholesalers soybeans and used by the animal feed industry. Feed mills often purchase protein-rich ingredients directly from farms. However, it can be easier to find suppliers and partner with them. They can offer a large variety of grains and legumes. Distributors can also take care of the shipping and handling of the products.

Food Service Establishments

Restaurants and catering businesses purchase wholesale chickpeas to make salads, dips, and other dishes. It’s especially popular in establishments that specialize in Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine. A lot of stews and vegetarian menu items also have chickpeas as one of the main ingredients.

Retailers

Grocery stores and other retailers purchase wholesale chickpeas as well. They can sell them in bulk or offer them canned. Ethnic food stores are also among the major clients of distributors. They benefit from the lower wholesale price of chickpeas and other products used within the specific ethnic cuisine.

Bakeries

Flour made from chickpeas is a great alternative to regular ones. It’s also gluten-free. Chickpea flour can also be used to bake pastries.

Key takeaway: Even though chickpea is not as popular as other legumes, it still plays an important role in the food industry. Suppliers of bulk chickpeas also sell various types of grains and other legumes such as carob wholesale.

Different Types of Chickpeas

There are two major varieties of chickpeas that are used around the world - desi and kabuli chickpeas. Let’s dive deeper into the main characteristics of these two types.

Kabuli Chickpeas

They are the most popular type in Western countries. You usually find them canned in supermarkets or in dishes such as salads and hummus. Kabuli chickpeas are large and round compared to their desi counterparts. Their color is light brown. The flavor is nutty and the texture is softer compared to other types of chickpeas. Their ability to absorb flavors during cooking makes them a very good choice for stews and soups. 

Desi Chickpeas

They are smaller and more angular-shaped compared to their kabuli counterparts. Their color is also much darker ranging from dark brown to black. In terms of flavor, they are earthier. Even though they’re not very popular in the US, desi chickpeas are the most consumed type in the world. They are an excellent ingredient for curry dishes and stews.

Other Types of Chickpeas

As they are among the most popular legumes in restaurants, distributors of wholesale chickpeas have various options in their catalogs.

1. Italian chickpeas. They are small in size and have a cream color.
2. Spanish chickpeas. They are large in size and are used mainly in stews traditional for Spanish cuisine.
3. Mexican chickpeas. Their dark color and large size make them an excellent ingredient for tacos, soups, and other dishes.

The Chickpea Market

As the demand for plant-based protein is constantly increasing, the search for chickpeas is growing. That’s why analysts expect that the niche will grow by an average of 3% yearly for the next five years. Keep in mind that the largest producers and consumers of wholesale peas and other legumes are the developing ones. The demand in the US and other developed countries is not as high as in India and Pakistan for example. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that there are no opportunities for entrepreneurs to start a business in the field of chickpeas. Here are a few business ideas entrepreneurs can consider.

1. Chickpea snack manufacturing. The distinctive taste of this legume and its health benefits make it a great and innovative option for snacking.
2. Chickpea eCommerce store. The competition for this product online is fairly low. Therefore, you can get a market share more easily compared to other industries. You can even partner with farms or importers and set up your online store using the dropshipping model. Furthermore, this business can easily be grown to offer other legumes like wholesale lentils or wholesale grains.
3. Production of chickpea protein powder. As more and more consumers are striving to live a healthier life, the demand for plant-based protein powders is increasing. Starting a business in that field can be a successful endeavor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wholesale Chickpeas

Even though legumes are part of our daily lives, business owners might still have questions regarding purchasing and using bulk legumes in their companies. That’s why we’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions on the topic of wholesale chickpeas.

Which Countries Produce the Most Chickpeas?

According to the latest available data, India is the largest producer of chickpeas in the world. Their production accounts for more than half of the total amount produced every year. Other countries that produce a significant amount of this legume include Turkey and Pakistan.

Are Chickpeas Nutritious and Good for You?

Yes. Chickpeas are an important source of protein and an excellent meat substitute. That’s why they are a popular ingredient in vegan dishes. They are rich in fiber which helps regulate blood sugar levels and the digestive system. As chickpeas are a good source of antioxidants and vitamins, they help support overall health.

What Other Products Do Wholesale Chickpeas Suppliers Sell?

Distributors of wholesale chickpeas might offer not only large quantities of this legume but other products as well. Here are some other popular products sold by suppliers.

1. Canned chickpeas. Retailers might purchase canned chickpeas and other wholesale legumes. Customers from the restaurant industry are also likely to buy this ingredient canned.
2. Chickpea pasta. It’s rich in fiber and a great gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat pasta.
3. Hummus. As it is the most popular dish made of chickpeas, suppliers are likely to sell both ingredients and ready-to-eat hummus.
4. Protein powder. Plant-based proteins are more eco-friendly and have become increasingly popular among athletes. Chickpea protein powder can be used as an ingredient in preparing protein bars, cookies, and other desserts.‍
5. Chickpea flour. It’s fluffier compared to the powdered form of chickpeas. It can be used for making gluten-free dishes or by bakery businesses to prepare pastries.