Is Chickpea Milk the Next Oat Milk?

The dairy-alternative market is thriving. In Britain, for example, 25% of consumers are choosing plant based milks, with figures reaching 33% for the young adult market (16-24 year olds).  In the U.S., sales of plant-based milk grew by 6% over 2018, while plant-based yogurt sales spiked 39% percent, according to the the Plant Based Food Association. Almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, oat milk and soy milk are the most popular types of plant based milks. But now there’s a new player on the block: chickpea milk!

The Taste

A main reason for the predicted growth of chickpea milk is its taste profile. Many plant-based proteins possess bitter flavors and when it comes to using them in non-dairy milks, the addition of sugar or artificial flavors are commonplace. By contrast the chickpea is neutral in flavour.

Israeli food-tech startup, ChickP, have developed a chickpea milk, which launched last month. “We tested the chickpea ingredient across a range of parameters, including functionality, flavor, nutrition profile, and protein content,” says Dr. Ram Reifen, the founder and chief security officer of ChickP. “Sensory parameters such as taste, color, and texture are the key factors for success in launching any new product in the marketplace. Plant-based milk alternatives that contain ChickP’s isolates have been shown to mimic cow’s milk and yogurt better for taste, mouthfeel, and nutritional value.”

Chickpea Benefits

A big reason consumers may switch to chickpea milk are the vast health benefits that the chickpea provides. The legume is a rich source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It’s also high in protein and for that reason is a popular replacement for meat for vegetarians and vegans. One cup of chickpeas contain:

·       14.5 grams of protein (29% of the daily requirement)

·       1.7 milligrams of manganese (84% of the daily requirement)

·       282 micrograms of folate (71% of the daily requirement)

·       0.6 milligrams of copper (29% of the daily requirement)

·       276 milligrams of phosphorus (28% of the daily requirement)

·       4.7 milligrams of iron (26% of the daily requirement)

·       78.7 milligrams of magnesium (20% of the daily requirement)

·       2.5 milligrams of zinc (17% of the daily requirement)

Another chickpea innovator is Virginia-based Nutriati, who recently trialled a chickpea milk with a strong nutritional profile of 8 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat and 3 grams of fiber per serving.  

More Advantages

Other popular plant based milks are made from soy and tree nuts, but these are common allergens. Another great benefit of chickpea milk is that allergic reactions to it are incredibly rare. The price is also worth consideration. Soy milk can be expensive, as can many other plant-based milks. If chickpea innovators can undercut these prices, they’re likely to secure success within this rapidly growing market.

The almond requires 1,929 gallons of water to produce a pound of milk replacement, whereas the chickpea only requires 501 gallons. Chickpea milk is cheaper and better on the environment.

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