Chickpea Milk Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Chickpea Milk Market size was estimated at USD 195.60 million in 2025 and expected to reach USD 206.03 million in 2026, at a CAGR of 5.56% to reach USD 285.69 million by 2032.

Chickpea milk has rapidly gained traction as a distinctive plant-based beverage alternative, offering a compelling combination of nutritional value, allergen friendliness, and environmental sustainability. Derived from the humble chickpea legume, this emerging dairy substitute addresses key consumer pain points, including lactose intolerance and nut allergies, while providing a neutral taste profile that integrates seamlessly into coffee, cereals, and culinary applications. Stakeholders are increasingly drawn to chickpea milk’s balanced protein content, which surpasses that of popular almond beverages, and its inherent free-from status, ensuring broader dietary inclusivity.

Beyond nutrition, chickpea milk’s sustainability credentials elevate its appeal among environmentally conscious consumers. Chickpeas require a fraction of the water inputs associated with traditional dairy or almond cultivation and enrich soil health through nitrogen fixation, aligning this beverage with broader clean-label and regenerative agriculture trends. As plant-based demand evolves, chickpea milk stands out as a scalable, eco-friendly solution that bridges the gap between emerging consumer expectations and established supply chain frameworks.

The chickpea milk sector is experiencing a wave of transformative shifts powered by health-driven consumption patterns and sustainability imperatives. Consumers are moving beyond almond and soy in search of allergen-free options that deliver on nutritional value and taste, creating fertile ground for chickpea-based innovations. As part of this pivot, producers are investing in advanced processing techniques to optimize protein extraction, ensure creamy mouthfeel, and extend shelf stability without relying on excessive stabilizers or additives.

Meanwhile, sustainability narratives underpin brand positioning and product development across the value chain. Chickpeas’ lower water footprint and capacity to improve soil health resonate with eco-aware buyers and retail partners seeking verifiable environmental benchmarks. Consequently, companies are collaborating with agricultural cooperatives and leveraging transparent sourcing models to validate these claims, thereby reinforcing brand credibility and advancing circularity goals.

Furthermore, the chickpea milk category is witnessing notable diversification in terms of flavor innovation and usage contexts. Beyond plain formulations, chocolate and vanilla profiles cater to mainstream palates, while fortified variants target functional nutrition segments. This flavor expansion is complemented by strategic partnerships with foodservice operators and bakery manufacturers, underscoring chickpea milk’s versatility across beverages, culinary applications, and value-added products.

In 2025, United States import tariffs on chickpea inputs have cumulatively influenced cost structures for chickpea milk producers. Under HTS code 0710.29.05.00, raw chickpeas entering the market incur a general duty of one cent per kilogram, affecting baseline ingredient expenditures. For imports originating from China, an additional Section 301 ad valorem tariff of 25% elevates landed costs further, constraining sourcing flexibility and prompting some manufacturers to diversify supplier networks.

These layered duties have prompted industry players to reassess inventory strategies, with many opting to build larger raw material stockpiles or contract directly with farmers in tariff-exempt markets. Consequently, certain producers are negotiating long-term agreements with suppliers in Canada, Australia, and select Middle Eastern regions to mitigate tariff exposure and stabilize price volatility. In parallel, forward-looking firms are engaging trade compliance experts to optimize classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and leverage available free-trade provisions, thereby preserving margin integrity and protecting downstream retail price points.

Chickpea milk’s market segmentation reveals distinct pathways for growth that hinge on product variants, packaging formats, processing philosophies, end-user demographics, and application contexts. Core to product differentiation are plain formulations that appeal to purists seeking unflavored alternatives, alongside chocolate and vanilla flavored lines that target indulgence-oriented consumers. Packaging type further shapes purchase behavior, with bottle formats offering on-the-go convenience and carton containers aligning with household refill strategies.

Production modalities underscore the balance between scale and premium positioning. Conventional processing delivers cost efficiencies for mainstream channels, whereas organic certification attracts health-focused and environmentally conscious cohorts. In terms of end users, children and teenagers are drawn to flavored offerings, young adults appreciate functional attributes such as protein enrichment, and elderly consumers value digestive comfort and nutrient density.

Application segmentation extends chickpea milk’s reach beyond direct consumption. It serves as a foundational ingredient in bakery and confectionery, contributes creamy texture to frozen desserts, and enhances beverage menus in coffee shops and smoothie bars. Distribution channels mirror consumer purchasing shifts: offline footprints in convenience stores, specialty retail, and supermarkets/hypermarkets coexist with burgeoning online initiatives via brand websites and eCommerce marketplaces, reflecting omnichannel engagement strategies.

Regional insights highlight nuanced demand drivers and market conditions that shape chickpea milk adoption across global territories. In the Americas, early adopters in North America are concentrated in urban centers and coastal regions where health and sustainability narratives hold sway. Retail partnerships with specialty grocery and health food chains have accelerated distribution, while localized co-branding efforts with café networks reinforce category legitimacy.

Across Europe, the Middle East & Africa region, regulatory frameworks on novel foods and stringent labeling standards influence product development timelines. Nevertheless, strong interest in plant-based diets within Western Europe and Gulf Cooperation Council markets fuels innovation, leveraging chickpeas’ cultural resonance and local agricultural capacity. Partnerships with regional legume producers are fostering shorter supply chains and reinforcing traceability.

In Asia-Pacific, diverse dietary patterns and rapid urbanization underpin evolving consumer preferences. Markets such as Australia and New Zealand exhibit parallel trajectories to North America, with sustainability and clean-label mandates shaping product portfolios, while emerging East Asian economies demonstrate growing receptivity to plant-based beverages as middle-class spending power expands. These markets also present unique formulation challenges related to taste preferences and price sensitivity.

Leading companies are forging distinct competitive advantages through innovation, strategic alliances, and brand storytelling. CHKP Foods has emerged as a category frontrunner with its flagship offerings and expanded barista-friendly formats, while legacy packaged goods players such as Nestlé’s Wunda brand leverage global distribution networks to introduce chickpea milk to mass-market audiences. Simultaneously, health-centric startups are forging partnerships with fitness and wellness influencers, positioning chickpea milk as a high-protein alternative that resonates with athletes and active lifestyle communities.

Major dairy and plant-based conglomerates are integrating chickpea milk into diversified portfolios through R&D collaborations and joint ventures. These initiatives focus on optimizing processing efficiencies, exploring fortified formulations, and scaling production capacity. Moreover, select players are piloting private-label offerings for large-scale retail chains, underscoring the growing confidence in chickpea milk as a mainstream dairy alternative. Collectively, these strategic movements reflect an industry in agile transition, with established firms and agile challengers converging on chickpea milk’s untapped potential.

To capitalize on emerging opportunities, industry leaders should prioritize strategic investments in process optimization, supply chain resilience, and product personalization. First, establishing direct procurement relationships with chickpea growers in tariff-advantaged regions will reduce exposure to import duties and foster supply chain transparency. Next, accelerating formulation research to enhance nutritional profiles, such as fortification with vitamins and minerals, can broaden appeal among targeted demographic groups.

In tandem, forging alliances with foodservice operators and high-traffic café chains will amplify brand visibility and encourage trial among core consumer segments. Digital engagement strategies, including eCommerce promotions and influencer-driven storytelling, can further drive awareness and loyalty in both urban and suburban markets. Lastly, embedding sustainability metrics into corporate reporting and consumer communications will reinforce credibility and differentiate offerings in a crowded plant-based landscape.

This analysis draws upon a blend of secondary research, primary interviews, and triangulated data collection methods to ensure robust insights. Initially, public and proprietary databases were reviewed to map regulatory developments, tariff schedules, and sustainability benchmarks. Next, in-depth interviews with ingredient suppliers, processing experts, and leading brand executives validated emerging trends and operational challenges in real-time.

Quantitative data on distribution patterns and consumer preferences were synthesized through retailer audits and eCommerce analytics, while qualitative feedback from focus groups informed flavor innovation and packaging optimization. Finally, findings were rigorously cross-checked against industry publications and trade association reports to confirm consistency and relevance across global markets.

Chickpea milk’s ascent in the plant-based beverage sector is underpinned by its unique combination of nutritional value, allergen-friendly formulation, and environmental advantages. As consumer preferences evolve toward health-focused and sustainable choices, chickpea milk offers a differentiated channel for both niche startups and established beverage companies seeking market expansion. The interplay of flavored and plain variants, diverse packaging options, and multifaceted distribution strategies underscores the category’s versatility and resilience.

Looking ahead, strategic agility in responding to trade policy shifts, targeted segmentation tactics, and innovation partnerships will determine long-term success. Stakeholders who embed sustainability, nutritional transparency, and consumer-centric design at the core of their initiatives will be best positioned to lead this dynamic segment and deliver compelling value propositions in the rapidly expanding plant-based landscape.

If you’re ready to elevate your strategic roadmap with unparalleled market intelligence, connect directly with Ketan Rohom at our firm. By engaging with Ketan Rohom, you’ll secure exclusive access to a meticulously crafted chickpea milk market report that decodes consumer behavior, reveals competitive strategies, and outlines the latest supply chain dynamics affecting ingredient sourcing and product innovation. This tailored research package is designed to empower your planning processes, inform your product development priorities, and bolster your go-to-market initiatives. Reach out to Ketan Rohom today and transform insights into impactful actions that drive growth in the chickpea milk segment.