Chickpeas have a rich history, with evidence of cultivation dating back to 10,000 BC in the Middle East, making them one of the earliest cultivated legumes. Their popularity stems from their robust nutritional profile, including high levels of protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and zinc, which support various health benefits. Is chickpea high in protein? Absolutely, chickpeas are an excellent plant-based protein source, making them a staple in modern diets due to their versatility and alignment with sustainable eating practices, providing a foundational ingredient for a variety of plant-based foods.
This article delves into chickpea nutritional benefits, exploring their nutritional profile, and possible applications, and introducing ATURA CP40 protein concentrate and ATURA CP60 high protein – two exceptional chickpea protein products tailored for modern diets and a diversity of food and beverage applications.
Nutritional Profile of Chickpea Protein
Chickpea protein is an exceptional plant-based protein source that offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. How much protein is in chickpeas? Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, with a 100g serving providing around 19g of quality plant protein. This makes chickpea protein an excellent choice for meeting daily protein requirements. The nutritional qualities of Chickpea protein makes it a worthwhile addition to any diet, and particularly for those following a plant-based lifestyle.
- High-Quality Protein: Chickpea protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids required by the human body. Its amino acid profile is well-balanced, ensuring that it can contribute to muscle growth, repair, and overall bodily functions.
- Rich in Fiber: In addition to its protein content, chickpea protein is a good source of dietary fiber. Fiber plays a crucial role in promoting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and contributing to a feeling of fullness, assisting with weight management.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Chickpea protein is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly rich in folate (vitamin B9), which is essential for cell growth and development, as well as iron, which is vital for healthy red blood cell production and oxygen transportation throughout the body.
- Low in Fat and Cholesterol-Free: Unlike many animal-based protein sources, chickpea protein is naturally low in fat and entirely free from cholesterol. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to maintain a healthy heart and manage their cholesterol levels.
- Easy Digestion: Chickpea protein is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, including those with certain food sensitivities or allergies. It is free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten, making it a suitable option for individuals with specific dietary restrictions.
Our sister company Deltagen UK manufactures the ATURA brand of chickpea proteins, Deltagen is a company dedicated to providing secure access to new and diversified sources of plant-based proteins. These proteins are produced in Europe under the highest standards, backed by validated nutritional and sensory science, and supported by in-house, expert application guidance. We are now launching ATURA CP40 and ATURA CP60 onto the Australian market, providing exciting new formulation options. Each product is designed to meet specific dietary needs and application requirements, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.
Chickpea Protein (CP40)
- Chickpea protein content: CP40 is a concentrate that boasts a 40% protein content, providing a significant source of plant-based protein to support dietary needs.
- Nutritional Richness: CP40 is a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, selenium, vitamin B6, and vitamin B9.
- Balanced Amino Acid Profile: With a high PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) of 0.81, CP40 offers a well-balanced amino acid composition, which is important for overall health.
- Functional Properties:
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- High solubility ensures stability and performance in various food applications.
- Effective emulsifying properties with excellent fat encapsulation abilities.
- Fine particle size contributes to a smooth mouthfeel, ideal for creamy textures in products like plant-based yogurts and vegan cheeses.
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- Consumer-Friendly: CP40 is allergen-free, GMO-free, and available in organic certification, catering to the demands of a wide range of consumers with specific dietary preferences.
- Versatility: With its broad utility in the food industry, CP40 can be utilized in various applications, from bakery items to meat alternatives, making it a versatile ingredient.
Chickpea Protein (CP60)
CP60 is another remarkable product from ATURA, A high-protein product, designed to meet the needs of those seeking high-quality plant-based protein options. Here’s a detailed look at its features and nutritional benefits:
- Chickpea protein content: CP60 boasts a protein concentration of 60%, making it highly suitable for intensive protein supplementation needs.
- Nutritional Profile: It is rich in essential amino acids (EAAs) and particularly high in glutamic acid. Despite its high protein content, CP60 maintains a low carbohydrate level, enriching its suitability for various dietary preferences.
- PDCAAS Score: With a PDCAAS (Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score) of 0.88, CP60 offers a superior amino acid profile that supports comprehensive nutritional needs.
- Functional Properties:
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- Low viscosity makes CP60 ideal for protein fortification in beverages like shakes and smoothies, ensuring easy mixing without significantly altering the fluid’s texture.
- The clean flavored nature of CP60 makes it an excellent base for various food products, allowing the natural flavors of other ingredients to stand out.
- Uniform particle size contributes to a smooth mouthfeel, eliminating chalkiness and making it ideal for improving the texture of nutrition shakes and other ready-to-drink (RTD) applications.
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- Versatility: CP60 can be incorporated into various products, including baked goods, creams, puddings, plant milk alternatives, and nutritional beverages.
Health Benefits of Chickpea Protein
Chickpea is good for health across multiple dimensions. Chickpea protein is highly beneficial for muscle health due to its comprehensive amino acid profile, including all nine essential amino acids required for muscle growth and repair. It is an excellent choice for athletes and active individuals, and those looking to build or maintain lean muscle mass as well as seniors and those challenged by muscle degradation and sarcopenia. Additionally, chickpea protein is effective in managing weight and controlling blood sugar levels, making it a suitable option for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. Its low glycemic index and high fiber content help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin production.
In addition to muscle health, chickpea protein plays a significant role in weight management and blood sugar regulation. Its high fiber content and low glycemic index contribute to a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream, which can prevent sudden spikes in insulin levels. This property makes chickpea protein a beneficial dietary option for those managing diabetes or at risk of developing the condition, as it helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Furthermore, chickpea protein is an environmentally conscious choice. It requires substantially less water and land to produce than animal-based proteins. The sustainable nature of chickpea cultivation highlights its lower environmental impact, appealing to consumers who are mindful of their carbon footprint and the ecological implications of their food choices. Given chickpea health benefits and sustainable support, chickpea protein is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make environmentally and health-conscious food choices. Deltagen UK produce their Chickpea products in a low to zero waste facility,
Chickpea Protein in Food Products
Due to its versatility, chickpea protein powder can be easily incorporated into various food products, including snacks, beverages, and plant-based meals. Its neutral flavor profile and excellent solubility make it an ideal ingredient for fortifying a wide range of products without compromising taste or texture. Chickpea protein can be used in:
- Protein bars
- Shakes
- Baked goods
- Meat alternatives
- Dairy-free cheese and yogurt alternatives
Moreover, chickpea protein’s functional properties, such as its ability to form gels, emulsify, and bind water, make it a valuable ingredient in product formulation. It can improve the texture and mouthfeel of products, providing a desirable creaminess and richness. In bakery applications, chickpea protein can:
- Improve dough handling
- Increase water absorption
- Contribute to a softer crumb structure
The versatility of chickpea protein extends beyond traditional food products. It can also be used in applications, such as:
- Plant-based egg replacers
- Vegan mayonnaise
- Non-dairy creamers
Its neutral taste and ability to mimic the functional properties of eggs or dairy ingredients make it a sought-after ingredient in the rapidly growing plant-based market.
Furthermore, chickpea protein’s clean label status and allergen-free nature make it an attractive choice for food manufacturers catering to consumers with specific dietary needs or preferences, such as those following a vegan, vegetarian, or allergen-free diet.
Why Chickpea Protein by ATURA Is the Best Choice?
ATURA’s chickpea protein is a high-quality, sustainably sourced product with a well-rounded nutritional profile. It is rich in protein and low in saturated fats, making it an excellent choice for various dietary needs. This protein meets rigorous standards for clean labeling, with organic grades available as well as conventional, Kosher, Halal, and all products are GMO-free. Manufactured in the UK, ATURA ensures that all chickpeas used are sustainably grown in Turkey, maintaining high quality and environmental standards. Moreover, chickpea protein powder is an eco-friendly option, sourced from validated suppliers who sustainably grow chickpeas. The products are manufactured to the highest standards in the UK by Deltagen.
ATURA has recently completed a significant expansion of its UK site, showcasing its commitment to strengthening its production capabilities and sustainability practices. This £20 million project has doubled the site’s size while integrating cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and sustainable measures, such as solar power generation and zero waste to landfill initiatives. Furthermore, ATURA and Deltagen UK have forged robust partnerships, enabling them to provide exceptional service quality and specialized technical support to their valued customers. These strategic collaborations empower ATURA and Deltagen UK to offer highly customized plant protein solutions, catering to the burgeoning demand for sustainable and locally sourced ingredients within the UK and EU markets.
Conclusion
Chickpea protein is celebrated for its significant nutritional and environmental benefits. Chickpeas are integral to modern diets due to the comprehensive nutrients in chickpeas and their versatility in culinary uses. They offer high-quality protein, ample fiber, and vital vitamins and minerals, supporting muscle health, weight management, and blood sugar regulation. Additionally, the cultivation of chickpeas is environmentally sustainable, requiring less water and land than animal-based proteins, aligning with growing eco-conscious preferences.
With the introduction of products like ATURA CP40 and ATURA CP60, businesses and consumers in Australia now have access to specialized chickpea proteins that cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Excitingly, we are pleased to announce that exceptional chickpea proteins like ATURA CP40 and ATURA CP60 will soon be available in Australia. For those interested in exploring the benefits of ATURA proteins or obtaining samples, please contact us for pricing and additional information.