First it was houmous, then falafel and now chickpeas have become the latest pulse food craze as Brits look to find cheap but nutritious ways to bulk out their meals.
In the last year Tesco has seen demand for tinned chickpeas soar by an unprecedented 15% as the cost of living crisis focuses shoppers on making their money go further.
As well as being rich in fibre and protein, a third of a regular tin counts as part of one’s five-a-day, and they are quick to prepare.
Chickpeas are a staple in many cuisines and they can also be used to make mash, veggie burgers, and added to soups, stews curries, wraps, fajitas and salads.
Tesco Head of Health Campaigns, Oonagh Turnbull shared, “Houmous has long been a snack time favourite and recently falafel has become super trendy so it’s almost natural for Brits to have gone back to the source pulse, chickpeas, where these tasty and nutritious treats come from.
“They’re also ticking a lot of important boxes for shoppers at the moment because not only are they versatile and affordable, they are also really good for you.
“Chickpeas are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They are also really high in protein and make an excellent ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes”
As well as playing an important part of a healthy diet, chickpeas also have a starring role in sustainable food systems, restoring nutrients to the soil.
As part of its commitment to help customers make better food choices now and in the future, Tesco is working closely with its partner, WWF to halve the environmental impact of the average UK shopping basket.
WWF-UK Head of Consumption, Jo Trewern expanded, “What we eat has a direct impact on the planet – growing chickpeas, beans, and other legumes restores vital nutrients to the soil and is far less carbon intensive than rearing livestock.
“Adopting more plant-rich diets is vital to tackle the climate and nature crisis, and foods like chickpeas are packed full of important nutrients too.
“It’s fantastic to see more and more people choosing this tasty, affordable option, which can be used as a great alternative to meat in many dishes.”
According to OnePoll research for Tesco, just under half the nation (43%) is planning to spend less on their food shopping in 2023. Additionally, one in six (17%) have started buying more tinned food over the past year to cut costs.
The research revealed that the top five items that shoppers couldn’t line without, as budgets come under pressure, are: Bread (41%), Eggs (41%), Pasta (40%), Rice (34%) and Baked beans (34%).