Startup Creates Granola Bars With High-Protein Chickpea Powder

An Israeli startup that uses its high-protein chickpea powder to create dairy-free products is set to unveil a new line of enriched cereal and energy bars. 

ChickP’s patented chickpea isolate – a powder that is 90 percent protein and is free of the legume’s natural components that can affect the taste – has already been used for other prototypes such as ice cream, egg-free mayonnaise, and a coffee creamer.

The company will introduce its granola-based prototype bars at Food Ingredients Europe, an annual exhibit for food and beverage professionals to showcase their latest products.

The ChickP prototypes, which are made of nuts, seeds, oats and green buckwheat, contain at least 30 percent of the chickpea isolate. 

“The key challenge in fortifying energy snacks with vegan forms of protein, is avoiding a bitter aftertaste while retaining a crispy texture,” said Maor Dahan, head of development and applications at ChickP.

“Our chickpea isolate solves both challenges. It has a neutral flavor plus a fine consistency for seamless integration,” he said.

“Moreover, it is a complete protein providing all the essential amino acids, including naturally occurring branched-chain amino acids essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.”