With growing interest in clean eating and avoiding ultra-processed foods, people are spending more time looking at ingredients labels and less time counting calories. This is a win for many nutrient-dense foods like avocados, walnuts, and the humble chickpea.
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a savory lentil. Raw, they look a bit like hazelnuts or round, cream-colored beans.
While not a go-to dish for many, foodies and health-conscious eaters alike enjoy chickpea in many varieties, including falafels, hummus, curry, and other healthy and flavorful preparations. Let’s dive in and explore the bold, new world of chickpea butter.
Is there chickpea butter?
Yes, chickpea butter exists — and it’s a delicious nut-free alternative to traditional peanut butter.
Chickpeas can be used as sandwich spreads or creamy condiments for fruit, pretzels, protein bars, and other snacks.
If you have a blender — and the patience to soak them overnight or to roast them — you can make tasty, butters and dishes with chickpeas at home.
You can also buy chickpea butter spreads at the grocery or from Amazon, including different varieties like chocolate, maple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, banana cinnamon, or chili lime.
What does chickpea butter taste like?
Flavor options vary, but many chickpea butters mimic a nutty flavor. The Amazing Chickpea spread, for example, has a peanut butter taste — but without the nuts of course.
In general, chickpea butter has a nutty, toasty profile with a sweet yet earthy tang. Many people — including kids – find it richer and creamier than peanut butter, although it can get runny at room temperature depending on the ingredients.
This runniness is because chickpea butters like The Amazing Chickpea are made without the same ultra-processed ingredients and emulsifiers you’ll find in super-processed foods.
How is chickpea butter made?
Chickpea butter is made by roasting chickpeas, then blending them with other ingredients, including oil, salt, sweeteners, or spices, to create a smooth, creamy texture. High-speed blending is key to achieving the desired consistency.
Is chickpea butter nutritious?
Yes! Chickpea butter provides a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, like iron, magnesium, and folate.
Chickpea butter can also be a healthy alternative to peanut butter or other nut butters because they are naturally lower in fat, reducing factors for conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
How to store chickpea butter?
Store homemade chickpea butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. You can also freeze chickpea butter in a freezer-safe container, but may need to re-blend it after in order to restore the texture.
Some chickpea butters, like The Amazing Chickpea, are shelf-stable and require no refrigeration.
How long will chickpea butter last?
Homemade chickpea butter can last up to six months when frozen.
The Amazing Chickpea, however, is available to buy, and can last up to 12 months without refrigeration or re-blending.
What does chickpea butter go with?
Chickpea butter goes with a wide variety of foods, sweet and savory. It can be spread on toast or paired with vegetables or fruit.
Savory flavors, like The Amazing Chickpea’s chili lime can be used as dip or sauce, while sweeter options, like the chocolate or apple cinnamon flavor can be incorporated into baked goods, or drizzled over pancakes, ice cream, and other desserts for an added boost of heart-healthy protein.
The Amazing Chickpea creamy spread’s nutty flavor also makes it a great option for a creamy sauce for noodles, topping for salads, roasted vegetables, and more.
Where can you find chickpea butter?
You can find The Amazing Chickpea – a chickpea butter brand – available to buy on our website or Amazon. You can also find us in many school cafeterias throughout the country, as we are an accessible option for peanut- and tree nut-free school lunch and breakfast programs.
Final thoughts
Chickpea butters can be a heart-healthy alternative to popular nut butters with high protein and no nuts. They can make a great addition to your next meal or kid’s lunch.