Chickpeas

plant-proteins

Chickpeas

5/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 8.0

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is Chickpeas Healthy?

It depends — Chickpeas is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
164kcal
Protein
8.9g
Carbs
27g
Fat
2.6g
Fiber
7.6g
Sugar
4.8g
Sodium
7mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

Chickpeas contain approximately 18-20g net carbs per cooked cup. As a legume, they are fundamentally incompatible with ketogenic diet requirements.

Vegan10/10APPROVED

Chickpeas are whole plant legumes, unprocessed, nutrient-dense, and a staple protein and fiber source in vegan diets.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Contains significant antinutrients and was not consumed by Paleolithic populations.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

Chickpeas are a Mediterranean diet staple, particularly in Middle Eastern and North African Mediterranean regions. Excellent protein, fiber, and mineral source. Foundation of hummus and many traditional dishes.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume-derived plant food. Explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. No animal products present.

Whole301/10AVOID

Chickpeas are legumes. Legumes are explicitly excluded from Whole30 without exception.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

Chickpeas are high in GOS oligosaccharides. Monash University classifies chickpeas as high-FODMAP at all reasonable servings.

DASH9/10APPROVED

Core DASH legume. High in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and plant protein. Very low sodium (4mg per cooked cup). Supports blood pressure management and cardiovascular health.

Zone5/10CAUTION

Legume with protein (15g per cooked cup) and carbohydrate (35g per cooked cup). Low glycemic index but carbohydrate-dense. Requires careful portioning—typically 1/3 to 1/2 cup per Zone meal. Dr. Sears acknowledges legumes as acceptable carb sources with discipline.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

High in fiber, plant protein, and polyphenols. Contains resistant starch with prebiotic properties. Low glycemic index. Rich in minerals (manganese, magnesium, iron). Versatile legume with strong anti-inflammatory profile.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Excellent protein (15g per cooked cup), high fiber (12g), low fat (4g mostly unsaturated), nutrient-dense with iron and magnesium. Portion-friendly and supports blood sugar stability.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus8.0Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Chickpeas

Vegan 10/10
  • Plant-based
  • Legume
  • Whole food
  • Unprocessed
  • High protein and fiber
Mediterranean 9/10
  • Traditional Mediterranean legume
  • High protein and fiber
  • Versatile preparation
  • Rich mineral content
DASH 9/10
  • Very low sodium
  • High fiber
  • Rich in potassium and magnesium
  • Plant-based protein
  • Supports healthy cholesterol
Zone 5/10
  • Moderate-high protein
  • High carbohydrate
  • Low glycemic index
  • Fiber-rich
  • Strict portion control required
  • fiber
  • polyphenols
  • resistant starch
  • plant protein
  • mineral density
  • High protein
  • High fiber
  • Low fat
  • Nutrient-dense
  • Blood sugar stable
Last reviewed: Our methodology