Best Chickpea Crisps in the UK

Chickpea crisps are one of the most popular modern snack alternatives in the UK because they balance crunch, flavour, and nutritional value better than many traditional potato crisps. The “best” option depends on what you care about most, whether that is clean ingredients, bold seasoning, plant-based protein, or simply a lighter everyday snack.

Before looking at specific products, it helps to understand what makes chickpea crisps different from other crisp types, and how they compare to options such as lentil crisps, vegetable crisps, and rice crisps, all of which offer their own texture and ingredient profiles.

What Are Chickpea Crisps?

Chickpea crisps are snacks made primarily from ground chickpeas or chickpea flour, shaped and cooked into crunchy pieces. Chickpeas naturally contain plant protein, fibre, and slow-digesting carbohydrates, which gives these crisps a more filling feel than standard potato varieties.

Unlike traditional fried crisps, chickpea crisps are often:

• baked, roasted, or gently fried
• seasoned with simpler ingredient lists
• designed for people seeking lighter or plant-based snacks

If you want a deeper understanding of how different crisp styles are made and categorised in UK supermarkets, this guide explains it clearly:
Types of Crisps Sold in UK Supermarkets.

How to Choose the Best Chickpea Crisps

The best choice depends on your personal priorities:

Texture

Some brands focus on a puffed, airy crunch, while others aim for a firm, kettle-style bite. If you enjoy thicker crunch, you may also like crunchy crisps.

Flavour Style

Chickpea crisps come in classic flavours such as sea salt or salt & vinegar, as well as more adventurous seasonings. If bold flavours matter most to you, compare with salt & vinegar crisps or cheese & onion crisps.

Ingredients & Nutrition

Look at:

• chickpea percentage
• type of oil used
• sodium levels
• whether the product is gluten-free or vegan

Cooking Method

Baked and popped varieties generally feel lighter, while fried versions provide deeper crunch. This becomes easier to interpret once you understand what “popped” means on crisps and how crisps are made.

Chickpea Crisps Comparison Overview

This table is only to help frame your decision — it does not indicate quality on its own.

Leading Chickpea Crisp Options in the UK

Below are well-known, widely available chickpea crisp products commonly chosen by UK shoppers. Each serves a slightly different type of snacker.

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs

Best suited for people who prefer a light, airy crunch with bold flavourings. Their texture is closer to puffed snacks than traditional crisps, making them easy to snack on without feeling heavy.

BRAVE Roasted Chickpeas

Designed for those who enjoy a firmer, roasted bite and a simpler ingredient profile. These suit people who want something closer to nuts in texture but still in crisp form.

Properchips Chickpea Range

A middle-ground option combining crunch with modern seasoning profiles. These suit everyday snacking and sharing situations.

Eat Real Chickpea & Hummus Chips

A slightly denser crisp with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. These are often chosen by people who want something more substantial and dip-friendly.

Pride of India Spicy Chickpea Papadum

For those who enjoy bold seasoning and a traditional spiced crunch, this variety offers a very different flavour experience compared to mainstream crisp brands.

Common Questions & Trade-Offs

Are chickpea crisps healthier than potato crisps?
They often contain more protein and fibre, but calorie content and salt levels still matter. They are better viewed as a balanced alternative, not a health food.

Do they stay crunchy as long as regular crisps?
Texture depends on thickness and cooking method. Roasted styles usually hold crunch longer than puffed ones.

Are they suitable for most diets?
Many chickpea crisps are vegan and gluten-free, but always check packaging. Understanding how to read crisp packaging & labels makes this much easier.

Final Decision Guidance

The best chickpea crisps in the UK are the ones that fit your eating style:

• For light snacking → puffed chickpea crisps
• For satisfying crunch → roasted chickpea crisps
• For bold flavours → seasoned or spiced varieties
• For everyday use → balanced, moderately crunchy options

Rather than chasing a single “winner,” choose the style that matches your texture preference, flavour tolerance, and ingredient expectations. A good chickpea crisp should leave you satisfied, not heavy — and once you understand the differences, choosing becomes straightforward.