Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas as they are commonly referred to, are chockful of protein and fiber and a great addition to any healthy meal plan. These little golden nuggets may actually be better sources of fiber and nutrition than we give them credit for. But, they are not popular as a snack (that’s why I have put together these chickpea snack recipes).

In a recent study, two groups of participants received about 28 grams of fiber per day. But the two groups were very different in terms of their food sources for fiber. One group received dietary fiber primarily from garbanzo beans. The other group obtained dietary fiber from entirely different sources. The garbanzo bean group had better blood fat regulation, including lower levels of LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Chickpeas are also an excellent source of vegetarian protein, and each one cup serving contains 15 grams of protein. In addition to protein, chickpeas are a fantastic way to boost a few other key nutrients.

One cup of chickpeas provides:

• 12.5 grams of fiber. This is half of the daily fiber intake recommendation for women or one-third of the daily fiber recommendation for men.
• 282 micrograms of folate, or 71% of your daily folate requirements.
• 1.7 milligrams of manganese, which is approximately 94% of the daily recommended intake for women, or 74% of the RDA for men.

The following chickpea snack recipes are super simple, healthy, on-the-go, snacking options and satisfy your sweet and salty cravings—all with a boost of energy.

3 Delicious Chickpea Snack Recipes

Reese’s Chickpea Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (15-ounce can) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 1/4 cups oat flour
• 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Combine chickpeas, peanut butter, and honey in food processor and mix until very smooth.
2. Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, sea salt, and oat flour; pulse to form a dough.
3. Add the mini chocolate chips; pulse just until evenly distributed.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap or transfer to a container and cover; refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, until firm and well chilled.
5. Use a one-tablespoon measure to scoop 32 portions of dough. Roll between your palms to form 32 balls.
6. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.
7. Enjoy this delicious chickpea snack recipe

Nutrition Facts (per serving of 2 balls):
Servings: 16

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g

Cocoa-Nutty Balls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• 1 1/2 cups raw nuts/seeds
• 1 cup Medjool dates
• 1 Tbsp honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cups shredded coconut

Directions:

1. Puree chickpeas, honey, vanilla, and roughly 3 tablespoons of water in a food processor until smooth. Set aside.
2. Blend nuts/seeds in food processor until coarsely ground.
3. Add dates to nut/seed mixture and blend again.
4. Add chickpea mixture to nut/seed mixture and blend until all ingredients are combined.
5. Roll mixture into balls, then into shredded coconut.
6. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge or freezer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving of 2 balls):
Servings: 16

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Protein: 2 g

Salty Chickpea Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups salted peanuts
• 1 cup chickpeas
• 1 cup raisins (or 12 pitted Medjool dates)
• 1/2 cup rolled oats

Directions:

1. Add peanuts to food processor and roughly chop. Remove 3/4 cup of the chopped nuts and save for topping.
2. Continue processing remaining nuts until a peanut-butter-consistency forms.
3. Add chickpeas, and blend until smooth.
4. Add raisins (or dates) and oats, and process until smooth and dough forms.
5. Roll into 34-equal sized balls, then roll in the reserved chopped nuts.
6. Place into a container and store in fridge or freezer.
7. Enjoy this delightful chickpea snack recipe!

Nutrition Facts (per serving of 2 balls):
Servings: 16

• Calories: 61
• Fat: 3.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
• Protein: 2.4 g