🫘 Plant-Based · Protein Cost AnalysisUpdated Q1 2026

Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) vs Dry Lentils:
Which Is Cheaper Per Gram of Protein?

At current US prices, you're paying $0.288 per 100g of protein from Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned). Are you overpaying compared to Dry Lentils? We ran the 2026 numbers — and built a calculator so you can plug in your exact local store price.

📅 April 2026⏱ 6 min read🧮 Includes live calculator📍 US national average prices
⚡ INSTANT ANSWER — 2026 US Average Prices
$0.288
per 100g of protein from Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)
vs
Package price$1.09 / 15 oz can
Protein per serving8g
Cost per serving$0.36
Total protein per unit~24g
National rank (cheapest protein)#7 of 24
4/5 value rating

In This Guide

  1. Full Nutrition Profile for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)
  2. The Real Cost Breakdown (2026 Prices)
  3. Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) vs Dry Lentils: Side-by-Side
  4. Local Price Calculator — Find Your Exact Cost
  5. 2026 National Protein Cost Rankings
  6. Where to Buy Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) Cheapest
  7. 2026 Grocery Inflation Impact
  8. Frequently Asked Questions

The price tag on the shelf tells you nothing useful. What matters is how many grams of protein you're getting per dollar — and that number changes every time gas prices shift, supply chains tighten, or your local store runs a sale.

This page exists to answer one specific question: at the price you actually pay for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) in 2026, what is your true cost per 100g of protein? We also compare it head-to-head against Dry Lentils — its closest competitor in the Plant-Based category — so you know exactly when to switch.

Full Nutrition Profile: Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)

Here is the complete macronutrient breakdown for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) per 100g, based on USDA nutritional data. This is the baseline we use for all cost-per-protein calculations on this page.

8.9g / 100g
Protein
164kcal / 100g
Calories
2.6g / 100g
Fat
27g / 100g
Carbs
Per Serving (130g)
🫘 Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) — Standard Serving
Protein8g
Calories213 kcal
Fat3.4g
Carbs35.1g
Cook timeReady to eat (canned)
Per Unit (15 oz can)
🫘 Full Package Breakdown
Package price (US avg)$1.09
Servings per unit3
Cost per serving$0.36
Total protein per unit~24g
Shelf life3–5 years (canned)

The Real Cost Breakdown: Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) in 2026

The formula for true protein cost is simple but almost nobody does this math at the store: Price ÷ Total Protein Grams × 100. Here is that math broken out in full for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) at 2026 US average prices.

Calculation StepValueNotes
Package price$1.092026 US national average (15 oz can)
Protein content8.9g / 100gUSDA nutritional data
Total protein per unit~24g130g × 3 servings
Cost per gram of protein$0.0029$1.09 ÷ 24g
True cost per 100g of protein$0.288The number that actually matters
National ranking#7Out of 24 tracked protein sources (cheapest = #1)
📊 2026 Price Context

Canned chickpeas punch above their weight as a protein source — especially in 2026, when US searches for high-protein plant-based foods have reached all-time highs. At $1.09/can with 8g protein per serving, they're excellent value. Roast them for a crunchy snack, blend them for hummus, or toss into any salad.

Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) vs Dry Lentils: Direct Comparison

The most useful comparison for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) is against Dry Lentils — the closest competing protein source in the same category. Here is the head-to-head at 2026 national average prices.

This Item
Analyzing
🫘 Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)
$0.288 per 100g of protein
$1.09 per 15 oz can
8.9g protein per 100g food
4/5 value rating
Rival
Compared Against
Dry Lentils
See full comparison: Dry Lentils vs Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)

Use the calculator below to enter local prices for both items and find which one wins in your specific market.
✅ Pro Tip

Save the aquafaba (the liquid in the can) — it's a protein-rich egg white substitute for baking. You're basically getting two products for one price.

🧮
Interactive Tool

Local Price Calculator — Find Your Exact Cost

National averages don't apply to your Kroger. Enter the price you actually pay for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) and get your real cost per 100g of protein. Optionally, enter what you pay for Dry Lentils to see which one wins in your market.

$
National avg: $1.09 / 15 oz can
$
Leave blank to skip comparison
Default: 425g (15 oz can)
Default: 8.9g/100g (USDA data)

2026 National Protein Cost Rankings

Below are the top 8 cheapest protein sources tracked by DailyReport247 in 2026, ranked by cost per 100g of protein at US national average prices. Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) ranks #7.

#Protein SourceCategoryCost / 100g ProteinValue
1🥤 Whey Protein ConcentrateSupplements$0.156★★★★★
2🌱 Plant Protein Powder (Pea/Rice blend)Supplements$0.201★★★★
3🥛 Whey Protein IsolateSupplements$0.209★★★★★
4🍖 Chicken ThighsPoultry$0.211★★★★★
5🥛 Skim MilkEggs & Dairy$0.254★★★★★
6🫘 Black Beans (canned)Plant-Based$0.262★★★★★
7🫘 Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)← You Are HerePlant-Based$0.288★★★★
8🐟 Canned Tuna (Chunk Light)Fish & Seafood$0.302★★★★★

These rankings shift when you factor in local store prices, bulk buying, and sale cycles. Use the calculator above to find the true winner for your specific situation.

Where to Buy Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) Cheapest in the US

The national average is just a baseline. Prices for Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned)vary by as much as 40–60% depending on store, region, and whether you're buying in bulk.

🛒 Best Places to Buy

Aldi, Walmart Great Value, or Trader Joe's (exceptional quality at low price).

The single highest-impact change most US shoppers can make is switching from buying individual packages to bulk or multi-packs. On Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned), this typically reduces the per-unit cost by 25–45% — which translates directly to a lower cost-per-100g-protein. Run that number through the calculator above to see the exact impact in dollar terms.

How 2026 Grocery Inflation Affects Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) Prices

The USDA Economic Research Service projects all food prices will rise 3.6% in 2026, but the impact varies dramatically by category:

Protein Category2026 USDA Price ForecastImpact on Budget
Beef & Veal+10.1%High — most expensive protein category in 2026
Fish & Seafood+5.2%Moderate — canned varieties much more stable than fresh
Pork+1.3%Low — best value meat category in 2026
Poultry+0.3%Very low — most stable major protein in 2026
Eggs & Dairy−2.1%Prices declining — best buying opportunity in 2026
Plant-Based / Grains+2.8%Moderate — still among the cheapest calories and protein
⚠ Your Category: Plant-Based

Plant-Based items face moderate 2026 inflation pressure — roughly in line with the 3.6% overall grocery forecast. Buying in bulk and timing purchases around sales remains the best hedge.

In 2026, the protein sources winning on cost-per-gram are the same ones that have always won: canned fish, eggs, legumes, and whey concentrate. The inflation data only widens the gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) actually cost per 100g of protein in 2026?+
At the current US average of $1.09 per 15 oz can, Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) delivers 8.9g of protein per 100g — making your cost $0.288 per 100g of protein. Use the calculator above to plug in your local store price for an exact number.
Is Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) cheaper than Dry Lentils per gram of protein?+
At national average prices, Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) costs $0.29/100g of protein. Use the calculator on this page to enter both local prices and compare the two side-by-side — the winner often flips depending on your region and where you shop.
How much protein does Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) have per serving?+
A 130g serving of Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) contains 8g of protein. A standard 15 oz can unit contains approximately 3 servings, giving you roughly 24g of total protein per purchase.
Where is the cheapest place to buy Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) in the US?+
Aldi, Walmart Great Value, or Trader Joe's (exceptional quality at low price). Buying in bulk at warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club) typically reduces the cost by 25–40% vs. buying individual packages at standard grocery chains. Save the aquafaba (the liquid in the can) — it's a protein-rich egg white substitute for baking. You're basically getting two products for one price.
How does the 2026 grocery inflation affect Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) prices?+
The USDA's 2026 Food Price Outlook projects overall grocery prices will rise 3.6% in 2026. Beef and veal face the steepest increases (~10%), while poultry prices are projected to rise just 0.3% and eggs and dairy may actually decrease. Chickpeas / Garbanzo Beans (canned) in the Plant-Based category is relatively insulated from the worst 2026 inflation pressures.
Prices reflect 2026 US national averages from USDA, BLS, and major retail surveys. Regional prices vary significantly — use the calculator above for your local market. Nutritional data from USDA FoodData Central. This is not medical or dietary advice; consult a registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.