SNACK / PROTEIN

Roasted Chickpea Audit: A Snack That Undercuts Store-Bought Crackers

A single can of chickpeas, dried and roasted with pantry spices, makes a crunchy snack for a fraction of bagged crackers or chips. We compare the true cost-per-ounce against popular snack brands.

INGREDIENT UNIT LEDGER

SERVINGS: 4
INGREDIENT ITEM QTY UNIT COST
Chickpeas (Can) 1 can (15oz) $0.90
Olive Oil 1 tbsp $0.18
Smoked Paprika 1 tsp $0.08
Garlic Powder 0.5 tsp $0.01
Salt 0.5 tsp $0.01
ESTIMATED TOTAL MATRIX: $1.19
COST PER SERVING: $0.30

Preparation Protocol

  1. Dry the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse chickpeas, then pat completely dry with a towel — moisture prevents crisping.
  2. Season: Toss dried chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
  3. Roast: Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and roast at 400°F, shaking the pan halfway, until deeply golden and crunchy.
  4. Cool: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving — they crisp further as they cool.