MyTastr

Best canned chickpeas, according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Joe Sevier, Anya Hoffman, Kelsey Jane Youngman and Erin Clarke. Recommendations come from epicurious.com, bonappetit.com, 177milkstreet.com and allrecipes.com.

Pantry Staples · The ranking

  1. 1
    Top pick

    Westbrae Natural Organic Garbanzo Beans

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    Won every title in Epicurious’ blind test of 12 brands: “exceptionally creamy,” earthy, and it “tasted like a bean should” (Hoffman), even with the least sodium. Bon Appétit’s best unsalted pick seven years later: “creamy rather than pasty,” with a distinctly savory flavor.
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: epicurious.com ↗
  2. 2

    El Navarrico Chickpeas (jarred, Spain)

    Chosen by
    • Milk Street editors (Christopher Kimball’s test of 16)
    Runner-up in Milk Street’s 2025 tasting of 16 chickpeas: “the softest and creamiest,” and “a clear standout in soup.” Spanish chickpeas cooked and packed in glass, about $8 a jar. Rinse off the gelatinous liquid before using.
    Where to buy · amazon.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: 177milkstreet.com ↗
  3. 3

    Eden Organic Garbanzo Beans

    Chosen by
    Clarke’s top canned bean brand, and garbanzos are one of the Eden beans she reaches for in salads and fresh dishes: “They hold their shape and aren’t too mushy.” Organic, in BPA-free-lined cans.
    Where to buy · amazon.com ↗Instacart ↗Source: allrecipes.com ↗

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Questions, answered

What is the best canned chickpeas, according to chefs?
MyTastr’s top pick is Westbrae Natural Organic Garbanzo Beans, chosen by Joe Sevier; Anya Hoffman (Epicurious). Won every title in Epicurious’ blind test of 12 brands: “exceptionally creamy,” earthy, and it “tasted like a bean should” (Hoffman), even with the least sodium. Bon Appétit’s best unsalted pick seven years later: “creamy rather than pasty,” with a distinctly savory flavor. Source: epicurious.com ↗
What are the other top picks for canned chickpeas?
No. 2 is El Navarrico Chickpeas (jarred, Spain), chosen by Milk Street editors (Christopher Kimball’s test of 16). No. 3 is Eden Organic Garbanzo Beans, chosen by Erin Clarke (Well Plated). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?
Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

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