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Why Do Baked Beans Make You Fart?
Baked beans can make you fart more than other beans because they combine fermentable carbohydrates with added sugars and sauces that gut bacteria love to ferment. If you have ever noticed that baked beans feel...
Do Chickpeas Make You Fart?
Yes, chickpeas can make you fart because they are high in fibre and fermentable carbohydrates that gut bacteria break down in the large intestine. For many people, chickpeas cause mild gas rather than discomfort, especially when eaten regularly.
Why chickpeas can cause gas
Chickpeas contain oligosaccharides and resistant starch, both of which are not fully digested in the small intestine. When these carbohydrates reach the colon, gut bacteria ferment them, producing gas alongside beneficial short chain fatty acids that support gut health.
This is the same general process explained in our article on why beans make you fart, but chickpeas can feel different depending on how they are eaten.
Are chickpeas worse than other beans
Not necessarily. Some people tolerate chickpeas better than kidney beans or lentils, while others find the opposite.
Tolerance depends on:
- Gut bacteria composition
- Portion size
- How frequently chickpeas are eaten
Regular exposure often improves tolerance over time. How chickpeas are prepared matters.
Chickpeas in hummus and falafel
Hummus is often easier to digest because the chickpeas are well cooked and blended, which can reduce the digestive workload. Falafel, on the other hand, is sometimes made with less cooked chickpeas, which may increase gas for some people.
Eating large portions of either can still lead to bloating.
Top tip: Pair hummus with pita bread to practice protein pairing. This means combining two incomplete protein sources to form a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Another common example is beans and rice.
How to eat chickpeas with less gas
If chickpeas cause discomfort, these tips can help:
- Use well cooked chickpeas
- Start with smaller portions
- Eat chickpeas regularly to allow gut bacteria to adapt
- Rinse canned chickpeas before use
These strategies support digestion without cutting chickpeas out completely.
Who might be more sensitive to chickpeas
People with IBS or sensitive digestion may notice more gas from chickpeas, especially during flare ups. In these cases, portion size and preparation become even more important.
