wellness
Dubai Marina Residents Discover Lentils, Chickpeas, Quinoa for Protein
Dubai Marina residents are stocking up on lentils, chickpeas and quinoa from neighborhood stores to meet daily protein needs without relying on meat.
How we reported this
Plant protein sales at Dubai Marina retailers jumped 18 percent in the first half of 2026, according to internal figures from two major chains operating along Marina Walk.
The increase reflects residents seeking lighter meals that suit the summer heat and support recovery after workouts at nearby gyms. Many households now mix pulses and grains into weekly menus instead of defaulting to chicken or beef every night.
Where to shop in the Marina
Spinneys on Marina Walk stocks red lentils at 9 dirhams per kilogram and keeps bulk bins of chickpeas and black beans near the produce section. A short walk east on Al Marsa Street brings shoppers to the Carrefour inside Dubai Marina Mall, where 500-gram packs of organic quinoa sell for 18 dirhams and shelves feature locally packaged fava beans and edamame.
Both outlets open at 8 a.m. daily and run weekly promotions on pulses that residents time with their meal prep schedules. The Marina Walk branch also carries ready-to-cook lentil kits that include pre-measured spices from a supplier in Al Quoz.
Portion and cost details
A 2025 Dubai Health Authority survey found that adults in waterfront districts average 1.2 servings of plant protein per day, still below the recommended two servings. One cup of cooked lentils delivers 18 grams of protein at roughly 2 dirhams, compared with 25 dirhams for an equivalent amount from lean beef at most Marina butchers.
Nutritionists at the Dubai Marina Community Centre advise combining pulses with whole grains to complete amino acid profiles. Their twice-monthly workshops, held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, demonstrate one-pot dishes using chickpeas and brown rice that cost under 15 dirhams per serving.
Start by swapping half the meat in a standard dish for an equal volume of cooked lentils or quinoa this week. Residents who want personalised targets can book a consultation at the centre or speak with staff dietitians at either Spinneys or Carrefour before making larger changes.