For strict gluten-free shopping, don’t choose a tin of lentils based on a simple recipe alone: the plain varieties reviewed from Bonduelle, Carrefour and Auchan carry warnings that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten. Check for a ‘gluten-free’ label on the tin you buy, or get current confirmation from the manufacturer for that specific product. Then compare the drained weight, ingredients and instructions for use after opening.
A recipe with no cereals in its ingredients list isn’t enough to confirm that a tin is suitable for this purpose. The product details for plain lentils from Bonduelle, Carrefour and Auchan warn that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten.
Ready-cooked lentils can be served cold or reheated. The drained weight and instructions for use after opening can help you choose a tin that suits the meals you have planned.
A short ingredients list, stated country of origin or organic label can help you choose between tins. However, these details don’t replace checking for a ‘gluten-free’ label if you follow a strict gluten-free diet.
If you’re stocking up for a strict gluten-free diet, check the exact product and its labelling first. You can then choose a tin to suit your planned meals by comparing the size and recipe.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free assurance | Look for a ‘gluten-free’ label on the exact tin you’re buying, or get current confirmation from the manufacturer. Check for trace warnings. | If I follow a strict gluten-free diet, I can’t rely on the ingredients list alone. Around 42% of consumers rank this as their top concern. |
| Convenience and recipe | Compare the ingredients in a plain recipe with those in a prepared recipe, paying particular attention to any other allergens listed. | When I want ready-cooked lentils that I can season myself, a simple recipe is especially important. Around 25% of consumers share this priority. |
| Pack size and leftovers | Compare the drained weight with the portions you’re planning, then check the storage instructions for after opening. | If I’m cooking for one, I want to finish the tin within the stated time rather than end up with leftovers I can’t use. Around 17% of consumers say pack size is their main concern. |
| Origin, organic status or special recipe | Check the stated origin or organic label separately from the ingredients and gluten-related labelling. | I may prefer a stated origin, an organic product or a particular recipe, but these criteria aren’t a substitute for a gluten-free guarantee. For around 16% of consumers, this is their top priority. |
Even a short ingredients list can come with a warning that the product may contain traces of cereals containing gluten, as seen on the Bonduelle and Carrefour products reviewed.
If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check for a ‘gluten-free’ label on the tin you choose or ask the manufacturer for current confirmation for that specific product.
Auchan notes that ingredients may vary depending on the online grocery service and the date of purchase. So, the product details shown online are no substitute for checking the label on the product you receive.
Before buying several tins, check the ingredients and allergen warnings on the specific product being offered.
The instructions for the products reviewed say to refrigerate after opening and consume within two days or 48 hours.
Choose the drained weight to suit your planned meals and follow the time limit shown on the tin you buy.
The Auchan lentils cooked in goose fat mentioned in the product details contain milk and warn that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten.
For a prepared recipe, read the full ingredients list and allergen information for the exact product before adding it to your cupboard.
Bonduelle offers ready-cooked plain lentils, including products with drained weights of 265 g and 530 g.
The Carrefour Classic’ range includes tins of lentils in smaller sizes, sold together in multipacks.
Auchan offers plain and prepared lentils, including products with a drained weight of 530 g.
The products reviewed include ECO+ plain lentils and Bio Village organic lentils.
ALDI offers Fleurs des Champs prepared lentils, including in a 530 g tin.
No: the ingredients list on a tin isn’t enough to confirm that it’s suitable for a strict gluten-free diet. The Bonduelle, Carrefour and Auchan products reviewed warn that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten. Look for a ‘gluten-free’ label or ask the manufacturer for current confirmation for the product in question.
Under Implementing Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this claim means that the food as sold to consumers contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. It applies to the specific product, not every tin made by a brand.
Before opening, the instructions for the Bonduelle 530 g product reviewed say to store it at room temperature, away from moisture. Always follow the instructions on the tin you buy, especially after opening.
The products reviewed should be refrigerated and eaten within 48 hours or two days. Follow the time limit and any instructions on transferring the lentils to a container shown on your tin.
No: organic status and origin tell you about other characteristics of the product. If you follow a strict gluten-free diet, check separately for a ‘gluten-free’ label on the product you choose or get current confirmation from the manufacturer.