Households planning several meals
If you’re planning several portions during the week, the drained weight can help you choose a container that suits the meals you have in mind.
Who are these options for?
Smaller households keen to avoid leftovers
If you usually prepare just a few portions at a time, a quantity you can use soon after opening may be more practical than a large tin.
Shoppers who care about ingredients and provenance
If these factors matter to you, compare the ingredients, nutritional information and origin details for each product rather than relying on the brand name alone.
What should you look for first?
When stocking your cupboard, first work out how much you’ll need for your meals, then check the ingredients and whether the product is available at your chosen store.
| Criteria | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Size and leftovers | Compare the drained weight of each container and check the storage instructions after opening. | If I’m planning several meals, I want a quantity I can use without being left with awkward-to-manage leftovers; around 40% of shoppers would put this need first. |
| Ingredients and origin | Read the ingredients, nutritional information and product-specific details. | If the origin or ingredients guide my choice, I want to know what’s in the exact product; around 30% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
| Local availability | Check that the product is listed by your chosen store or online grocery service. | To finish my weekly shop, I want to find my chosen product at my usual store; around 30% of shoppers would prioritise local availability. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Comparing only the size of the containers
The covering liquid is included in the net weight, but it isn’t part of the weight of the drained peas. Bonduelle lists 560 g drained weight for an 800 g net product; Carrefour lists 280 g drained weight for a Classic’ product.
To work out your portions, compare the drained weights shown on the products.
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Choosing a large tin without planning for leftovers
A large container means you’ll need to plan how to use the contents after opening. For the Bonduelle product mentioned, the brand recommends storing it at a maximum of 4 °C and using it within 48 hours.
Choose a container that suits the meal you’re planning, or make sure you can use the leftovers within the time stated on your product.
Otherwise, some of the contents could go to waste.
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Assuming the ingredients from the brand name
Ingredients vary from one product to another. The products mentioned contain ingredients such as peas, water, sugar and salt, and sometimes a natural flavouring.
Check the ingredients list and nutritional information for the exact product if salt, sugars or flavourings matter to you.
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Confusing plain peas, a mixed vegetable product and frozen peas
A peas and carrots mix doesn’t have the same ingredients as a tin of plain peas. Frozen peas also don’t meet the same need for cupboard storage.
Check the product type and ingredients before choosing it for a recipe or to stock your cupboard.
Brands and retailers to consider
Sizes and ingredients can vary between products, even within the same brand.
Bonduelle
Bonduelle sells canned peas, including a product with a drained weight of 560 g.
- The product information includes details such as ingredients and storage instructions after opening.
- Check the origin and ingredients listed on each product in the range.
Carrefour
Carrefour sells its Classic’ peas in a range of containers and sizes.
- One Classic’ tinned product has a drained weight of 280 g.
- Check the ingredients and size of the specific product before comparing it with another.
E.Leclerc / Notre Jardin
Notre Jardin’s extra-fine peas are available in a 560 g pack.
- E.Leclerc states that this product is sourced and made in France.
- Check availability with your chosen store or online grocery service.
Auchan
Auchan stocks several brands and sizes of peas, including organic options.
- Its range lets you compare products with different details and packaging.
- Check the product details and availability for your chosen store.
Aldi / Fleurs des Champs
Aldi sells a 530 g tin of Fleurs des Champs peas and carrots.
- This mix may suit a recipe that includes carrots.
- It isn’t a substitute for plain peas. The All Seasons product mentioned by Aldi is frozen.
A product to consider on Joybuy
This canned mix is suited to meals where peas and carrots work well together. If your recipe calls for peas only, choose a product made with plain peas instead.
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Bonduelle peas and carrots in brine, 530 g
Worth considering for your cupboard if your recipe also calls for carrots; this mix isn’t suitable when you need plain peas.
The stated pack size is 530 g. To work out how much peas you’ll have to use, check the drained weight and ingredients on the packaging.
Once opened, the instructions for this product say to refrigerate it and use it within two days.
Frequently asked questions
Do tins of peas have a best-before date or a use-by date?
Canned foods generally have a minimum durability date, shown with wording such as “best before”. The French Ministry of the Economy distinguishes this indicative date from a use-by date. Check the date, the condition of the packaging and the storage instructions for the product you buy.
What should you compare between two tins of peas?
First compare the drained weight to see how much product there is without the liquid. Then check the ingredients, nutritional information, date and any origin details specific to each product. The French Ministry of the Economy states that the drained weight must be shown when a product is sold in liquid.
How should you store peas after opening?
Follow the instructions on the product you’ve bought. For its own product, for example, Bonduelle recommends storing it at a maximum of 4 °C and using it within 48 hours of opening. This timeframe doesn’t automatically apply to other canned products.
Does food labelling information have to be in French?
Yes. According to the French Ministry of the Economy, mandatory labelling information for prepacked food sold in France must be in French. Check the ingredients, allergen information, relevant quantity and date shown on the product you choose.