Households that often cook for several people
If you regularly make salads, curries or hummus in larger quantities, a large tin may suit your recipes, as long as you plan how to use its contents after opening.
Who are these formats for?
Shoppers keen to avoid leftovers
If you use chickpeas in small portions or at irregular intervals, check the drained weight of each tin and consider a multipack of smaller tins rather than one large container.
Shoppers who check the label
To stock up with products that suit your recipes, compare the quantities, ingredient lists and nutritional information of the options you’re considering. Don’t rely on the words ‘family size’ alone.
What should you look for?
To choose between a large tin, a multipack of smaller tins and dried chickpeas, start with how much you use at each meal, then consider how much time you can spend on preparation.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Leftovers after opening | Compare the drained net weight with the portions you plan to make, and check the storage time stated on the packaging. | If I make small amounts several days apart, I’d rather not have a large tin left open; around 36% of shoppers would make avoiding leftovers a priority. |
| Usable quantity | Check the drained net weight and, for a multipack, the number and size of the tins. | When stocking my cupboard, I want an amount I can actually cook with, rather than a large container that doesn’t suit my meals; around 29% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
| Preparation time | Distinguish between cooked chickpeas and dried chickpeas, which need to be prepared and cooked. | When I need to prepare a meal quickly, I’d rather have cooked chickpeas ready to use; around 21% of shoppers would put this time-saving benefit first. |
| Ingredients and recipe | Read the product name and ingredients; compare the salt content in the nutritional information if this matters to you. | If I’m seasoning hummus or a salad myself, I look for a product that suits my recipe; around 14% of shoppers would put the ingredients first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the largest tin without planning your portions
Once a tin is open, the time you have to use its contents depends on the product. The Auchan product listings cited for a pack of 3 × 125 g and 800 g Samia chickpeas state that they keep in the fridge for two and three days after opening, respectively.
Before choosing a large pack, plan which recipes will use the contents and follow the instructions on the packaging you buy.
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Looking only at a tin’s total weight
The total weight includes the liquid, so two differently sized containers won’t necessarily provide the amount of chickpeas your recipes need.
Compare the drained net weights and, for multipacks, add together the quantities stated for each tin.
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Confusing plain chickpeas with a seasoned dish
A prepared dish won’t necessarily let you choose the same ingredients or seasoning as plain chickpeas.
If you want to season hummus or a salad yourself, check the product name and ingredient list before choosing.
Retailers to compare formats
Carrefour
Carrefour’s range includes Carrefour Classic’ chickpeas in a 530 g tin and a multipack of 3 × 200 g.
- These options let you compare a single tin with several smaller ones.
- Check whether your chosen product is available, depending on the store and your collection or delivery option.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes a multipack of 3 × 125 g and 800 g Samia chickpeas.
- These options give you a basis for comparing smaller tins with a larger container.
- Storage instructions after opening vary, so check the details for the product you buy.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc’s 265 g Notre Jardin listing includes soaked chickpeas, water and salt in the ingredient list.
- This listing lets you check the ingredients in a small tin.
- Check availability of this product with your local E.Leclerc store.
ALDI
ALDI lists ALL SEASONS® chickpeas in a 265 g tin.
- This single tin can be a useful option if you’re looking for smaller portions.
- It isn’t a family-size pack on its own, so check availability at your store.
Monoprix
Monoprix’s tinned range includes 260 g Bonduelle chickpeas labelled ‘very little juice’.
- This product is a small quantity that’s ready to add to a recipe.
- Don’t confuse it with a large container or a family-size multipack.
Large packs of chickpeas on Joybuy
These two packs of chickpeas may suit recipes that use several portions over a short period. Before choosing, check the drained weight and the instructions for storage after opening.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 820 g
This pack may suit you if you’re planning a recipe that uses a large amount of chickpeas or several meals in quick succession.
Stated weight: 820 g. Check the drained net weight and instructions for storage after opening on the packaging.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 540 g
This pack may suit you if you plan to use the chickpeas in recipes prepared close together.
Stated weight: 540 g. Check the drained net weight and storage instructions for the product you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Is a large tin always a good choice when buying in bulk?
No. It’s a good choice if you can use the contents within the timeframe stated after opening. For these specific products, Auchan states that its pack of 3 × 125 g keeps in the fridge for two days, compared with three days for the 800 g Samia chickpeas. Follow the storage time shown on the product you buy.
What quantity should I compare between a large tin and a multipack?
Compare the drained net weights, which show how much chickpea you get without the liquid. For a multipack, also consider the number of tins and how much you’ll use each time you open one.
How should I store tinned chickpeas after opening?
Follow the temperature, container and storage-time instructions on the packaging. The Ministry of the Economy advises following the manufacturer’s storage recommendations; instructions for another product aren’t a substitute for those on your own tin.
Which format should I choose for making hummus?
A large tin of cooked chickpeas may suit you if you’re making a large batch in one go. If you’re making smaller batches at intervals, a multipack of smaller tins can help reduce leftovers after opening. Dried chickpeas let you adjust the quantity you prepare, but need to be prepared and cooked first.