Who are these formats for?

The cyclist who plans their portions

You want to use the whole pack without leaving leftovers. Check the weight of the bag or tin, then choose a size that suits the number of meals you’re preparing.

The cyclist who cooks after a ride

You want pre-cooked chickpeas that you can quickly add to a meal. For its 600 g frozen product, Auchan says there’s no need to defrost it first.

The cyclist who thinks about when to eat

You prefer to decide when to eat pulses based on your usual cycling routine, rather than always having the same portion before a ride. Dietary guidance published by Anses encourages variety, but doesn’t set out a specific plan for each training session.

What should you look for?

First, decide whether you want a portion that’s quick to prepare or a meal that needs some planning, then check how much you’ll actually use. For frozen chickpeas, Auchan lists a 600 g pre-cooked product, while Carrefour Classic’ offers a 450 g pack with instructions not to refreeze after defrosting.

What to consider What to check Who is this for?
Amount you can use The pack size and how many portions you can prepare without leftovers. If I only cook a little at a time, I want a pack size that lets me use everything. Around 42% of consumers prioritise getting the right amount to use.
Preparation time Whether it says ‘pre-cooked’, the preparation instructions and, for dried chickpeas, how much time to allow for soaking and cooking. After a ride, I want to prepare a meal without having to plan for a long cooking time. Speed is the priority for around 33% of consumers.
Ingredients and storage The label on the product you choose, including any allergens and instructions for after opening or defrosting. Before a ride, I prefer to include pulses in meals whose ingredients I know and that suit my usual eating habits. Around 25% of consumers prioritise these checks.

Things to bear in mind

  • Defrosting a whole pack for one portion

    Carrefour says never to refreeze its product once it has defrosted. A 450 g pack may therefore be impractical if you only need a small amount.

    Take out the amount you need while the chickpeas are still frozen, and follow the instructions on the packaging.

    Defrosting more than you need can leave you with an amount you hadn’t planned to cook.

  • Assuming chickpeas on their own make a complete meal

    Anses dietary guidance includes pulses as part of a varied diet; it doesn’t define what a meal around a bike ride should consist of.

    Add chickpeas to the meals you usually prepare and consider when you prefer to eat them.

  • Relying on the label of a different product

    Auchan says the ingredients in some of its canned products may vary depending on the online grocery service and the date. So an ingredients list you’ve seen for one product may not describe the one you buy.

    Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.

Brands to consider by format

Carrefour Classic’

Carrefour sells a 450 g bag of frozen chickpeas under this brand.

  • The 450 g pack makes it easier to plan portions for the meals you’re preparing.
  • Carrefour says not to refreeze the product after defrosting.

Auchan

Auchan sells pre-cooked frozen chickpeas in a 600 g bag, as well as separate canned products.

  • For its 600 g frozen bag, Auchan says there’s no need to defrost the chickpeas first.
  • For its canned products, Auchan advises checking the label of the product you buy, as the ingredients may vary depending on the online grocery service and the date.

Bonduelle

A can of Bonduelle chickpeas is another way to buy pre-cooked chickpeas; it isn’t a frozen bag.

  • The product listed by Carrefour has chickpeas, water and salt in its ingredients list.
  • When choosing between this can and a frozen bag, consider how much you’ll use and the instructions for each type of packaging.

D’aucy

D’aucy sells a canned chickpea product cooked by steaming, in a pack of two 130 g tins.

  • This pack lets you open one tin at a time.
  • This is a canned product, so don’t follow the preparation or storage instructions for a frozen product.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How do you prepare Auchan’s pre-cooked frozen chickpeas?

Auchan says its 600 g bag can be prepared without defrosting first. The product information gives instructions for 250 g with 75 ml of water for 7 minutes, or 450 g with 150 ml of water for 8 minutes. Follow the preparation instructions on your packaging.

Can you refreeze Carrefour Classic’ frozen chickpeas?

No, not after defrosting: Carrefour says never to refreeze this product once defrosted. Take out the portion you want before the rest of the pack defrosts.

What should you check on a can of chickpeas if you have an allergy?

Check the ingredients and allergen information on the can you’re going to buy. Auchan says the ingredients in some of its products may vary depending on the online grocery service and the date, so the product information for a different can is no substitute for the label on the one you choose.

How long can you keep an opened 265 g can of Auchan chickpeas?

For the Auchan 265 g can in question, the instructions say to transfer the contents to an airtight container, refrigerate and eat within two days. Check the instructions on your own can if you choose a different product.