Which format is right for you?

Families who batch cook

If you’re preparing several meals, a 1 kg bag of dried chickpeas could be a good choice if you have time to prepare them. The Auchan bag’s product information specifies a long cooking time.

Families who need quick meals

Ready-to-use tinned chickpeas save you the soaking and long cooking time. A 530 g net drained weight tin can help you work out how much you need, as long as you also consider how you’ll use any leftovers after opening.

Shoppers who check labels

If ingredients, salt or allergens matter to you, check the label on the format you buy. Some retailer product listings say that the ingredients may vary depending on the collection point and date.

What should you look for?

When shopping for a large family, first decide whether you want to prepare the chickpeas in advance or use them straight away. Then choose a format that suits your planned meals and check the storage instructions.

Dried chickpeas

Choose these: if you regularly cook large quantities and can plan ahead.

Bear in mind: the Auchan 1 kg bag’s instructions involve two steps, including around two hours of simmering after bringing the chickpeas to the boil.

Tinned chickpeas

Choose these: if you want chickpeas that are ready to drain for a quick meal.

Bear in mind: the net drained weight tells you how many chickpeas you can use; follow the storage instructions for each tin once opened.

What to consider What to check Who is this for?
Usable quantity Net drained weight of tinned chickpeas and the amount needed for your planned meals. When I’m preparing several meals, I want to know how many chickpeas I can actually use, rather than just the tin’s total weight; around 36% of consumers put this quantity first.
Preparation time Whether the product is dried or ready to use, and how to prepare the format you choose. If the meal needs to be ready without a long cooking time, I’d choose a format that’s already prepared; speed is the main priority for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients Ingredients list, any declared allergens and salt per 100 g for the exact product. Before buying several units, I need to read the label for each product I’m considering; around 21% of consumers put ingredients first.
Storage Storage conditions, the condition of the tins and instructions for after opening. When stocking up, I want to be able to store the products and use opened portions within the recommended time; storage comes first for around 14% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Comparing tins without checking the drained weight

    The covering liquid is part of the tin’s contents, but it doesn’t count towards the quantity of drained chickpeas. The DGCCRF states that the net drained weight must be shown for a product sold in covering liquid.

    To plan your meals, compare the net drained weight of the tins, then choose the right number for your needs.

  • Choosing dried chickpeas for a meal you need straight away

    The instructions for the Auchan 1 kg bag involve two steps and a long cooking time, so it’s not a last-minute substitute for ready-to-use tinned chickpeas.

    Keep dried chickpeas for planned meals and check the instructions before setting aside time to cook them.

    Preparation also takes time and requires cooking.

  • Assuming every product from a retailer has the same ingredients

    Ingredients and declared allergens may vary between products. Auchan also says that the ingredients shown may vary depending on the collection point and date.

    Read the label on the product in your basket, especially if you need to avoid a particular allergen.

  • Keeping a damaged tin

    The Ministry of Agriculture recommends discarding tins that are swollen, misshapen, rusty or leaking.

    Check tins before use and follow the product’s own instructions once opened.

Chickpea brands to know

Carrefour Classic'

Carrefour sells tinned chickpeas in 265 g and 530 g net drained weight formats.

  • These formats let you choose the number of tins to suit your planned meals.
  • Check the net drained weight of the format you choose before comparing quantities.

Notre Jardin / Marque Repère E.Leclerc

The Notre Jardin product reviewed is a 530 g tin of chickpeas, made with chickpeas, water and salt.

  • The 530 g format makes it easy to plan a dish for several people.
  • The stated country of origin for the chickpeas may vary depending on supply, so check the label if this matters to you.

Auchan

Auchan sells 265 g and 530 g tins, as well as a 1 kg bag of dried chickpeas.

  • These products let you choose between ready-to-use tinned chickpeas and dried chickpeas that need preparing.
  • The dried chickpeas need a long cooking time. For the 530 g tin, Auchan advises transferring the contents to a suitable airtight container, refrigerating them and eating them within two days.

Lidl / Goldensun

A limited-time Goldensun dried pulses offer includes an organic chickpea option.

  • This option could suit shoppers looking for organic dried chickpeas.
  • The offer is time-limited, so check which product is available when you shop.

Monoprix

Monoprix sells ready-to-use chickpeas in 265 g and 530 g formats.

  • The two formats make it easy to adjust the quantity you prepare.
  • The declared allergens differ between the product listings for the two formats, so check the label for the exact product before buying.

Ready-to-use chickpeas on Joybuy

These two GÜNES VADIS products are cooked or pre-cooked chickpeas to consider if you want to avoid preparing a bag of dried chickpeas. When planning portions, distinguish between the stated weight and the net drained weight shown on the packaging.

GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 820 gr

GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 820 gr

These cooked chickpeas could be a good choice for a family meal without having to cook dried chickpeas. The stated format is 820 gr; check the net drained weight on the packaging to work out how much to serve.

The product listing states that lupin is present. Check the label on the exact product if this allergen is relevant to you.

View on Joybuy
GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 540 gr

GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 540 gr

This jar of pre-cooked chickpeas is ideal for a meal when you don’t want to prepare dried chickpeas. The stated format is 540 gr; check the net drained weight on the jar to adjust your portions.

The ingredients list includes metabisulphite. Check the allergen information on the exact jar before choosing it.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Should a large family choose dried or tinned chickpeas?

Dried chickpeas are a good choice if you’re preparing large quantities in advance and can allow time to cook them; tinned chickpeas are better for a quick meal. To estimate how much a tin provides, use its net drained weight. Don’t directly compare the nutritional values per 100 g of dried chickpeas with those of a cooked product.

What should you check on a tin of chickpeas?

Check the ingredients list, declared allergens, net quantity, date and storage instructions. The DGCCRF also states that the net drained weight must be shown when a product is sold in covering liquid.

How should you store tinned chickpeas after opening?

Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought, as these may vary between products. For its 530 g tin, Auchan advises transferring the contents to a suitable airtight container, refrigerating them and eating them within two days.