Students preparing several meals
If you cook in advance and have the time, a large bag of dried chickpeas is worth considering. The product listing for Auchan’s 1 kg bag states that they take around two hours to cook over a low heat.
Which format suits you?
Students deciding what to have for dinner at the last minute
Ready-to-eat chickpeas in tins and jars save you from having to start with the lengthy cooking time for dried chickpeas. Manger Bouger lists these formats as options for making quick recipes.
Shoppers who pay close attention to ingredients
Before stocking up, compare the ingredients, salt content and allergen information for each product. Also check the drained weight of products packed in liquid, and read the label on the product you buy in case its ingredients vary by retailer.
What should you look for?
Dried chickpeas
Worth considering: if you’re preparing several meals in advance and have the time and equipment needed to cook them.
Bear in mind: Auchan’s 1 kg bag states that they take around two hours to cook over a low heat, even without soaking them first.
Ready-to-eat chickpeas in tins and jars
Worth considering: if you’re making dinner that evening and want to avoid the lengthy cooking time for dried chickpeas.
Bear in mind: the liquid isn’t included in the drained weight, and storage instructions after opening vary by product.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount you can use | For a tin, compare the drained weight with the number of portions you plan to make. The dry weight and drained weight describe the product in different states. | If I don’t want to open a large pack I won’t finish, I need to know how many chickpeas I’ll have for my meals; around 42% of shoppers put the amount they can use first. |
| Preparation time | Read the instructions for dried chickpeas, including any soaking and cooking guidance. For tinned chickpeas, check the preparation instructions. | When I decide what to have for dinner at the last minute, I want to avoid a long cooking time; preparation time is the top priority for around 33% of shoppers. |
| Leftovers and ingredients | Check the instructions for after opening, the ingredients list, salt per 100 g and allergen information. | If I’m keeping leftovers or need to avoid certain ingredients, I need a product with instructions and ingredients that suit me; around 25% of shoppers prioritise these factors. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming a tin’s total weight is the amount you’ll be serving
The total weight may include the liquid the chickpeas are packed in. According to the DGCCRF, products packed in liquid must also state their drained weight.
Check this weight to work out how many chickpeas you’ll have, and choose a pack size that suits the portions you plan to make.
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Choosing dried chickpeas for an impromptu dinner
Auchan’s 1 kg bag states that they take around two hours to cook over a low heat. Not having to soak them first doesn’t mean they’re ready to use straight away.
Save dried chickpeas for planned meals, and consider a tin or jar of ready-to-eat chickpeas when you’re short on time.
Cooking takes time and requires suitable equipment, even if you’re making several portions at once.
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Assuming all plain tinned chickpeas have the same ingredients
Auchan’s product listing for the 530 g tin notes that ingredients may vary depending on the online store and purchase date. Some versions carry a warning that they may contain traces of gluten and soya.
Read the label on the product you actually buy, especially if you need to avoid an allergen or keep an eye on your salt intake.
Brands and retailers to consider
E.Leclerc / Notre Jardin
A range that lets you compare different quantities of tinned chickpeas.
- The E.Leclerc page lists, among other options, a pack of 3 × 130 g and a 530 g product.
- Choose between smaller packs and a large tin based on how much you’ll use after opening.
Auchan
Dried and tinned chickpeas for two different ways to plan dinner.
- The 1 kg bag of dried chickpeas and the 530 g tin let you consider cooking time and convenience separately.
- The dried chickpeas need a long cooking time; for the tinned version, check the label on the product you buy.
Samia
An 800 g tin of ready-to-eat chickpeas featured on an Auchan product page.
- The product page suggests using them in a salad after rinsing and draining.
- It says to keep them in the fridge for three days after opening, so plan how you’ll use the leftovers.
Lidl / Goldensun
A range of 1 kg bags of dried pulses, with a chickpea option listed on Lidl’s page.
- This pack size is worth considering if you’re planning to cook several meals.
- The page featured a dated offer, so check what’s available at your local store before relying on this option.
ALDI / Les Jardins de Laylah
An ALDI product listing features a 400 g pack of chickpeas.
- The listing says this product is unavailable. Check what your local store has in stock before planning a meal around this pack size.
Chickpeas to consider on Joybuy
These two large packs of GÜNES VADIS chickpeas are for dinners where you want to avoid starting with dried chickpeas that need cooking. Choose a quantity that suits your plans and check the packaging before use.
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GÜNES VADIS chickpeas 540 g
This pack could work well for a quick dinner if you also have a plan for the leftovers. Once opened, follow the instructions for transferring the chickpeas to the fridge and using them, as stated for this product.
The information about the antioxidant and allergens isn’t entirely clear. Check the label before buying, especially if you need to avoid sulphites.
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GÜNES VADIS chickpeas 820 g
This pack could suit you if you’re making several portions and can use the contents after opening. Check the drained weight on the packaging to plan your servings; the product page advises refrigerating leftovers and eating them within three days.
The product page lists lupin and a salt content of 0,65 g per 100 g. Read the label on the product you buy if this information affects your choice, particularly if you have an allergy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare tinned and dried chickpeas?
Start by comparing quantities for each state of the product: the drained weight for chickpeas packed in liquid, and the dry weight for a bag that needs cooking. When it comes to nutritional values, 100 g of dried chickpeas and 100 g of ready-to-eat chickpeas aren’t directly comparable.
Which format should I choose for a quick dinner?
A tin or jar of ready-to-eat chickpeas saves you the long cooking time needed for dried chickpeas. Manger Bouger recommends these formats for quick recipes, while Auchan’s 1 kg bag states that the chickpeas take around two hours to cook over a low heat, or around one hour in a pressure cooker.
How long can I keep tinned chickpeas after opening?
Follow the instructions for the product you buy, as storage times vary. Auchan’s 530 g product page says to transfer the chickpeas to an airtight container, keep them in the fridge and eat them within two days. Samia’s 800 g product page says they can be kept in the fridge for three days.
What should I check on the label before buying tinned chickpeas?
Check the ingredients and any highlighted allergens, then look for the drained weight if the chickpeas are packed in liquid. According to the DGCCRF, nutritional information is given per 100 g or 100 ml, which helps you compare products in the same state.