Who are these options for?

Hosts cooking for a group

You can prepare the filling in advance and want to choose an amount that suits the number of pancakes you’ll be serving. Packets of dried pulses give you the flexibility to cook them before the meal.

Hosts short on time on the day

You want to keep the steps before serving to a minimum. Already-cooked lentils or chickpeas, or a ready-to-heat dish, could work depending on the recipe you have in mind.

Guests who pay close attention to ingredients

If the filling’s ingredients matter to your guests, compare the ingredients list and any allergens shown on prepared dishes, especially when they combine pulses and grains.

What should you look for?

The time you have available will help you choose a format first. Then compare the usable quantity and ingredients to decide between products.

Dried pulses in a packet

Choose these if: you can cook the filling before the evening.

Bear in mind: cooking times vary depending on the pulse you choose.

Already-cooked pulses

Choose these if: you’re making the filling on the day and want to skip cooking the pulses.

Check: for a tin or jar with liquid, the usable quantity depends on the drained weight.

Ready-to-heat dish

Choose this if: a prepared recipe works with your chosen filling.

Check: it may contain ingredients other than plain pulses, including grains.

Criterion What to check Who is this for?
Usable quantity Packet weight; drained weight if the product is stored in liquid. I’m making several savoury pancakes and want to make sure I have enough filling to serve. Around 36% of consumers put this quantity first.
Preparation time Dried or already cooked; the cooking or reheating time shown. If I’m cooking just before the meal, I want to keep the remaining steps to a minimum. Speed is the top priority for around 29% of consumers.
Ingredients Ingredients list, allergens and salt content per 100 g. For a plant-based filling, I want to know whether the recipe also contains grains or added ingredients. Around 21% of consumers put checking the ingredients first.
Guests’ preferences The planned filling and whether you can offer an alternative. I’d rather have another option ready in case not everyone wants a pulse-based filling. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this flexibility above all else.

What mistakes should you avoid?

  • Comparing packs without checking the usable quantity

    A packet of dried pulses and a jar containing liquid don’t tell you directly how much filling you’ll have available.

    Check the weight of the dried product or, for a product stored in liquid, the drained weight shown on the packaging.

  • Mistaking a prepared dish for plain pulses

    A ready-to-heat packet may combine pulses, grains and seasoning. Bjorg’s quinoa and chickpea dish, for example, contains bulgur wheat.

    Read the ingredients list and check the allergens before using it instead of plain lentils or chickpeas.

Brands to know

Carrefour Classic'

Carrefour’s range under this brand includes 500 g packets of red, green and blonde lentils.

  • The different varieties let you choose a base for your filling.
  • The range may vary depending on the shop and whether you choose collection or delivery.

Auchan

Auchan offers dried pulses in packets, as well as already-cooked lentils and chickpeas in different pack sizes.

  • The dried and already-cooked options suit different preparation times.
  • For a product stored in liquid, check the drained weight before planning your filling.

Golden Sun

Lidl’s Golden Sun organic range includes lentils, split peas, beans and chickpeas.

  • The range brings together several pulses to suit different recipes.
  • Check which varieties are available at the shop where you plan to buy them.

Bjorg

Bjorg offers a 250 g quinoa and chickpea dish, which the brand says is ready in 2 minutes.

  • This option saves you having to cook chickpeas separately for the filling.
  • It contains bulgur wheat, sunflower oil and salt, among other ingredients, so it isn’t plain pulses.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How much dried pulses should I allow for pancake fillings?

Start with the number of pancakes you need to fill and check the usable quantity shown on the product. For a tin or jar containing liquid, the drained weight is more useful than the total pack weight when planning your preparation.

Which format should I choose if I’m serving pancakes tonight?

Already-cooked lentils or chickpeas save you from having to start by cooking dried pulses. A ready-to-heat dish could also work, as long as its ingredients suit the filling you want to make.

Is a ready-made plant-based dish suitable for all guests?

Not necessarily: check the ingredients list and allergens. Bjorg’s quinoa and chickpea dish, for example, contains bulgur wheat. A recipe being plant-based doesn’t mean it’s gluten-free.

What should I look for on the label of a pre-packed filling?

Check the ingredients, allergens and nutritional information per 100 g to compare different recipes. The French Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control reminds shoppers that allergens are highlighted on the label. If the product is stored in liquid, also check the drained weight.