Who are these options for?

Anyone looking for a softer texture for everyday meals

If whole peas are difficult to chew, you can mash or blend cooked peas to achieve your preferred texture. This is a comfort-based choice and does not replace medical advice about food texture.

Anyone looking to avoid added sugars

The ingredients list helps you spot added sugar. The ‘of which sugars’ line shows the amount of sugar in the product, including sugars naturally present in peas.

Anyone caring for someone with a swallowing disorder

Words such as ‘tender’ or ‘soft’ are not enough to determine whether whole peas are suitable. The texture of the dish should follow the individual guidance given for that person.

What should you check before choosing?

Tinned peas are already cooked, making them a quick option, while a bag of frozen peas lets you choose how much to prepare and how long to cook them. In either case, the shape of the peas and the texture of the finished dish matter more than the wording on the pack if you need to make them easier to chew.

Criterion What to check Who this matters to
Texture of the peas Check whether the peas are already cooked and whether you can cook them for longer and then mash them. If you have dysphagia, follow the individually prescribed consistency. If whole peas make chewing difficult, I want to adapt the texture of the dish; around 42% of consumers in this situation would prioritise this.
Added sugars Compare the ingredients list and the ‘of which sugars’ line per 100 g across similar products. I want to avoid added sugar in a recipe without confusing this with its total sugar content; around 33% of consumers in this situation would put this criterion first.
Portions and storage Check how much you need to prepare, the instructions for storing the product after opening and, for frozen products, the storage conditions. If I sometimes prepare a single portion and sometimes make enough for several meals, I need to be able to store any leftovers; around 25% of consumers in this situation would prioritise portions and storage.

Common misconceptions to avoid

  • Assuming ‘tender’ means the texture is suitable for dysphagia

    These words describe a product, not the consistency of the dish once served. The French National Authority for Health advises that food texture should be adapted to each person’s individual chewing and swallowing abilities.

    If a particular texture has been prescribed, ask for clarification about the required consistency and check the prepared dish, rather than relying on the product name.

  • Confusing ‘no added sugars’ with ‘reduced in sugars’

    According to Bonduelle, its steamed peas recipe, labelled ‘no added sugars’, still contains 3.1 g of sugars per 100 g. The two claims therefore describe different things.

    Check the exact claim, the ingredients and the amount of sugars per 100 g on the products you are comparing.

  • Checking the sugars without looking at the salt

    Choosing a recipe based on its added sugars tells you nothing about its salt content.

    Also compare the ‘salt’ line per 100 g and take it into account before seasoning the dish.

  • Buying a large bag of frozen peas without considering storage

    Even if you can portion out what you need, you still need to follow the storage instructions. Carrefour advises keeping its frozen peas at −18 °C and not refreezing them once they have thawed.

    Make room in your freezer and take out the amount you need, following the instructions on the packaging.

Brands to know

Bonduelle

The range reviewed includes tinned options whose recipes make it possible to compare added sugars and ingredients.

  • According to Bonduelle, its steamed sweet peas are labelled ‘no added sugars’. The recipe lists peas, water and salt, and contains 3.1 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • Another Bonduelle tinned product, labelled ‘no added flavourings’, includes sugar in its ingredients list. Both products contain whole peas.

Carrefour Classic'

Extra-fine frozen peas to consider if you want to take out the amount you need and adjust the cooking time to suit your recipe.

  • The frozen format lets you choose how much to prepare.
  • A description such as ‘crunchy’ does not guarantee an easy-to-chew texture. Carrefour advises keeping the product at −18 °C and not refreezing it after thawing.

Cassegrain

The tinned peas and carrots reviewed are described as ‘tender and soft’.

  • This mix of peas and carrots is a different recipe from plain peas.
  • The ingredients list published by Carrefour includes sugar. The description ‘tender and soft’ does not confirm that the texture is suitable for dysphagia.

Jardin BiO étic

The organic peas in a carton reviewed are described as already cooked and ready to eat.

  • The ingredients list published by Carrefour gives peas, water and sea salt.
  • The fact that they are already cooked does not, by itself, tell you whether whole peas are suitable for the texture you need.

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Frequently asked questions

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ‘reduced in sugars’?

No, these claims are not interchangeable. According to Bonduelle, its steamed peas labelled ‘no added sugars’ contain 3.1 g of sugars per 100 g. To compare products, check the exact claim, the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ line.

Are ‘tender’ peas suitable for someone with dysphagia?

Not necessarily: a product description does not define the texture that is right for that person. The French National Authority for Health advises that the consistency should be adapted to their chewing and swallowing abilities.

How can I make peas easier to chew?

If you are looking for a more comfortable texture and have no medical advice on food consistency to follow, you can use peas that are already cooked or cook frozen peas for longer, then mash them if whole peas are difficult to chew. If you have dysphagia, first ask what consistency the dish should have.

What storage instructions should I check?

They depend on the product and its format. For the steamed tinned peas reviewed, Bonduelle advises storing them at 4 °C for no more than 48 hours after opening. For the frozen peas reviewed, Carrefour advises storing them at −18 °C and not refreezing them after thawing.