Which size is right for you?

If you’re preparing several festive dishes

If parsley features in your sauces, stuffings or garnishes, a 250 g bag could suit your needs. Picard and Auchan each list a 250 g pack of chopped parsley.

If you’re planning a varied menu

If each recipe calls for a different herb, several smaller packs let you choose the ingredients recipe by recipe. Carrefour’s range includes frozen basil, parsley and chives, among other options.

If you only use a particular herb occasionally

For a one-off recipe, a small pack means you won’t be left with a large opened bag and no other plans for it. Aldi lists a 50 g pack of All Seasons frozen parsley, for example.

What should you check before choosing?

Start with the recipes you have planned. First, work out whether they mainly use the same herb or several different ones, then choose the right quantity.

What to consider What to check Who it matters to
Quantity of one herb Identify the recipes that use this herb and compare how much they need with the bag’s net weight. I’m planning to use parsley in several dishes and want to be able to take some out at different stages. Around 42% of consumers may prioritise having enough for repeated use.
Variety of herbs List the herbs your recipes call for and check whether the ingredients list describes a single herb or a blend. My menu includes recipes with different seasonings; one large bag of parsley won’t cover every use. Around 33% of consumers may have this as their main priority.
Amount to store Check the pack weight and storage instructions for each product. I’ll only use this herb once and would rather not keep a large opened bag. For around 25% of consumers, avoiding unused leftovers may be the priority.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming “family bag” means a set weight

    This phrase alone doesn’t tell you how much herb a bag contains. The 250 g products listed by Picard and Auchan are bags of chopped parsley.

    Check the net weight, and only choose this size if parsley features in several recipes.

  • Confusing a single herb with a blend or cooking ingredient

    Carrefour’s range includes herbs, persillade, garlic and shallots, among other products. They won’t necessarily serve the same purpose in a recipe.

    Read the product name and ingredients list, especially if your recipe calls for a single herb or you need to avoid a particular ingredient.

  • Letting frozen food warm up while you shop

    The journey home matters too when it comes to keeping food properly frozen. The DGCCRF advises keeping transport time to a minimum and using an insulated bag if possible.

    Pick up frozen products at the end of your shop, put them away promptly and follow the storage instructions on the bag. For the Picard and Auchan products mentioned here, the instructions say not to refreeze after defrosting.

Retailers and brands to know

Picard

A 250 g bag of chopped flat-leaf parsley, suited to recipes that use this herb several times.

  • Picard’s product details describe French-origin parsley that’s washed, spun dry and individually frozen.
  • This parsley product doesn’t mean that other herbs are available in the same size.

Auchan

A 250 g pack of chopped parsley to consider if parsley features in several dishes.

  • Auchan’s product details say this parsley can be sprinkled straight onto hot or cold dishes without defrosting first.
  • They also say to return the product to the freezer immediately after use.

Carrefour

A range worth exploring when your menu calls for several herbs rather than one large bag.

  • Carrefour’s range includes frozen basil, parsley, chives and persillade, among other products.
  • Persillade isn’t interchangeable with a single herb, so check the ingredients of the product you choose.

Aldi / All Seasons

A 50 g pack of frozen parsley for when you only need a small amount.

  • Aldi lists All Seasons parsley as a 50 g frozen product.
  • Check whether it’s available at the store where you plan to shop.

Darégal

Frozen herbs in small tubs or bags, worth considering if you want to portion out several varieties.

  • Darégal says its herbs are washed, chopped and ready to use.
  • Check the weight and packaging for each product with your chosen retailer.

Related products from Joybuy

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Frequently asked questions

Should you choose 250 g of parsley for Christmas meals?

Choose 250 g if several recipes call for parsley and you expect to use it more than once. Picard and Auchan list 250 g bags of chopped parsley. For occasional use, or if different dishes need different herbs, check for smaller packs that suit each recipe instead.

Can you add frozen parsley straight to a dish?

Yes, for the Auchan chopped parsley mentioned here: its product details say you can sprinkle it straight onto a hot or cold dish without defrosting it first. Check the instructions for the product you buy, and return the bag to the freezer promptly after use.

Can you refreeze herbs after defrosting them?

Don’t refreeze the Picard and Auchan products mentioned here after defrosting, as their instructions advise against it. For any other bag, follow its storage instructions and avoid breaking the cold chain during transport.

What should you check before buying a herb blend?

Check the product name and ingredients list to make sure it suits your recipe. Persillade or a cooking ingredient may not be a suitable substitute for a single herb. The ingredients list is especially important if you need to avoid a particular ingredient.