Who these options are for

Anyone preparing several dishes

If you use parsley in different dishes for lunch and in meals afterwards, compare the amount you expect to use with the pack size to avoid having too much left over.

Anyone following a specific recipe

Whether you’re making eggs with chives or a dish that calls for plain parsley, check the product name and ingredients before choosing an herb or a mix.

Anyone looking to cook quickly

Pre-chopped herbs can make preparation easier. Auchan’s chopped parsley, for example, can be used without defrosting first, according to its instructions. Afterwards, return the product to the freezer as directed on the packaging.

What to check

Start with your recipe, work out how much you’ll use, then read the instructions for the product you’ve chosen.

What to consider What to check Who it’s for
Quantity and leftovers Compare the 50 g and 250 g pack sizes with the recipes you’re planning and how else you might use the herbs. If I’m preparing several dishes, I want enough parsley without keeping a pack that’s too large for how I’ll use it. Around 42% of consumers prioritise choosing the right quantity.
Single herb or mix Read the product name and ingredients list, particularly to tell plain parsley apart from a parsley and garlic mix. If a recipe doesn’t call for garlic, I’d rather be able to add parsley on its own. Around 33% of consumers put choosing something that suits the recipe first.
Using and storing Check the instructions for use, storage temperature and storage time on the packaging. When a meal involves several dishes, I want an herb that’s ready to add and easy to put back in the freezer after taking some out. Convenience is the top priority for around 25% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing a pack size without thinking about how you’ll use it

    A 50 g pot and a 250 g bag won’t suit the same needs if you only need the herb for one recipe.

    Estimate how much you’ll need for lunch, then consider whether you’ll use the rest in other dishes.

  • Choosing a parsley and garlic mix instead of plain parsley

    Carrefour Extra’s parsley and garlic mix contains both ingredients, so it will change the seasoning in a recipe that calls for parsley alone.

    Check the ingredients list on your chosen product before adding it to your menu.

    If the mix doesn’t suit the dish, you’ll need to have some plain parsley as well.

  • Letting herbs defrost and then refreezing them

    A break in the cold chain can make a product unsafe to eat, the Ministry of the Economy warns. Picard and Carrefour product information advises against refreezing their products after defrosting.

    Pick up frozen food at the end of your shop, keep it cold on the way home and follow the storage instructions on each pack.

Frozen herb brands to know

Picard

Picard offers frozen chopped chives in a 50 g tub, among other products.

  • Picard recommends these chives for eggs, salads, omelettes and soft cheese.
  • This pack is for chives; it won’t replace the parsley called for in another recipe.

Carrefour Extra

Carrefour Extra’s frozen parsley and garlic mix comes in a 50 g pack.

  • The mix brings both ingredients together when they’re both called for in a dish.
  • Check the ingredients list on the packaging to make sure it suits your recipe.

Rustica / Marque Repère

At E.Leclerc, Rustica products include frozen parsley in a 250 g pack and chopped parsley in a 50 g pack.

  • These two sizes let you choose according to how many dishes you’re planning.
  • Check that the amount you choose will also suit the ways you’ll use it after lunch.

Auchan

Auchan offers frozen chopped parsley in a 250 g pack.

  • According to the instructions, you can sprinkle it over hot or cold dishes without defrosting it first.
  • The instructions say to return the product to the freezer straight after use.

ALL SEASONS

ALDI offers ready-to-use frozen ALL SEASONS parsley in a 50 g pack.

  • This smaller pack may suit you if you only need parsley for one dish.
  • Check whether it’s available at the store where you plan to shop.

Lidl

If you’re planning to shop at Lidl, check the current leaflet and the range at your chosen store.

  • Check which herb is available and what size the pack is before relying on it for a specific recipe.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Should you choose 50 g or 250 g of parsley for Easter?

Choose according to how many dishes you’re planning and how else you’ll use the parsley. A 50 g pack suits occasional use, while 250 g is worth considering if you’ll use parsley in several recipes and plan to use the rest.

Can you add frozen herbs straight to a dish?

Yes, if the instructions for that product say you can. Auchan says its 250 g pack of chopped parsley can be sprinkled over hot or cold dishes without defrosting first. Check the instructions for the herb you buy.

How should you store frozen herbs after shopping?

Keep them cold on the way home and put them in the freezer as soon as possible, following the temperature and storage time on the packaging. Don’t refreeze a defrosted product; Picard and Carrefour give this instruction for the products concerned.

Which date should you check on the packaging?

Check the date shown on the product as well as its storage instructions. The Ministry of the Economy reminds shoppers to follow the temperature stated on the packaging: the date shouldn’t be considered separately from these conditions.