Who are these options for?

People who shop regularly

If you often cook frozen vegetables and have space in your freezer, a 1 kg bag could be a good fit. Just make sure you’ll use it all.

Older people and carers looking for easy preparation

A short cooking time can make it easier to prepare a side dish. The texture should still be checked after cooking, according to the person who will be eating it.

Carers concerned about reduced food intake

Peas can be part of a meal, but on their own they are not a solution to unintentional weight loss. French Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) stresses that malnutrition needs to be assessed by a medical professional.

What should you look for?

When choosing frozen peas for an older person’s meals, start with the amount you’ll actually use, then consider how they’re prepared and how they fit into the meal.

Factor What to check Who is it for?
Pack size and storage Compare the bag size with your usual portions and the space available in your freezer. I prepare peas regularly and want to use the whole bag without waste; around 42% of consumers would put this pack-size choice first.
Cooking and texture Read the cooking instructions, then check the resulting texture. The description “very fine” does not guarantee a texture that’s suitable for someone with swallowing difficulties. When preparing a side dish takes too long, I look for a simple cooking method while still paying attention to texture; this would be a priority for around 33% of consumers.
Place in the meal Check the ingredients and nutritional information for the product you choose, per 100 g or per portion. If food intake is falling or there is unintentional weight loss, seek medical advice. If I’m helping someone whose food intake is decreasing, I don’t want to mistake a side dish for a sufficient meal; around 25% of consumers would put this concern first.

Things to watch out for

  • Choosing a large bag without planning how you’ll use it

    A 1 kg pack is best suited to people who eat peas regularly and have space to store them in the freezer.

    Before choosing a pack size, estimate how many portions you’ll prepare and check how much freezer space you have.

  • Relying on peas alone if someone is losing weight

    Peas are a side dish. French Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) states that an insufficient intake of energy, protein and nutrients can lead to malnutrition.

    If an older person is losing weight unintentionally or eating less, consult a doctor to assess the situation.

  • Assuming “very fine” or “tender” means the texture is suitable

    These marketing descriptions don’t tell you whether the cooked product is suitable for someone with chewing or swallowing difficulties.

    Check the texture after cooking and follow any personalised advice given by a healthcare professional.

  • Refreezing defrosted peas

    Once the product has defrosted, the instructions on the frozen products reviewed say not to refreeze it.

    Put the bag in the freezer promptly and follow the storage instructions on the packaging.

Brands to know

Carrefour

Carrefour offers two frozen pea products in 1 kg bags: Simpl, described as “mild”, and Classic’, described as “very fine”.

  • The bags are the same size, making it easy to compare pack sizes.
  • The description “very fine” alone doesn’t tell you what the texture will be like after cooking.

Bonduelle

Bonduelle offers steam-pre-cooked peas in a 750 g bag.

  • Bonduelle says this product takes three minutes to prepare. The brand lists 5,1 g of protein and 4,8 g of fibre per 100 g.
  • Check the texture after cooking rather than assuming the description “tender” means it’s suitable for someone with chewing difficulties.

Auchan

Auchan offers extra-fine frozen peas in a 1 kg bag, as well as a POUCE product of fine frozen peas.

  • For its extra-fine peas, Auchan lists 5 g of protein, 4,3 g of fibre and 0,01 g of salt per 100 g.
  • These figures apply to the extra-fine product. Check the packaging of the bag you choose before using them to compare products.

Aldi

Aldi’s ALL SEASONS® range includes extra-fine frozen peas in a 1 kg bag.

  • The 1 kg pack could suit regular use if you have enough freezer space.
  • Check the packaging for the ingredients and nutritional information of the product you buy.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Are frozen peas enough for an older person’s meal?

No. They’re a side dish rather than a complete meal on their own. Manger Bouger reminds us that nutritional needs don’t necessarily decrease after the age of 75. If food intake falls or weight is lost unintentionally, seek medical advice.

How should you store a bag of frozen peas?

Put it in the freezer and follow the instructions on the packaging. Carrefour specifies storage at −18 °C for its Simpl product. Don’t refreeze a defrosted product.

Are “very fine” peas suitable for someone who has difficulty chewing?

Not necessarily: “very fine” describes the product, not whether it’s suitable for someone with chewing or swallowing difficulties. Check the texture after cooking and follow any personalised advice from a healthcare professional.

What should you do if an older person loses weight without meaning to?

Don’t focus only on choosing a side dish. Consult a doctor to have the weight loss assessed. French Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) states that significant weight loss may be a sign of malnutrition.