People who want to portion meals quickly
For a salad or side dish to take with them, they’re looking for ready-cooked organic chickpeas that are easy to drain and portion out.
Who are these formats for?
People who pay attention to ingredients and salt
They compare ingredient lists and, if needed, look for a product labelled ‘no added salt’. Check each product for allergen and ‘may contain’ information.
People who prepare several portions in advance
They can choose dried organic chickpeas if they have time to soak and cook them before preparing their meals.
What should you check before buying?
First, decide whether you need ready-cooked chickpeas or can prepare them in advance. Then compare the quantity you’ll need for your portions and the information on the label.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | Choose a ready-cooked product and check its drained weight and instructions for use. | I want to put my packed lunch together without planning for soaking or cooking; around 42% of consumers would make speed their priority. |
| Organic certification and ingredients | Check the organic certification, ingredients, the ‘salt’ line in the nutritional information and any ‘may contain’ statements. | I want to season my meal myself, so I need to know whether the product contains added salt; around 33% of consumers would put ingredients first. |
| Several portions | Compare the pack size with the soaking and cooking time given for dried chickpeas. | I prepare several meals in advance and can set aside time for cooking; around 25% of consumers would make this their main consideration. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming organic means no added salt
The Carrefour Bio product described by Carrefour includes Noirmoutier salt in its ingredients. Organic certification alone therefore doesn’t tell you whether salt has been added.
If this matters for your meal, check the ingredients and the ‘salt’ line in the nutritional information. Only count on a ‘no added salt’ claim if it appears on the product you choose.
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Choosing a large jar without planning how to use the leftovers
Once the jar is open, the date on the packaging doesn’t replace the storage instructions for after opening, as the DGCCRF reminds consumers.
Choose a quantity that suits the meals you have planned, and follow the label’s instructions for storing any leftovers.
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Buying dried chickpeas for a meal you want to put together straight away
Dried chickpeas need preparing in advance: E.Leclerc recommends soaking them overnight, followed by around 1 h 30 of cooking in a saucepan.
If you can’t plan ahead, choose a ready-cooked product and check how much you need.
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Assuming allergen information from the product name alone
‘May contain’ information varies by product. Auchan’s listing for d’aucy organic chickpeas with no added salt warns that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten and soya.
Check the allergen and ‘may contain’ information on the packaging of the product you plan to use.
Brands to know when comparing formats
Carrefour / Carrefour Bio
Carrefour offers a 265 g Carrefour Bio jar (net drained weight), suitable for making a salad or putting together a meal.
- The ingredients list for this product includes organic chickpeas grown in France, water and Noirmoutier salt.
- Salt makes up 0.69% of the listed ingredients, so this product has added salt.
E.Leclerc / Bio Village
E.Leclerc offers a 215 g Bio Village jar (net drained weight) and a 500 g pack of dried organic chickpeas.
- The jar gives you a smaller quantity for a meal you’re putting together.
- For dried chickpeas, E.Leclerc recommends soaking them overnight, then cooking them in a saucepan for around 1 h 30.
Auchan / Auchan Bio
Auchan offers 330 g jars of Auchan Bio chickpeas, particularly for salads and hummus.
- The retailer describes this product as containing chickpeas grown in France.
- Check the amount you’ll need and the after-opening storage instructions on the jar you choose.
Lidl / Goldensun
Lidl offers a range of Goldensun organic dried pulses, including a chickpea variety.
- This variety is suited to people who prepare their chickpeas in advance.
- Check which variety is available and how to prepare it before buying.
Aldi / All Seasons
Aldi offers 265 g tins of All Seasons chickpeas in its range of tinned goods.
- If organic is essential, check that the packaging of the product you choose clearly states that it is organic.
Monoprix / Priméal
Monoprix Courses offers 660 g jars of Priméal organic chickpeas in water, ready to use and described as made in France.
- This pack size could work well when you’re planning several portions.
- If you don’t use it all at once, follow the after-opening storage instructions on the packaging.
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Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if chickpeas are organic?
Look for the EU organic logo or a clear statement that the product is organically farmed on the packaging. Agence Bio explains that EU Regulation 2018/848 covers areas including the production, inspection and labelling of organic products.
Are organic chickpeas always free from added salt?
No. Organic certification and no added salt are two separate product characteristics. Auchan offers an organic d’aucy product with no added salt, while Carrefour lists Noirmoutier salt at 0.69% in the ingredients of its 265 g Carrefour Bio jar (net drained weight).
What should you do with an opened jar before preparing another packed lunch?
Follow the after-opening storage conditions and time limit on the label, rather than relying only on the date on the unopened jar. The DGCCRF reminds consumers to take after-opening storage instructions into account.
Can you assume a jar of chickpeas has no allergen warnings?
No. Check the information for the exact product you’re buying. Auchan’s listing for d’aucy organic chickpeas with no added salt warns that they may contain traces of cereals containing gluten and soya.
Are dried organic chickpeas suitable for packed lunches?
Yes, as long as you prepare them before putting your portions together. For dried chickpeas, E.Leclerc recommends soaking them overnight and cooking them in a saucepan for around 1 h 30. If you’re putting a meal together without preparing them first, choose ready-cooked chickpeas instead.