People who cook at the last minute
To quickly round off a savoury dish without planning ahead for soaking, you can start with lentils or chickpeas that are already cooked and come in a tin or jar.
Who are these formats for?
Households planning several meals
If you’re stocking the cupboard for several meals, compare a multipack of smaller tins with a larger format, taking into account how much you’ll use each time you open one.
People who value variety and portion control
If you want to alternate between different pulses or prepare a precise amount, consider dried pulses in pouches, including quick-cooking varieties, rather than a large container of pre-cooked pulses.
What should you look for?
First, decide whether the pulses need to be ready to use on the day. Then choose the right pack size and check the label on the product you plan to open.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Quick preparation | Check that the pulses are already cooked, then read the ingredients and drained weight. | If I’m preparing a filling at the last minute, I want to avoid soaking and cooking dried pulses. Around 36% of consumers would put convenience first. |
| Usable quantity | Compare the number of packs, their weight and the instructions for storing them after opening. | For several meals, I’d rather open the amount I need than leave a large container partly used. The right pack size would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and storage | Read the ingredients, declared allergens and storage instructions for the pack you’re buying. | If I’m concerned about certain ingredients, I want to be able to check the label before choosing a tin. Around 21% of consumers would make this their first check. |
| Variety and cooking | For dried pulses, check the variety, the quantity in each pouch and the stated cooking time. | When I can cook ahead, I prefer to measure out what I need and choose different pulses to suit the menu. Around 14% of consumers would put this flexibility first. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing the largest tin without planning for future meals
A larger pack may leave you with leftovers that need using soon. For its 530 g lentils, Auchan advises transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge and using them within two days of opening.
If you’re only planning one dish, compare multipacks of smaller portions with the larger format, and follow the instructions for the product you choose.
Any opened quantity that your household can’t use within the stated time may go to waste.
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Assuming the ingredients are always the same for a particular product
Auchan notes that the ingredients in some products may vary depending on the online grocery service and purchase date. An old ingredients list isn’t enough to decide whether a product meets your requirements.
Check the label on the item you actually receive, especially the ingredients and allergen information.
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Confusing a prepared dish with plain pulses
A ready-to-serve recipe contains other ingredients as well as the main pulse. It won’t serve the same purpose if you want to make and season a filling yourself.
Check the product name and ingredients list before choosing between a prepared dish and plain pulses in a tin.
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Buying loose dried pulses without getting the information you need
Anses says that storage-life information may not be displayed on products sold loose for self-service. This can make them harder to compare with a labelled pouch if that information matters to you.
Ask the retailer about storage before you buy. Choose a labelled product if you need to be able to check this information on the packaging.
Brands and retailers to explore
Carrefour
Carrefour’s range distinguishes dried pulses for cooking from tinned and jarred pulses, including lentils, chickpeas and different varieties of beans.
- Makes it easy to compare different pulses and pack formats.
- Check that the product and pack size you want are available before planning your menu.
Auchan
Auchan’s range includes lentils and chickpeas in individual packs and multipacks, including packs of three small tins.
- Separate packs mean you only need to open one tin for a single dish.
- Auchan says the ingredients in some products may vary depending on the online grocery service and purchase date, so check the label on the item you receive.
Lidl
Lidl’s Golden Sun range includes several dried pulses for cooking, including lentils, split peas and chickpeas.
- A choice of varieties can suit plans to prepare meals ahead of time.
- The offer mentioned is promotional and isn’t a multipack of tinned pulses, so check whether it’s available in your store.
Aldi
An Aldi product listing features Fleurs des Champs dried green lentils or white beans in a 500 g pack.
- This format lets you measure out the amount you need from dried pulses that require cooking.
- Don’t confuse this product with a multipack of pulses that are already cooked and tinned.
Bjorg
Bjorg offers a doypack meal containing ready-to-use pulses, rather than plain lentils or chickpeas in a tin.
- This prepared dish may suit you if you’re looking for a recipe that’s ready to serve.
- Check the ingredients and allergens if you’re looking for plain pulses to season yourself instead.
Ready-to-use pulses on Joybuy
These products include chickpeas and other pulses in tins or jars for quick meals. The selection also includes a recipe in sauce. If you’re looking for a plain base or planning several meals, compare each product’s packaging, ingredients and instructions for storage after opening.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 820 g
This size may suit you if you’re planning to use chickpeas in several dishes. The tin is marked 820 g. Check the drained weight and storage instructions after opening to help plan portions and use up any leftovers.
If you need to avoid lupin, check for the relevant declaration on the label of the tin you receive.
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GÜNES VADIS Chickpeas 540 g
This jar gives you another pack size to choose from if you want to match the amount you open to your recipe. It’s marked 540 g. Check the drained weight on the label to compare it with a tin.
Also check the storage instructions after opening and the sulphite declaration on the jar you receive, if this affects your choice.
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Royal Bourbon Natural Cape Peas 400 g
This tin offers another pulse to try for a change in your savoury dishes. It’s marked 400 g. Check the label for the drained weight and storage instructions after opening.
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Bonduelle Chickpeas Cooked in Couscous Sauce 400 g
Choose this chickpea recipe in sauce if you’re after a prepared dish rather than plain pulses to season yourself. The tin is marked 400 g. Read the ingredients list and allergen information to check it’s right for your dish.
Check the storage instructions if you think you’ll only use part of the tin.
Frequently asked questions
Are tinned pulses suitable for a quick meal?
Yes. Pulses that are already cooked and come in a tin or jar save you having to cook them for that meal. Manger Bouger lists them as a convenient option for preparing recipes quickly. Still, check the ingredients and instructions for the product you choose.
How should I store an opened tin of lentils?
Follow the instructions on the tin you’ve opened. For its 530 g lentils, Auchan advises transferring the contents to an airtight container in the fridge and using them within two days. Don’t automatically apply this time limit to other products.
What should I check before buying loose dried pulses?
Ask the retailer for the information you need to make your choice, particularly details about storage. Anses says storage-life information isn’t displayed on products sold loose for self-service. If you need to check allergens, also ask for information specific to the product and how it’s handled.