Hosts keeping an eye on the budget
You’re preparing a side dish for several people and want to compare the quantities in different pack sizes before finalising your menu.
Who are these options for?
Hosts cooking at the last minute
You need to choose between dried pulses that need cooking, jars or tins, and a ready-to-heat dish, depending on how much time you have on New Year’s Eve.
Guests who care about ingredients
You want to check whether a specific product is organic, its stated origin, ingredients and allergens, rather than making assumptions based on a brand or retailer’s name.
Which factors should you prioritise?
First choose a format to suit the time you have, then check how much you need and the ingredients in your chosen dish.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| How much to buy | The net or drained weight, depending on the format, and the number of servings stated. | When I’m hosting several guests, I want to make sure I have enough pulses without confusing the size of the container with the amount I can serve. Around 42% of consumers would put quantity at the top of their list. |
| Preparation time | The format — dried, already cooked or prepared — and the cooking or reheating instructions. | If I’m cooking on the day, I’d rather keep the steps to a minimum before serving dinner. Saving time would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| What’s in the dish | The ingredients list, allergens, type of pulse and, if needed, stated origin. | To cater for my guests’ preferences and make the dish I want, I need to know what’s actually in the product. Around 25% of consumers would make ingredients their top priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing the container’s weight with the amount you can serve
A packet of dried pulses, a jar and a tin don’t describe their contents in the same way. For products in liquid, the drained weight gives you a better idea of how much of the pulses you can use.
Check which weight is given for your chosen format, then compare it with the number of portions you plan to make.
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Assuming a ready-made dish is the same as plain pulses
A dish made with lentils or chickpeas may contain other ingredients. The dahl listed by Carrefour, for example, contains coconut milk, mustard, celery and soya.
If you want to choose the seasoning yourself, start with plain pulses. For a ready-to-serve dish, read the ingredients list and allergen information for that specific product.
Brands and retailers to know
Carrefour
The retailer stocks lentils and other pulses across several Carrefour ranges, as well as products with a geographical indication or AOP designation.
- The products featured include 500 g packs.
- For a specific product, check the format and information shown by your chosen store.
E.Leclerc
The retailer stocks pulses under the Notre Jardin, Marque Repère, Bio Village and Eco+ brands.
- The product listing for Notre Jardin green lentils specifies the ingredients and stated origin.
- Check the listing for the product you choose, as this information may not apply across all ranges.
Auchan
Its range includes dried pulses in packets, tinned pulses and lentil-based dishes.
- With a range of formats to choose from, you can look for products to cook or ready-made dishes.
- Check the ingredients and instructions for the format you choose.
Lidl
The retailer has stocked organic lentils, split peas, beans and chickpeas under its Goldensun range.
- The range includes several types of pulses.
- Check the product and its pack size when planning your menu.
ALDI
The retailer has stocked Fleurs des Champs green lentils and white beans in 500 g packs.
- The stated pack size helps you plan how much to cook.
- Check the label of your chosen product for its exact details.
Bjorg
Bjorg describes its products as organic; lentil-based ready meals are also listed in the Auchan range.
- The range includes prepared dishes made with pulses.
- An organic label alone doesn’t tell you the ingredients, allergens or quantity in the product you choose.
Related products on Joybuy
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Which pulses can you include in a New Year’s Eve menu?
Lentils, beans, chickpeas and split peas give you plenty of options for a main dish or side. Choose the type of pulse to suit your recipe, then check how to prepare it and how much you’ll need.
Which format should I choose if I’m cooking on the day?
A jar, tin or ready-to-heat dish means you don’t have to start by cooking dried pulses from a packet. Still, read the instructions for your chosen product and, for a prepared dish, check its ingredients and allergens.