If you live alone and don’t plan to have a second meal using the leftovers, start by comparing small 250 to 265 g tins. Don’t assume that one tin equals one portion. A 400 g pack needs more planning once opened; a ready meal means less preparation, but gives you less say over the ingredients and seasoning.
You’re looking for an amount that’s easy to use up after moving in. The 250 to 265 g formats available from Carrefour and Bonduelle are a good starting point, but the drained weight and storage instructions after opening matter too.
You’d rather have pulses that are already cooked than dried pulses that need soaking and cooking. Auchan’s prepared lentils and Bjorg’s individual meals are options for a meal that takes little preparation, as long as you follow the instructions.
You’d prefer to season a pulse base yourself. The Bonduelle tin of chickpeas listed by Carrefour contains chickpeas, water and salt; its product information also notes that it may contain traces of soya and cereals containing gluten.
When stocking your first student cupboard, decide whether you want plain pulses or a prepared recipe, then compare the usable quantity and how you can store any leftovers.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Leftovers and pack size | Compare the pack size and drained net weight, and plan what to do with any opened contents. | If I live alone, I want to finish the tin without having to improvise another meal. Avoiding leftovers would be a priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Quick preparation | Check whether the product is already cooked and read the preparation instructions. | With limited kitchen equipment, I mainly want to make something without soaking or a long cooking time; around 27% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Freedom to create your own recipe | Check the ingredients list and distinguish between plain pulses and a seasoned meal. | If I want to use my own ingredients in several recipes, a plain pulse base gives me more options. This flexibility would be a priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Label and storage | Check the allergens, salt per 100 g and storage instructions after opening. | If certain ingredients are a concern or I’m keeping leftovers, I need to be able to make an informed choice from the label. Around 20% of consumers would put these checks first. |
The 400 g carton of Jardin Bio lentils featured by Auchan has a drained net weight of 215 g and contains two portions. The weight shown on the front isn’t enough to tell you how many lentils you’ll actually be using.
Compare the drained weight and, if you don’t plan to use everything, check the storage instructions before buying.
The Bonduelle chickpeas listed by Carrefour contain chickpeas, water and salt. Auchan’s prepared lentils are cooked with other ingredients, so they don’t give you the same freedom to season them yourself.
Choose plain pulses if you want to create the dish yourself. For a prepared recipe, read the ingredients list and nutritional information.
Depending on the product, the information may list soya as an ingredient or warn of possible traces of soya, cereals containing gluten or celery. You can’t tell what’s in a recipe just from the “pulses” category.
Check the ingredients list and allergen information on the packaging of the product you choose.
The DGCCRF says that dents, rust or a bulging tin may indicate that the product has deteriorated.
Don’t use a tin showing these signs, and let the seller know about its condition.
These products show the range of pack sizes and recipe types available. The brand alone won’t tell you which quantity or ingredients are right for you.
Carrefour offers Classic’ red kidney beans in a 250 g pack.
Auchan’s 400 g prepared lentils are cooked with carrots and onions.
E.Leclerc offers a Notre Jardin pulse mix in two small packs.
The 265 g tin of Bonduelle chickpeas featured by Carrefour is a base you can season yourself.
ALDI offers Fleurs des Champs red kidney beans in a 250 g pack, as well as 530 g prepared lentils.
Bjorg offers 250 g ready meals in pouch packs, including lentil and chickpea dishes.
These two small packs suit different needs: red kidney beans to add to your own recipe, and a chickpea dish that’s already seasoned. Check the label and preparation instructions before choosing.
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Worth considering if you’re after a small pack of red kidney beans to make your own meal. The stated weight is 250 g; check the drained net weight on the packaging too.
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Worth considering if you’d prefer a seasoned chickpea dish rather than plain pulses. A 280 g pack doesn’t automatically make a single portion, so check the ingredients and reheating instructions.
No, the weight of a tin doesn’t define a standard portion. Where applicable, compare the drained net weight with the amount you plan to use and the other parts of your meal.
Follow the instructions for the tin you’ve chosen, as the recommended storage time can vary by product. For its 400 g prepared lentils, Auchan says to transfer the contents to an airtight container, refrigerate and eat within two days.
Don’t eat the contents if the tin shows signs of damage. The DGCCRF says that dents, rust or a bulging tin may indicate that the product has deteriorated.
Start by checking the ingredients, allergens, quantity and date shown, then read the storage instructions for after opening. The DGCCRF says the drained net weight must also appear on the label when a product is packed in liquid.