Remote workers keeping an eye on their salt intake
You’re putting together a quick lunch and want to take account of the salt in the chickpeas as well as in the other ingredients in your meal.
Who is this option for?
People having lunch alone between meetings
You’re looking for ready-cooked chickpeas that can be served hot or cold, in a pack size that suits the meals you have planned.
People who prefer to season their food themselves
You want to choose your own herbs and accompaniments rather than start with a product that’s already been salted.
What should you check?
For a work-from-home lunch, first check the salt content of the specific product, then look at its pack size and ingredients list.
| What to check | What to look for | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Salt content | Look for “no added salt”, then compare the “salt” figure per 100 g on the same basis, particularly after draining if this information is provided. | If I’m already planning to add salty ingredients, I want to know how much salt is in the chickpeas before putting my meal together; around 42% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Convenient pack size | Check the drained weight and storage instructions after opening, based on the number of meals you have planned. | Between meetings, I’m looking for a ready-cooked product without opening more than I can use; around 33% of consumers would prioritise speed and pack size. |
| Ingredients and seasoning | Read the ingredients list for the exact product, especially if its name seems to contradict its ingredients. | If I want to choose the herbs for my salad myself, I need to know what’s already in the jar; around 25% of consumers would prioritise the ingredients and seasoning. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming “organic” or “steam-cooked” means low in salt
According to d’aucy’s product information, its Bio Engagé chickpeas with no added salt contain 0.01 g of salt per 100 g of drained product, compared with 0.51 g per 100 g drained for its steam-cooked version. These figures relate to two specific products.
Compare the “salt” figure on the same basis and check the ingredients of the pack you’re considering.
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Relying on a product listing’s title alone
Monoprix’s listing for Prosain Bio chickpeas, 230 g, says “no added salt”, but the ingredients list includes sea salt. So the title alone isn’t enough to help you choose this product based on its salt content.
If you spot this contradiction, check the jar’s label or ask the seller to confirm before buying.
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Adding more salt without tasting your meal first
Salt added at the table adds to the salt in the tin and in your accompaniments. Manger Bouger recommends tasting your food before seasoning and not automatically adding more salt to tinned products.
Make your salad with the herbs and spices you like, then taste it before deciding whether to add salt.
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Opening a large pack without planning what to do with the leftovers
Opening a large container for a single lunch may leave you with some chickpeas to store for another meal.
For the d’aucy jar featured by Auchan, put any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and preferably eat them within two days of opening. Follow the storage instructions for the product you buy.
Brands to know
d’aucy
The brand offers, among other options, Bio Engagé chickpeas with no added salt in a jar, as well as a steam-cooked version. Compare the different products rather than choosing based on the brand name.
- According to d’aucy, its Bio Engagé version with no added salt contains 0.01 g of salt per 100 g of drained product.
- The steam-cooked version contains 0.51 g of salt per 100 g drained. The product information for the no-added-salt version also states that it may contain traces of gluten and soya.
Bonduelle
Auchan lists Bonduelle chickpeas cooked in very little liquid, including a 2 × 130 g pack for salads and hot dishes.
- The smaller pack may suit you if you plan to use only a limited amount at each meal.
- “Very little liquid” doesn’t tell you how much salt the product contains; another product in this range listed by Auchan includes salt in its ingredients.
Prosain
Monoprix lists a 230 g jar of Prosain Bio chickpeas as having “no added salt”.
- The ingredients list on the same product page includes sea salt. Check the jar’s label before choosing this product for its salt content.
Joybuy products
Related products will be available soon.
Frequently asked questions
Does “no added salt” mean “salt-free”?
No. According to d’aucy, its Bio Engagé chickpeas with no added salt contain 0.01 g of salt per 100 g of drained product. Once you’ve spotted the claim, check the “salt” figure for the product you’ve chosen.
Are tinned chickpeas suitable for a quick work-from-home lunch?
Yes. Ready-cooked chickpeas can be added to a salad or hot dish without first cooking the pulses. Manger Bouger lists jars and tins as convenient options for quickly making recipes with pulses; check the salt content of the specific product you buy separately.
How can I season chickpeas without automatically adding more salt?
Taste your dish before adding salt and, depending on the recipe, try lemon, herbs or spices. Manger Bouger recommends tasting food before seasoning and not automatically adding more salt to tinned products.
What should I do with chickpeas left over after opening?
Follow the storage instructions on the product you’ve bought. For the d’aucy jar featured by Auchan, these recommend keeping leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and preferably eating them within two days of opening.