Who are these sizes for?

Those preparing a side dish

For a salad or a homemade recipe, plain lentils let you choose the seasoning. The drained weight helps you work out how much to add to your dish.

Those who want to serve food quickly

A ready-made recipe, such as the Raynal et Roquelaure products listed as serving four, means less preparation for you. However, make sure the ingredients are suitable for your guests.

Households that prefer to open several small tins

A multipack lets you spread the tins across several meals instead of opening a large one all at once. Check the quantity in each tin to make sure you have enough for your meal.

What should you look for?

First decide how you’ll serve the lentils, then check the usable quantity and the ingredients in the product you’ve chosen.

Large tin of plain lentils

Choose this if: you’re making your own salad or side dish.

Bear in mind: you’ll need to add your own seasoning and plan how to use any leftovers once the tin is open.

Family-sized ready-made recipe

Choose this if: you want a side dish that’s ready to heat and serve; some products are listed as serving four.

Bear in mind: the recipe’s seasoning and ingredients have already been decided for you.

Multipack of small tins

Choose this if: you’d rather open only as many tins as you need for each meal.

Check: the quantity in each tin to make sure you have enough for your planned meal.

What to consider What to check Who is this for?
Quantity to serve For lentils in liquid, compare the drained weight. For a ready-made recipe, check the number of portions if stated. If I’m serving several guests, I want to make sure there are enough lentils without counting the liquid in the tin as part of the dish. Around 44% of consumers would prioritise getting the quantity right.
Choice of recipe Read the ingredients list and allergen information for the specific product before choosing between plain lentils and a ready-made recipe. I prefer to choose my own seasoning and take account of ingredients my guests avoid. Around 33% of consumers would make this freedom of choice a priority.
Quick serving Check whether the lentils are already cooked and follow the product’s reheating instructions. On the day, I want to keep preparation for a hot side dish to a minimum, even if that means choosing a ready-made recipe. Around 23% of consumers would put speed first.

Mistakes to avoid before buying

  • Looking only at the total weight

    The liquid is included in the net weight: one Bonduelle product is labelled 800 g net, but contains 530 g of drained lentils.

    For lentils in liquid, use the drained weight to compare how much you’ll be serving. The French Ministry of the Economy says this information must appear on the label in this case.

  • Assuming all ready-made recipes have the same ingredients

    The Raynal et Roquelaure Auvergnat-style product described by Auchan contains, among other things, ingredients of animal origin, wheat flour and celery.

    Check the ingredients list and allergen information for the exact variety to make sure it’s suitable for your guests. Don’t assume what’s in it based on the size of the tin.

  • Opening a large tin without planning for leftovers

    Once the tin is open, the product’s storage instructions and stated time for use become important.

    If you’ll only use some of the lentils, check these instructions before choosing between one large tin and several smaller ones.

Brands to know when comparing sizes

Bonduelle

Bonduelle lists one product of plain lentils at 800 g net and 530 g drained.

  • Ready-cooked lentils that you can add to a hot or cold dish.
  • The product warns that it may contain traces of soya and cereals containing gluten. Check the label if these ingredients are a concern for your guests.

Carrefour Classic'

Carrefour’s range includes a 530 g product of lentils under this brand.

  • This size gives you a useful point of comparison when choosing how much to serve.
  • Check whether the product you choose contains plain lentils or a seasoned recipe.

Raynal et Roquelaure

The Auchan product listings consulted show Raynal et Roquelaure Provençal-style and Auvergnat-style lentil recipes at 800 g and 820 g respectively, each listed as serving four.

  • The stated number of portions helps you plan how to serve these specific recipes.
  • Ingredients vary by variety; the Auvergnat-style recipe contains wheat and celery, among other ingredients.

Related Joybuy products

Related products will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Which weight should I check to work out how many lentils to serve?

For lentils in liquid, check the drained weight, which excludes the liquid. For example, Bonduelle lists 530 g drained for one product with a net weight of 800 g. For a ready-made recipe, also check the number of portions stated for that product.

Do tinned lentils need to be cooked for a long time?

The ready-cooked products mentioned here don’t need cooking like dried lentils. However, check the tin to see whether the lentils can be served cold or need reheating, then follow the instructions.

What should I do with leftover lentils once the tin is open?

Store them as directed on the tin and follow the product’s guidance on how soon to use them after opening. If you’re unlikely to use many leftovers, several small tins can save you from opening the whole multipack at once.

How should I choose a recipe if some guests avoid certain ingredients?

Before buying, check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact variety. The Raynal et Roquelaure Auvergnat-style recipe listed by Auchan contains wheat and celery, among other ingredients; the Bonduelle plain lentils product warns that it may contain traces of soya and cereals containing gluten.