Individuals or couples looking to cut down on leftovers
If you cook for one or two people, compare the drained weight with the amount you need for your meal. A smaller tin can save you having to find a use for an opened tin.
Who these options are for
People who rely on their store cupboard for a quick meal
A tin that’s ready to heat lets you add peas to a meal without needing fresh vegetables. Follow the preparation instructions for the product you choose.
People who pay attention to ingredients and origin
Whether you’re looking for peas on their own or with carrots, check the ingredients and stated origin on each product’s label. These details vary independently of the tin size.
What to look for
To stock up for a smaller household, start with the amount you’ll use, then choose the recipe and preparation method that suit your meals.
| What to consider | What to check | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and leftovers | Compare the drained weight with the amount you plan to use for your meals. Products are available with drained weights of 140 g and 280 g, but the right size depends on your recipe. | I cook small portions and don’t want to leave an opened tin without a meal planned for it; cutting down on leftovers is the top priority for around 38% of consumers. |
| Quick preparation | Check whether the product is ready to heat and whether it contains just peas or other vegetables too. | When I’m putting together a meal from my store cupboard, I want to add a vegetable quickly; around 31% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
| Ingredients and origin | Check the ingredients, salt per 100 g and stated origin, if provided, for the product you’re considering. | If I’m looking for peas on their own or a specific combination, I want to compare the recipes before buying; ingredients or origin are the top consideration for around 31% of consumers. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a large tin without planning your next meals
In a smaller household, you may have peas left over after your first meal, and the storage life once opened is limited.
Choose a size based on the drained weight and the amount you plan to serve. If you buy a large tin, plan when you’ll use the rest and follow the instructions on the packaging.
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Assuming all tins have the same recipe
Depending on the product, the recipe may combine peas and carrots or include ingredients such as sugar, salt and natural flavouring.
Compare the ingredients lists and nutritional information for the specific product, especially the salt per 100 g.
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Confusing the printed date with the storage life after opening
In France, the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes between a use-by date, which must be followed, and a best-before date. Once a tin has been opened, you also need to follow the instructions for that specific product.
Check the wording of the date, make sure the packaging is intact, and follow the stated temperature and storage time after opening.
Brands to know when comparing products
Bonduelle
The brand offers tinned peas on their own or with carrots.
- One Bonduelle pea product lists a drained weight of 560 g and states that the peas are grown in France.
- For this product, Bonduelle advises storing at a maximum of 4 °C and consuming within 48 h of opening; check the instructions on any other tin.
Carrefour Classic'
This range includes peas and peas with carrots in a variety of pack sizes.
- Carrefour offers, among other options, tins with drained weights of 140 g and 560 g, making it easy to compare quantities for different uses.
- Check the recipe and drained weight on the specific product you choose.
Notre Jardin / Marque Repère E.Leclerc
The range includes, among other options, a tin of very fine peas with a drained weight of 280 g and a multipack of three 140 g tins.
- The multipack of smaller tins lets you open just the amount you need each time.
- E.Leclerc product listings for these options mention sugar, salt and natural flavouring. Check the ingredients if you’re looking for a different recipe.
Auchan
Auchan offers tinned and jarred peas, including gently steamed varieties.
- A jar of extra-fine, gently steamed peas is available in a 420 g size.
- To work out how much you’ll be serving, distinguish the stated pack size from the drained weight shown on the product.
Peas available on Joybuy
This selection features peas and carrots for meals where you’d like to serve both vegetables together. Before choosing it for a smaller household, compare the drained weight with the portions you have planned.
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Bonduelle peas and carrots in brine, 530 g
Worth considering if you’d like to serve peas with carrots rather than peas on their own.
The stated pack size is 530 g. Check the drained weight to estimate how much you’ll actually be serving, and follow the storage instructions on the packaging after opening.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between a small tin, a larger size and a jar?
Compare the drained weight with the amount you have planned for your meals, whatever the container. A small tin suits occasional use; a larger size makes sense if you plan to use its contents across several meals in quick succession, within the stated storage time after opening.
How long can I keep peas after opening?
Follow the storage time and temperature stated on the product you’ve bought. For a Bonduelle product with a drained weight of 560 g, the brand advises keeping it for up to 48 h at a maximum of 4 °C after opening; don’t automatically apply this advice to other products.
Can I keep a tin of peas in the cupboard?
Before opening, store it according to the instructions on the packaging and observe the date shown. Also check that the tin is intact. Once opened, follow the storage instructions for the product.
What does the drained weight on the label mean?
It tells you how many peas are available after draining, rather than giving the weight of the peas and liquid together. The DGCCRF states that this weight must be shown when a food is sold in a covering liquid.