For a single lunchbox, a small tin means you won’t have to store leftover peas; for several meals, a multipack of small tins lets you open one portion at a time. With a large tin, you’ll need to plan how to use the remainder and follow the storage instructions for the product you buy. In every case, compare the drained weight per tin and the ingredients list, not just the stated size.
A small tin can help you avoid leaving an opened tin after preparing just one meal. Carrefour, for example, lists a 140 g Cassegrain tin and a Carrefour Classic’ multipack of three tins, each with a drained weight of 140 g.
A multipack of small tins lets you open one portion for each planned meal. Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc all list multipacks of three 140 g tins.
Size isn’t the only thing to consider: the recipes listed by Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc differ, including in whether they contain flavourings or pearl onions. Read the ingredients list and nutritional information for the product you buy.
First decide how many lunchboxes you’ll be preparing, then compare the drained weight per tin and the recipe. A single small tin, a multipack of small tins and a large tin will leave you with different amounts after you’ve prepared your meals.
Choose this: to prepare one portion without opening any other tins; Carrefour lists a 140 g Cassegrain product.
Bear in mind: check the drained weight before deciding whether the amount is right for your meal.
Choose this: for several lunchboxes, keeping the other tins sealed until you need them.
Bear in mind: a pack of three gives you three portions, even if you’re only planning one meal for now.
Choose this: if you’ve already planned several meals and can store any leftovers according to the instructions on the packaging.
Bear in mind: once you’ve opened the tin, you’ll need to deal with the remainder rather than leaving it until some unspecified future meal.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| One portion with no leftovers | The drained weight per tin and the number of lunchboxes you’re planning. | For a single meal, I’d rather not have to store an opened tin; around 36% of consumers would prioritise avoiding leftovers. |
| Ingredients | The ingredients list, any stated allergens and the salt content per 100 g. | If the recipe matters more to me than the size, I want to know what’s in the tin; the ingredients would be the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Recipe and texture | Peas on their own or a vegetable mix, as well as any preparation instructions. | To make sure the contents suit the planned meal, I’d first choose a recipe the secondary school pupil will be happy to eat; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Availability of the size you want | Whether your usual shop stocks single tins or multipacks. | When I’m preparing several meals, I need a size I can actually find; around 14% of consumers would put availability first. |
A product listing may show the weight of the tin or the drained weight. This difference matters when you’re working out how much you’ll serve.
Look for the “drained weight” per tin and compare it with the number of portions you’re planning.
One lunchbox may not use the whole tin. Storage instructions after opening vary by product: the D’Aucy and Bonduelle products listed in their product details say to refrigerate and consume within 48 hours.
If you choose a large size, plan the other meals and follow the instructions on the tin you buy.
The products listed by Carrefour, Auchan and E.Leclerc don’t all have the same ingredients: some include natural flavouring or pearl onions.
Check the ingredients, any stated allergens and the nutritional information for the exact product, especially if the meal needs to meet a dietary requirement.
The DGCCRF says that dents or other deformation, rust or bulging can be signs that a tin has deteriorated.
Do not use a tin showing any of these signs. If the product or its batch has been recalled, check the guidance published on RappelConso.
These examples show some of the sizes and ingredients you can compare; the brand name is no substitute for checking the specific product you choose.
Carrefour lists a 140 g tin of tender, soft peas, also described as a portion in the Auchan grocery range.
Carrefour lists a multipack of three extra-fine pea tins, each with a drained weight of 140 g.
Auchan lists D’Aucy extra-fine peas in a multipack of three 140 g tins.
E.Leclerc lists a multipack of three 140 g tins of extra-fine peas, gently cooked, under its Marque Repère own-brand label.
Bonduelle also lists a 560 g drained-weight tin of peas, which you can divide between portions if you’re planning several meals.
It’s a guide to the pack size, not a standard serving amount. Auchan describes the 140 g Cassegrain tin as one portion; check its drained weight and adjust the amount to suit the rest of the lunch and the secondary school pupil’s appetite.
Yes, if you want to avoid adding the liquid from the tin to the other foods. Auchan’s listing for D’Aucy peas says to drain this product before use; then use a clean container and clean cutlery.
Follow the storage time and temperature given for the product you buy. The listings for the relevant D’Aucy and Bonduelle products say to refrigerate and consume within 48 hours of opening; the Ministry of the Economy advises following the recommendations on the packaging.
Do not eat the contents of a tin showing signs of deterioration. The DGCCRF lists bulging, rust and deformation among the warning signs; if the product may have been recalled, check the RappelConso guidance for the product and its batch.
Choose a container designed for food contact and follow its instructions for use. The DGCCRF advises that utensils and containers used to store food must be suitable for that purpose; if your lunchbox contains food that needs to be kept chilled, make sure it is transported in suitable conditions too.