Lentils Buyer's Guide: A Complete Selection

Lentils are a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. Your choice depends primarily on two factors: the desired preparation time and the final texture of the dish. Therefore, the first step in your purchasing decision is choosing between dried lentils and pre-cooked canned lentils. This guide analyses the technical differences and practical use cases to help you make the right choice when you order lentils online.

Buyer's Guide: Dried Lentils vs. Canned Lentils

Choosing the right type of lentil is crucial for the final result. Both options offer specific advantages that are important depending on your needs.

Dried Lentils

Dried lentils are the traditional form, offering maximum flexibility in the kitchen. They are available in various types, such as brown lentils, red lentils, or mountain lentils.

• Shelf Life and Cost-Effectiveness: Thanks to the dehydration process, they can be stored for long periods in a cool, dry place. The cost per serving is typically lower than that of their canned counterparts.
• Control Over the Cooking Process: You have full control over the texture, from al dente to creamy. Soaking can reduce cooking time, but it isn't necessary for all varieties (like red lentils).
• Preparation: Cooking time varies by type. Red lentils often cook in 10–15 minutes and break down into a purée, making them ideal for soups and dips. Brown lentils require about 45–60 minutes (without soaking) and hold their shape, which makes them perfect for a classic lentil stew or salads.

Canned Lentils

Pre-cooked lentils are a time-saving alternative for quick meals.

• Time-Saving: The lentils are already cooked and only need to be heated or can be used cold directly from the can. Soaking and long cooking times are completely eliminated.
• Application: They are excellent for quick salads, bowls, as a filling for wraps, or as a simple, protein-rich side dish.
• Points to Consider: The salt content can be higher in canned products. It's advisable to check the nutrition label. The texture is predetermined by the cooking and canning process and tends to be softer.

Our Selected Top Performers

Based on different user needs, we present three products that cover common use cases.

1. Müller’s Mühle Red Lentils 500g

Why we recommend this product: These hulled red lentils stand out for their very short cooking time of 5–10 minutes and require no pre-soaking. Their tendency to break down quickly during cooking results in a creamy texture, making them ideal for specific dishes.

Advantages:

• Short Cooking Time: Ready in 5–10 minutes, perfect for quick meals.
• Creamy Consistency: They break down while cooking, making them well-suited for purées, dips, and thick soups.
• High Protein Content: With 23g of protein per 100g (dry weight), they are a significant plant-based protein source.
• Ingredient Purity: Consists of 100% red lentils, according to the manufacturer.

Who it's for: Individuals looking for a base for a quick lentil soup, Indian dhal, or vegan spreads, who value a creamy, thick consistency.

2. Bonduelle Pre-cooked Lentils 425ml

Why we recommend this product: Bonduelle Lentils are a convenience solution for quick and easy cooking. As a pre-cooked canned product, they eliminate all preparation time. They are ready to use instantly.

Advantages:

• Ready to Use: No cooking or soaking required.
• Versatile: Suitable for cold salads straight from the can or as a quick, warm side dish.
• Clear Nutritional Information: The product is rated Nutri-Score A. According to the manufacturer, the salt content is 0.56g per 100g.
• Vegan and Protein-Rich: An easy way to enrich meals with plant-based protein (6.9g per 100g).

Who it's for: Consumers with limited time who need a quick and nutritious component for salads, bowls, or side dishes. Also practical for the office kitchen or camping.

3. Müller’s Mühle Brown Lentils 500g

Why we recommend this product: The brown lentils from Müller's Mühle are a classic choice for traditional, hearty cuisine. With a diameter of 6–7 mm, they hold their shape during cooking and have a slightly mealy yet firm texture.

Advantages:

• Shape-Retentive: Ideal for dishes where the lentils should remain distinct, such as in a lentil stew or hearty salads.
• Classic Flavour: They offer the typical nutty, earthy aroma prized in traditional lentil dishes.
• Good Source of Nutrients: Rich in fibre (6.0g per 100g cooked) and protein (9.2g per 100g cooked).
• Flexible Preparation: The cooking time is about 45 minutes but can be reduced to approximately 10 minutes by soaking them overnight.

Who it's for: Home cooks and fans of traditional comfort food who want to prepare an authentic lentil stew, a classic lentil soup, or a robust lentil salad.

Discover Other Lentil Varieties

The products featured here cover the most common use cases. However, the spectrum of lentils is much broader, including varieties like black Beluga lentils or green Puy lentils, each with its own cooking properties and flavour profiles. If you are looking for these or other specialities, you can find a more comprehensive selection in our main category.

Discover the entire range of lentils here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do you need to wash lentils before cooking? Yes, it is advisable to briefly rinse dried lentils in a sieve under running water before preparation. This removes any dust or small debris. A long soak is only useful for reducing the cooking time of certain varieties like brown or mountain lentils; it is not necessary for red or yellow lentils.

2. Which lentils are best for lentil soup? That depends on the desired consistency. For a creamy, purée-style lentil soup, red lentils are the right choice as they break down quickly. For a clear soup or a stew where you want the lentils to hold their shape, brown lentils or mountain lentils are a better fit.

3. Are canned lentils as nutritious as dried lentils? Both varieties are a good source of protein and fibre. The nutrient content is comparable, although canned versions may have slightly lower levels of heat-sensitive vitamins due to the processing. Additionally, canned lentils often contain added salt. Cooking dried lentils gives you the advantage of controlling the salt content yourself.

Written by your Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer