A Complete Guide to Buying Peas

Whether you need a quick pea stew for dinner, want to prepare a traditional dish with dried peas, or are looking for a high-quality source of plant-based protein, the range of pea products is vast. The pea is far more than just a simple side dish; it's a multi-faceted ingredient available in a wide variety of forms.

This guide will help you understand the different types of products and find the right peas for your specific needs, without getting lost in the marketing jungle.

What to Look for When Buying Peas

Choosing the right product depends on your cooking style, available time, and dietary goals. Here are three objective criteria to make your selection easier.

1. The Right Product Form for Your Purpose

Pea products can be broadly divided into three categories, each optimised for different uses:

• Ready-Made Meals and Canned Goods: Ideal for a quick and easy meal. Products like canned pea soup or canned young peas only need to be heated. They are perfect for days when time is short or as a base for simple dishes.
• Dried Peas: The classic choice for cooking from scratch. Green split peas or whole dried peas are the main ingredient for traditional stews and soups. While they require a longer cooking time, they give you full control over flavour and ingredients.
• Protein Products: In the form of granules or chunks made from pea protein, these products serve as a vegan meat substitute. They are especially popular in plant-based diets due to their high protein density and versatility in curries, stir-fries, or bolognese sauces.

2. Preparation Time and Effort

The required effort varies greatly depending on the product form. While a canned product is ready to serve in minutes, dried peas need 45 to 90 minutes of cooking time, depending on the variety. Green split peas have the advantage here, as they don't need to be soaked, unlike whole peas, and cook faster. Pea protein-based products usually need to be briefly rehydrated in hot liquid before they can be processed further.

3. Check Ingredients and Nutritional Values

A look at the ingredients list and the nutrition facts provides important information. For canned goods, it's worth checking the salt and added sugar content. Some manufacturers offer varieties with no added sugar. For products like pea protein chunks, the high protein content is the key feature. Compare the protein content per 100 grams to find the product that best fits your dietary goals.

Our Leading Pea Picks

Based on these criteria, we have curated a selection of different pea products that cater to various needs.

Jeden Tag Pea Stew 800g

Why it stands out: This pea stew is a ready-made meal in the classic German style. It combines green peas (40%) with potatoes, vegetables, and smoked bacon (6%) for a hearty and filling meal.

Advantages:

• Quick Preparation: Simply heat in a pot or microwave.
• High in Fibre: Contains 3.6 g of fibre per 100 g.
• Classic Flavour: Offers the familiar taste of a homemade stew.

Who is it for? For individuals and families looking for a quick, nutritious, and straightforward meal with a traditional taste.

Bonduelle Young Steamed Peas 425ml

Why it stands out: These canned young peas are steam-cooked in a small amount of liquid to preserve the vegetable's natural qualities. According to the manufacturer, no sugar or flavourings are added.

Advantages:

• No Added Sugar: The ingredients list is limited to sweet peas, water, and salt.
• Gently Cooked: Steaming helps to preserve texture and flavour.
• Versatile Side Dish: Ready to use as a vegetable side for meat, fish, or vegetarian dishes.

Who is it for? For anyone looking for a quick and natural vegetable side dish who values an ingredients list without unnecessary additives.

Müller’s Mühle Green Split Peas 500g

Why it stands out: These green split peas are the foundation for homemade pea soup and stews. Because the outer husk has been removed, the cooking time is significantly reduced, and overnight soaking is not required.

Advantages:

• No Soaking Required: The peas can be cooked directly after rinsing.
• Creamy Consistency: They cook down to a thick and smooth texture, perfect for soups.
• High in Protein: With 22 g of protein per 100 g (uncooked), they are a great source of plant-based protein.

Who is it for? For home cooks who want to prepare traditional dishes like pea stew from scratch and maintain full control over the ingredients.

Veganz Pea Chunks 100g

Why it stands out: This product is made from 100% pea protein and serves as a versatile vegan meat substitute. With an exceptionally high protein content, it is designed for a conscious, plant-based diet.

Advantages:

• Extremely High Protein Content: Contains 75 g of protein per 100 g.
• Minimalist Ingredients: Consists solely of pea protein.
• Versatile Use: After rehydrating in broth or water, it can be used like sliced meat in curries, stir-fries, or goulash.

Who is it for? For vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption and find a high-protein, plant-based alternative.

Haven't Found the Right Product?

The world of peas is bigger than this selection. If you're looking for other options like different soups, special pea varieties, or larger packs, you can find a wider selection in our comprehensive Pea category.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peas

What is the difference between split peas and whole dried peas?

Green split peas are dried peas that have had their tough, indigestible outer husk mechanically removed. This process naturally causes them to split in half. Their main advantage is a shorter cooking time (approx. 45–60 minutes) and that they don't need to be soaked before cooking. Whole dried peas retain their husk, require a longer cooking time, and often need to be soaked in water overnight.

Is pea protein a good source of protein?

Pea protein is a significant source of plant-based protein and is often used as a base for vegan meat substitutes. Products like Veganz Pea Chunks have a protein content of up to 75 g per 100 g. It is a popular option for athletes and people looking to increase their protein intake on a plant-based diet.

How can you improve the flavour of canned pea soup?

A can of pea soup is a convenient base that can be easily enhanced. Add fresh herbs like parsley or marjoram for more freshness. A spoonful of crème fra?che or sour cream adds a creamy touch. For more texture and a savoury aroma, you can serve the soup with crispy fried onions or pan-fried Vienna sausages.