Buying Peas: A Guide to Choosing the Right Variety

The pea is far more than just a simple side dish. In recent years, it has evolved into a key ingredient in many cuisines and diets. Whether as a base for a hearty stew, a protein-rich snack, or the foundation for an innovative vegan meat substitute – its applications are diverse. But with the growing selection of products, the question arises: Which pea product is right for my needs?

This guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when you want to buy peas. We will introduce various forms and explain what to look for depending on your intended use, helping you find the perfect product for your kitchen.

What to Look for When Buying Pea Products

Before you decide on a product, a few considerations can help narrow down your choices. The most important criteria are intended use, nutritional value, and preparation time.

1. Finding the Right Type for Your Needs

Pea products differ fundamentally in their form and preparation. The three most common categories are:

• Dried Peas and Split Peas: This is the classic form for preparing soups, stews, and purées. Split peas are dried peas that have had their skins removed and are split in half. Their advantage is a shorter cooking time compared to whole dried peas, and they break down during cooking to a creamy consistency.
• Products made from pea protein: These are processed products that serve as a meat alternative. They usually consist of concentrated pea protein and have a meat-like texture. These products are ideal for vegan or vegetarian dishes like goulash, curries, or stir-fries.
• Pea Snacks:Roasted peas are a popular alternative to crisps or nuts. They are seasoned, crunchy, and provide a good source of plant-based protein and fibre for on-the-go or as a savoury treat.

2. Check Nutritional Information and Ingredients

A look at the label is always advisable. Pay special attention to the protein content if you are specifically looking for a plant-based protein source. For processed products like snacks or meat substitutes, it's also worth checking the salt and sugar content, as well as the list of additives. Products with a short and clear ingredient list are often a good choice.

3. Consider the Preparation Time

The time required for preparation varies greatly. While roasted peas are ready to eat immediately, dried peas or split peas need to be cooked for 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the variety. Soaking overnight is usually not necessary for split peas but can further reduce the cooking time. Meat substitutes made from pea protein often only need to be soaked briefly in hot liquid before they can be processed further.

Our Recommended Pea Products

Based on different areas of application, we have compiled a selection of products that reflect the diversity of the pea.

For Creative Vegan Cooking: Veganz Pea Chunks 100g

Why it stands out: This product consists of 100% pea protein and serves as a versatile base for a variety of dishes. It's a direct and straightforward way to enrich meals with high-quality plant-based protein.

Advantages:

• High protein content: With 75g of protein per 100g, it is an extremely rich protein source.
• Minimalist ingredient list: Consists exclusively of pea protein.
• Versatile use: After soaking in broth or water, the chunks absorb the flavour of spices and sauces very well, making them suitable for curries, stir-fries, or vegan goulash.

Who is it for? For anyone looking for a purely plant-based and protein-rich vegan meat substitute that can be flexibly integrated into their own cooking and is free from many additives.

For a Savoury Snack Moment: Ganyuan Peas Original Taste 208g

Why it stands out: These crispy fried green peas are a classic pea snack with a savoury, salty flavour. They offer a satisfying texture and are an interesting alternative to traditional snack items.

Advantages:

• Crispy texture: The frying process provides a pleasant crunch.
• Ready to eat: Ideal for on the go, as an accompaniment to drinks, or as a crunchy topping for salads and soups.
• Good protein source: With 14.8g of protein per 100g, it's a higher-protein snack option.

Who is it for? For people looking for a savoury and crunchy snack who prefer an alternative to potato crisps or nuts. Ideal for lovers of roasted peas.

For Traditional Home Cooking: Müller’s Mühle Green Split Peas 500g

Why it stands out: As a basic ingredient for classic German and international cuisine, these split peas are a reliable pantry staple. They form the basis for traditional dishes like pea soup or Indian dal.

Advantages:

• Shorter cooking time: Since the skin is removed, they cook faster than whole peas and do not need to be soaked.
• Creamy consistency: They break down during cooking, creating a naturally thick and creamy texture, ideal for soups and purées.
• Nutrient-rich: Naturally low in fat, rich in complex carbohydrates, and with 22g of protein per 100g, they are a solid source of plant-based protein.

Who is it for? For home cooks who value traditional dishes and are looking for a reliable, nutritious ingredient for preparing soups, stews, and purées.

Discover More Options

Haven't found the right product for your needs yet? The world of pea products is vast and offers a solution for every taste and occasion. From various snack options to other forms of dried peas, there is still more to discover.

Discover our entire range of pea products here

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between split peas and fresh peas?

Split peas are dried, mature peas from which the outer skin has been removed, and they are usually split in half. They must be cooked, during which they develop a soft, purée-like consistency. Fresh green peas are the immature seeds of the plant, which are eaten raw or briefly cooked and have a crisp texture and a sweet taste.

How is pea protein used as a meat substitute?

Products like pea chunks or granules are dried and must be rehydrated before use. To do this, they are soaked for a few minutes in hot vegetable broth or water. Afterwards, they can be squeezed out and pan-fried like minced meat or sliced meat, cooked in sauces, or formed into burger patties. They absorb the flavours of the spices and liquids well.

What should you look for in roasted peas as a snack?

Roasted peas can be a nutritious snack alternative as they are rich in protein and fibre. However, it is advisable to check the nutrition label. Pay attention to the salt and fat content, which can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer and seasoning. Some products are fried, while others are roasted in the oven for a lower-fat option.