I decided to skip the script and take a closer look at Jarrred’s chickpeas, separating out the canned ones. They aren’t quite the same, and you can definitely see that reflected in the price. But, I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised by some fantastic options in the canned category. Instead of sticking with my expensive jarred variety, I found some wallet-friendly alternatives that offered great value.
To compare fairly, I drained and rinsed each type separately, labeling them in bowls to taste side by side. I thought that simmering them in a malai sauce for about 25 minutes would showcase their flavors best, although I skipped the cream. The outcomes were pretty great across the board, except for one brand that didn’t quite measure up.
Best Tinned and Jarred Chickpeas
The Best All-Around
Epic Chickpeas
£1 for 400g at Ocado
£9 for 12 x 400g on Amazon
★★★★
What a delightful surprise! These are the smallest of the canned chickpeas I tried but remarkably soft, even rivaling jarred ones. They are lightly seasoned and truly enjoyable straight from the can. A splash of olive oil and lemon juice makes them perfect for salads. Cooking them a bit in tamarind adds a lovely touch. I’m definitely looking into buying these in bulk soon.
The Best Expenditure
Brindisa Navarrico Chickpeas
£4.50 for 700g at Ocado
★★★★
Absolute bliss! These chickpeas are plump and perfectly seasoned. After draining and rinsing, they stand well on their own—no oil needed. They really enhance dishes like chickpea gratin instead of just boiling them. My kids loved them, even with them being the only salted food for the week.
The Best Bargains
KTC Chickpeas
44p for 400g at ASDA
65p for 400g at Sainsbury’s
★★★☆☆
The only tin without a ring pull, which is a bit of a hassle when you’re not fond of tin openers. Nevertheless, I was impressed. These chickpeas are tender enough for salads and can easily be marinated. They work well in curries or roasted for snacks, making them a fantastic and economical choice overall.
And the Rest…
Belazu Chickpeas
£2.20 for 370g at Waitrose
£2.85 for 370g at Ocado
★★★★
These are very similar to Brindisa’s jarred variety, though they have slightly less seasoning and a different texture. They don’t require cooking—great for topping salads or making luxurious hummus. Just wish they held together a bit better; they can fall apart too easily. Though on the pricey side for small jars, they’re worth considering when available.
Bold Bean Co Organic Chickpeas
£3.25 for 570g at Ocado
£4.70 for 700g at Riverford
★★★★☆
Well-seasoned and slightly softer than other jarred brands. I enjoy them just on their own, or tossed into salads without much dressing needed. They have less salt compared to other brands, which is a nice bonus.
Cirio Chickpeas
80p for 380g at Ocado
£1 for 380g at Morrisons
★★★★☆
These medium-sized chickpeas are tender and perfect for salads. I happily added them to a chickpea salad with a sprinkle of salt, but they also hold up well in cooking. They’re quite versatile, for instance, they work great in a baked curry.
Napolina Chickpeas in Water
78p for 400g at ASDA
£12 for 12 x 400g on Amazon
★★★☆☆
My ring pull broke off while opening the tin, which could be on me. These large chickpeas have a mix of soft and slightly crunchy textures. They remind me of M&S offerings, making them tough to differentiate. But, they did a great job absorbing flavors after 25 minutes of cooking, leaving me quite pleased.
Cooks & Co Chickpeas
£1.20 for 400g at Ocado
£10.17 for 12 x 400g on Amazon
★★★☆☆
These soft chickpeas have a pleasant, light flavor. They work very well in salads or, if you’re in a bind, for hummus. Just don’t go heavy on the tahini; these have identifiable flavors that shouldn’t be masked.
Ms Chickpeas in Water
60p for 400g at Ocado
★★☆☆☆
These large chickpeas were somewhat inconsistent, much like the Napolina variety. While not typically used in salads, they held their shape a bit too much after 25 minutes of cooking. A longer cooking time might improve the texture.
Waitrose Essential Chickpeas in Water
65p for 400g at Waitrose
☆☆☆☆☆
I genuinely love Waitrose—the products, the ambiance. But these chickpeas were a real letdown. Just one from the tin was enough to knock my perspective on the brand. Dry and chalky, they didn’t redeem themselves even after 25 minutes in a simmering pot. My husband, who usually has measured opinions, consistently described them as “comfortably the worst.” My affection for Waitrose made the disappointment sting a bit more, especially given how they ruined a lovely malai sauce.
