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Green lentils are a dependable cupboard staple for soups, salads, and slow-cooked dishes. Unlike red lentils, they hold their shape during cooking, which makes them useful in lentil salads, vegetable stews, and grain-style dishes where texture matters.
In the UK you will mostly find them sold dried in 500g-1 kg packs or larger bulk bags, with occasional tinned versions for convenience. This guide focuses on commonly available green lentils from UK supermarkets and online grocery listings.
Quick Picks
Best overall: Laila Green Lentils
Best budget multipack: by Amazon Green Lentils
Best organic option: Suma Organic Green Lentils
Best for bulk cooking: Suma Green Lentils (3 kg bag)
How we judged these
Green lentils are simple ingredients, but a few factors make some products more practical than others.
1. Cooking texture
Green lentils should stay intact after cooking, rather than turning mushy.
2. Cooking time consistency
Good lentils cook evenly so that the centre softens without the outer layer splitting too quickly.
3. Pack size practicality
500g-1kg packs work for occasional cooking, while larger bags offer better value for frequent use.
4. Versatility in recipes
Green lentils should work equally well in soups, stews, warm salads, and grain bowls.
5. Ingredient simplicity
Dried lentils should contain only lentils with no additives.
6. Availability in UK shops
Products commonly stocked online and in supermarkets are easier to restock regularly.
Best Green Lentils in the UK
Laila Green Lentils (1 kg)
Best for: Everyday cooking
Why it works
- Widely stocked in UK supermarkets and world-food aisles.
- Lentils keep their shape well in soups and salads.
- Practical 1 kg pack size for regular cooking.
Trade-off
- Larger pack may not suit occasional lentil users.
How to use
- Cook for lentil salads with herbs and vegetables.
- Add to slow-cooked soups and stews.
Substitution
- Any standard dried green lentils.
by Amazon Green Lentils (500 g multipack)
Best for: Budget pantry stocking
Why it works
- Multipacks reduce the price per pack.
- Neutral flavour works in soups, curries, and salads.
- Convenient smaller pack size.
Trade-off
- Smaller packs can cost slightly more per gram than bulk bags.
How to use
- Add to vegetable soups.
- Use in lentil-based grain bowls.
Substitution
- Most supermarket own-brand green lentils.
Suma Organic Green Lentils (400g-1kg)
Best for: Organic pantry staples
Why it works
- Organic option suited to wholefood-style cupboards.
- Lentils cook well in soups and vegetable stews.
- Available in several pack sizes.
Trade-off
- Typically more expensive than non-organic lentils.
How to use
- Cook into lentil stews with vegetables.
- Add to grain salads and warm bowls.
Substitution
- Other organic green lentils from wholefood brands.
Suma Green Lentils (3 kg bulk bag)
Best for: Batch cooking
Why it works
- Large pack offers better value per portion.
- Suitable for frequent lentil cooking.
- Works well for soups, stews, and meal prep dishes.
Trade-off
- Requires more storage space.
How to use
- Cook large batches for weekly meal prep.
- Use in hearty vegetable stews.
Substitution
- Any large dried lentil bag from world-food aisles.
Morrisons Wholefoods Green Lentils (500 g)
Best for: Simple supermarket option
Why it works
- Convenient 500 g pack size.
- Good choice for occasional lentil cooking.
- Suitable for soups, salads, and stews.
Trade-off
- Availability depends on supermarket stock.
How to use
- Add to vegetable soups.
- Use in lentil salads with dressing.
Substitution
- Any supermarket own-brand green lentils.
How to Choose Green Lentils
Choose green lentils if:
- You want lentils that keep their shape during cooking
- You cook salads, soups, or stews
Choose larger packs if:
- You cook lentils regularly
- You want better value per portion
Choose smaller packs if:
- You cook lentils occasionally
- You want easier cupboard storage
FAQs
Are green lentils different from red lentils?
Yes. Green lentils usually keep their shape after cooking, while red lentils break down into a softer texture.
Do green lentils need soaking?
Most green lentils do not require soaking, though rinsing before cooking is common.
How long do green lentils take to cook?
They usually cook in 20-30 minutes, depending on the recipe.
Are green lentils used often in UK cooking?
Yes. They appear frequently in soups, salads, stews, and plant-based dishes.
How long do dried lentils last?
Stored in a cool cupboard, dried lentils typically keep well for over a year.
Conclusion
For most UK shoppers, Laila Green Lentils offer the most reliable balance of availability, cooking performance, and pack size. If you cook lentils frequently, Suma Green Lentils in larger bags provide better long-term value, while Suma Organic Green Lentils suit shoppers building an organic pantry.