Pantry · Product label guide
Dry beans & lentils: compare ingredients, then choose.
Updated
Compare dry beans, chickpeas, and lentils separately from prepared recipes.
The short answer
Our picks for dry beans & lentils
Top of the shelfArrowhead Mills Organic Green Lentils, Arrowhead Mills Organic Red Lentils, and O Organics Green Organic Split Peas each score 100/100. 5 products tie at 100; these 3 have the shortest labels. Use Compare by in the table to separate the rest.
Also strongPure Indian Foods Sprouted Chickpeas, Certified Organic (Garbanzo Beans, Kabuli Chana) (100), Pure Indian Foods Sprouted Mung Beans, Certified Organic (100), and 365 by Whole Foods Market Red Lentils (71).
Clear noNone. Nothing scored here lists any of the nine groups we check, so there’s no additive to rule out. We also can’t vouch for the 35 products without a verified current label; treat them as “not yet”.
Ranked from 20 of 55 products with current labels. Every product is in the table below; a score reflects labels and claims, not nutrition, allergies or safety.
Compare the recorded labels
Find the ingredients that matter to you.
“No …” columns: None found on the label · Listed on the label · Unknown. Diet fit: Fits · Doesn’t fit · Unknown (rules; not medical advice). Claims: verified · not established. Default: most check marks first; not a health score.
| Buy | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic | Product details → | 5 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients ORGANIC GREEN LENTILS Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2598569 · data date 2023-07-13 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-16 | ||||||||
| 100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic | Product details → | 5 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients ORGANIC RED LENTILS Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2598570 · data date 2023-07-13 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-16 | ||||||||
| 100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic | Product details → | 5 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients ORGANIC GREEN SPLIT PEAS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2505556 · data date 2023-03-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-18 | ||||||||
| 100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 5 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients Organic Sprouted Chickpeas Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-16 Producer claims Organic The exact source catalog title states: “Sprouted Chickpeas, Certified Organic (Garbanzo Beans, Kabuli Chana)”. Source catalog claims are shown separately from ingredient checks. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed 2026-10-16 | ||||||||
| 100 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · organic | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 5 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients Organic Sprouted Mung Beans Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Ingredient evidence source ↗Sourcing claim evidence ↗ · reviewed 2026-10-16 Producer claims Organic The exact source catalog title states: “Sprouted Mung Beans, Certified Organic”. Source catalog claims are shown separately from ingredient checks. Producer claim source ↗Reviewed 2026-10-16 | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients ORGANIC RED LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2389482 · data date 2022-12-22 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LENTILS Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2596121 · data date 2023-07-13 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients FAVA BEANS. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2398339 · data date 2022-12-22 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2404278 · data date 2022-12-22 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2624996 · data date 2023-08-31 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients BLACK LENTILS Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2438127 · data date 2022-12-22 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients PINTO BEANS, WATER, SALT, CALCIUM CHLORIDE ADDED AS A FIRMING AGENT AND CALCIUM DISODIUM EDTA TO PROMOTE COLOR RETENTION. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2438170 · data date 2022-12-22 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients GREEN LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2275303 · data date 2022-05-23 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LARGE LIMA BEANS, SEASONING PACKET INGREDIENTS: HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS (CONTAINS VANILLIN). Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2281750 · data date 2022-05-23 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients CONTAINS 15 OF THESE VARIETIES: NORTHERN, PINTO, LARGE LIMA, YELLOWEYE BEAN, GARBANZO, BABY LIMA, GREEN SPLIT PEA, KIDNEY, CRANBERRY BEAN, SMALL WHITE, PINK BEAN, SMALL RED, YELLOW SPLIT PEA, LENTIL, NAVY, WHITE KIDNEY, BLACK BEAN. SEASONING PACKET INGREDIENTS: HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, MALTODEXTRIN, SALT, ARTIFICIAL FLAVORINGS (INCLUDING ARTIFICIAL SMOKE FLAVOR), SILICON DIOXIDE (ADDED LESS THAN 2% AS AN ANTI-CAKING AGENT). Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2675477 · data date 2023-11-16 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2659633 · data date 2023-10-26 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2633247 · data date 2023-09-14 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients ORGANIC FRENCH LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2093857 · data date 2021-10-28 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Find where to buy ↗Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients ORGANIC BLACK LENTILS Label checked 2026-10-16 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2093678 · data date 2021-10-28 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
| 71 / 1009 of 9 groups clear · no organic claim | Product details → | 4 | ||||||
Recorded ingredients LENTILS. Label checked 2026-10-18 · US Source: USDA FoodData Central ↗ · FDC ID 2424296 · data date 2022-12-22 · release 2026-04-30. Brand-submitted label record, public domain (CC0). | ||||||||
How the clean score works
No setup needed, and strict: a full 100 needs every additive group clear and a verified organic claim (animal foods also need a verified grass-fed or pasture-raised claim; wild seafood and salt, which have no USDA organic standard, are scored without the organic points, and plant-based milks, cheeses and proteins without the feeding claim). Points: the nine additive groups (seed oils, artificial dyes, MSG, artificial sweeteners, carrageenan, artificial preservatives, hydrogenated oils, corn syrups, banned-abroad additives) share 60 points equally — not found earns a group’s full share, “may contain” earns half, listed earns 0; a verified organic claim is worth 25; a verified grass-fed or pasture-raised claim is worth 15 and counts only for animal foods. No claim, or an expired or unverified claim, earns nothing, so products without those claims cannot reach 100. Unverified or expired ingredient labels receive no score. Equal scores are equal. Ties are ordered by brand. Unknown and stale evidence never passes “Only show matches.” Producer claims and prices do not affect this score. This is not a nutrition, allergy, or safety rating.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying links do not influence ingredient results. “Buy on Amazon” opens a reviewed product listing; “Find where to buy” opens the maker’s page. Confirm the package, seller, stock, and current price before checkout. Price observations expire after 30 days.
The full guide · Pantry
Choosing dry beans & lentils: what to check before you buy
Choose a bean or lentil for the texture and cooking time your dish needs. Whole beans, split peas and lentils have different preparation instructions, and seasoned dry mixes can include a separate flavor packet.
Compare price per pound and read soaking and cooking directions on the package. Check whether a mix contains salt or seasoning before adding your own, and allow for the cooked yield when deciding how much to buy.
What the labels on this shelf show
We track 55 products from 19 brands on the dry beans & lentils shelf. 20 have a complete, current ingredient label on record (36%), which is what lets us score them. The other 35 stay unscored until the maker publishes a full label; a missing label is “not yet”, never a pass.
Of the 20 scored labels, 20 (100%) list none of the nine additive groups we check, so on additives alone the whole scored shelf is clear. 5 scored products carry a verified organic claim, which adds points. Scores here run from 71 to 100, and the typical label lists 1 ingredients.
What to compare
- Bean or lentil variety
- Match texture and preparation time to your recipe.
- Package directions
- Follow the stated soaking and cooking instructions.
- Seasoning packet
- Check ingredients in the entire mix, including any separate packet.
- Amount and price
- Compare price per pound and allow for the cooked yield.
The best picks, in detail
These are the highest-scoring dry beans & lentils products on current labels. 5 products tie at 100, so we put the shortest ingredient lists first; Always match the exact flavor and package before you buy.
Arrowhead Mills Organic Green Lentils 100/100
Why it ranks here: no tracked additive group on the label, a verified organic claim. Label: “ORGANIC GREEN LENTILS”
Maker’s label sourceArrowhead Mills Organic Red Lentils 100/100
Why it ranks here: no tracked additive group on the label, a verified organic claim. Label: “ORGANIC RED LENTILS”
Maker’s label sourceO Organics Green Organic Split Peas 100/100
Why it ranks here: no tracked additive group on the label, a verified organic claim. Label: “ORGANIC GREEN SPLIT PEAS.”
Maker’s label sourcePure Indian Foods Sprouted Chickpeas, Certified Organic (Garbanzo Beans, Kabuli Chana) 100/100
Why it ranks here: no tracked additive group on the label, a verified organic claim. Label: “Organic Sprouted Chickpeas”
Find where to buy ↗Maker’s label sourcePure Indian Foods Sprouted Mung Beans, Certified Organic 100/100
Why it ranks here: no tracked additive group on the label, a verified organic claim. Label: “Organic Sprouted Mung Beans”
Find where to buy ↗Maker’s label source365 by Whole Foods Market Red Lentils 71/100
Why it ranks here: no tracked additive group on the label, no verified organic claim. Label: “ORGANIC RED LENTILS.”
Maker’s label source
What to skip, and why
No scored label lists any of the nine groups, so there is no additive to rule out.
The 35 products without a verified label are a separate “not yet”: we have no recorded ingredient list to check, so we cannot say they are clean or flagged.
Your preferences, explained
The clean score is strict and needs no setup: nine additive groups not found in a current ingredient statement, plus a verified organic claim (and a grass-fed or pasture-raised claim for animal foods), are needed for 100; a possible match earns half and a missing claim earns nothing. Missing or expired evidence stays unknown. It does not assess nutrition, allergies, contaminants, or safety.
References
- Legumes Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Fiber Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
- Dietary Guidelines for Americans U.S. Department of Agriculture and HHS
- Organic labeling and what the USDA Organic seal means USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
An ingredient check is not a nutrition, contaminant, allergy or safety assessment. How we verify labels →