Black Beans - Stock & Prep - 1.5kg

This Beans and rice salad is hearty and healthy! It can be made ahead of time to eat alone or to go with whatever you are serving. It is also perfect picnic or barbecue food in summer.

A hearty black bean burger with lots of flavour.

Enjoy crisp-tender green beans tossed with blistered cherry tomatoes and golden fried garlic, all drizzled in a warm chilli-oil dressing. This vibrant side dish is perfect served warm or at room temperature, making it a delightful addition to any meal.

This zesty Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a protein-rich dish featuring crisp cucumber, ripe tomatoes, and a delightful hit of pickled peppers. Tossed in a flavorful dressing, it's perfect for a refreshing side or a light meal.

Inspired by the sun-soaked flavours of Tuscany, this vibrant platter salad layers tender cannellini beans and sweet red and yellow peppers over a bed of soft baby greens. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and a scatter of golden toasted pine nuts add richness and crunch, while a bright red-wine-and-Dijon vinaigrette ties it all together. Fresh basil and a pinch of chili flakes finish it with warmth and aroma. Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, it comes together in about 20 minutes, perfect for sharing.

Comparing Beans, Lentils, and Legumes for Your Pantry - The Ultimate Guide to Lentils, Beans and Pulses If you’ve ever stood in front of your pantry wondering whether to reach for the Organic Chickpeas or the Organic Red Split Lentils, you aren’t alone. In the world of plant-based nutrition, pulses are the undisputed heavyweights. They are sustainable, incredibly affordable when bought in bulk, and packed with more protein and fibre than almost any other whole food. At Whole Food Earth, we believe in "World of Goodness," which is why our range is GMO-free and minimally processed. But with so many varieties, which one is right for your dinner tonight? In this guide, we’ll compare our favourite beans, lentils, and legumes to help you master your meal prep. 1. The "Quick-Fix" Favourites: Lentils and Split Peas If you’re short on time, lentils are your best friend. Unlike most beans, they don't require overnight soaking. Organic Red Split Lentils: These are the fastest to cook (15–20 mins). They break down into a creamy consistency, making them the perfect base for a traditional Dahl or thickening a winter veg soup. Green & Brown Lentils: These hold their shape much better than red ones. They have a slightly peppery, earthy flavour—ideal for shepherd’s pies or cold salads. Puy-Style (French) & Beluga Lentils: These are the "caviar" of the legume world. Small, dark, and firm, they stay "al dente" after cooking. They are magnificent when tossed with roasted beetroot and goat's cheese. Yellow & Green Split Peas: A staple for a classic British Scotch Broth or a hearty pea and ham soup. They offer a smooth, buttery texture once simmered down. 2. The Protein Heavyweights: Soya and Chickpeas When you’re looking for a meat alternative that keeps you full until breakfast, these are the stars of the show. Organic Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): A true pantry essential. Whether you’re whizzing up homemade hummus or roasting them for a crunchy snack, chickpeas are loaded with zinc, folate, and manganese. Soy Beans: These are one of the few plant foods that are a "complete" protein, containing all essential amino acids. They are brilliant in stews or processed into homemade soy milk. Lupin Beans: Often overlooked, these are incredibly high in protein and fibre but low in oil. They are a popular Mediterranean snack and a great addition to a keto-friendly diet. 3. The Gut-Health Heroes: Beans for Fibre If digestive health is your priority, look no further than our bean range. Beans are rich in resistant starch, which acts as a prebiotic to feed your "good" gut bacteria. Black Turtle Beans: A staple in Mexican cuisine. They are high in anthocyanins (the same antioxidants found in blueberries!) and have a wonderful velvety texture in chillies. Red Kidney Beans & Pinto Beans: Perfect for those looking for a "meaty" bite. They absorb flavours beautifully in slow-cooked casseroles. Cannellini & Haricot Beans: These are the creamy "white beans." Haricot beans are famously used for British baked beans, while Cannellini are the stars of Italian Minestrone. Adzuki (Aduki) Beans: Small, red, and slightly sweet. In Japan, they are used in desserts, but they are also excellent for supporting kidney health in savoury stews. 4. The Unique & Versatile: Borlotti, Mung, and Beyond For those who want to add variety to their weekly shop, these speciality pulses offer unique textures. Borlotti Beans: Known for their beautiful speckled skins, they have a nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with pasta (think Pasta e Fagioli). Mung Beans (Green & Yellow): Highly digestible and a favourite in Ayurvedic cooking. Mung Dal is incredibly gentle on the stomach and quick to cook. Flageolet Beans: Often called the "caviar of beans," these small, pale green legumes are harvested before they are fully ripe, giving them a delicate, refined flavour. Pulse Category Top Product Best Use Case Cook Time (Approx.) Speedy Red Split Lentils Thickening soups & Dals 45 mins (after soak) Salads Puy/Beluga Lentils Grain bowls & Cold salads 20–25 mins Texture Chickpeas Hummus & Curries 45 mins (after soak) Comfort Black Turtle Beans Chillies & Burritos 60 mins (after soak) Delicate Flageolet Beans Side dishes & Broths 45 mins (after soak)

A new study reveals that consuming whole food protein from plants can help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a severe condition that causes the malfunctioning of kidneys. It's a very sneaky illness, as those who suffer from it have no symptoms initially; however, they may experience kidney failure in the long run. According to a recent study by the National Kidney Foundation, eating more plant-based protein on a daily basis can help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. The study shows that minimising animal protein intake and replacing it with plant-based alternatives may significantly lower the risk of the illness. Healthy plant-based foods rich in protein include legumes like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soy, as well as different kinds of nuts and seeds, and healthy Asian fermented foods like tofu and tempeh. Proteins are made with essential amino acids, essential building blocks for human body cells. Even though plant-based foods may have lower biological value, combining them with similar foods provides enough amino acids for the cells to grow. The researchers analysed medical history, food habits and lifestyle data from 117,809 participants available on Biobank. The team primarily analysed the protein intake of the participants and came to the conclusion that people who ate more plant-based protein and animal-free foods were less likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Even though the study gives promising results for a plant-based protein diet, the scientists agree with the study's limitations and suggest more research and medical evidence are needed to prove a better role of plant-based proteins in human health.

Year after year, the Mediterranean diet is ranked among the healthiest ways to eat in the world. It is not a fad or a strict regime, but a simple, generous way of eating built around real, whole foods, and at its heart sit some of the humblest ingredients of all: beans and pulses, one of the best plant-based proteins around. Here is what the Mediterranean diet actually is, why it is so good for you, and how our Nóstimo range of organic beans makes eating this way genuinely easy and affordable. What is the Mediterranean diet? The Mediterranean diet is less a diet than a pattern of eating, inspired by the traditional habits of countries around the Mediterranean Sea. It is not about counting or cutting out, but about what you fill your plate with. That means plenty of vegetables and fruit, wholegrains, and above all beans, lentils and other pulses, generous use of olive oil, a regular handful of nuts and seeds, some fish, moderate amounts of dairy, and only small amounts of red and processed meat. Herbs and spices do the work of flavour, and meals are built from simple, minimally processed ingredients. In other words, it is a way of eating that would look very familiar to your grandmother, and very unfamiliar to the modern ultra-processed shelf. Why it is so good for you The Mediterranean diet is one of the most thoroughly studied ways of eating there is, and the research is consistently encouraging. It is widely associated with better heart health and a lower risk of several long-term conditions, and it is regularly recommended by health bodies as a sensible, sustainable pattern to follow. Much of its benefit is thought to come from the sheer quantity of fibre, healthy fats and plant compounds it delivers, and from what it naturally crowds out: sugary, salty, ultra-processed food. It is worth being measured about this. No single way of eating is a magic cure, and diet works alongside sleep, movement and the rest of your lifestyle. But if you were to choose one eating pattern with a strong body of evidence behind it, the Mediterranean diet would be a very reasonable pick. Why beans and pulses are the secret If there is one food that defines Mediterranean eating, it is the pulse. Chickpeas, lentils, cannellini, butter beans and their relatives appear in soups, stews, salads, dips and sides across the whole region, day in and day out. There is good reason for it. Pulses are naturally high in plant protein and fibre, they are filling and satisfying, they are gentle on the budget, and they let you eat well while relying less on meat. They are, quite simply, the engine room of a healthy Mediterranean plate. The only catch with dried pulses is the planning: the soaking and the long simmer. That is exactly the barrier our Nóstimo range removes. Beans and pulses: an everyday plant-based protein Pulses are one of the best plant-based protein sources you can keep in the cupboard. A single tin delivers a genuinely useful amount of protein along with plenty of fibre, which is a rare and valuable combination, since most protein-rich foods bring very little fibre with them. For anyone eating less meat, whether vegan, vegetarian or simply cutting back, beans and lentils are an easy, everyday way to keep your protein topped up. There is a simple trick worth knowing, too. Beans and grains each provide slightly different building blocks of protein, and together they complete the set. Pairing pulses with a wholegrain, think beans on wholemeal toast, lentils with rice, or chickpeas with couscous, gives you a complete plant-based protein in the most natural way imaginable. It also costs far less than meat and is much lighter on the planet, which is part of why plant-based protein has become so popular. How Nóstimo makes it easy Nóstimo is Whole Food Earth's Mediterranean range of organic tinned beans and pulses. The name is a Greek word meaning tasty, and the range is cooked and canned in Italy in nothing but water, so what you open is simply beans and water, ready to eat. Turn the tin over and there is no long list of additives, just real food that happens to be convenient. It is the perfect proof that eating a healthy Mediterranean diet does not have to mean spending your evening at the stove. Each bean brings something to the table. Our Organic Chickpeas are the everyday all-rounder for hummus, salads and curries. Creamy Cannellini Beans and velvety Butter Beans are made for Italian soups, stews and simple dressed sides. Ready-cooked Lentils drop straight into soups and salads, while Black Beans and Red Kidney Beans bring heartier bowls and stews to life. Easy ways to eat more Mediterranean You do not need to overhaul your kitchen to eat this way. Build most meals around vegetables, a pulse and a good drizzle of olive oil, and you are most of the way there. Blend chickpeas into hummus for lunch. Simmer cannellini beans with tinned tomatoes, garlic and herbs for a fast stew. Toss any bean through a salad with olive oil and lemon. Stir lentils into a soup, or spoon butter beans alongside roasted vegetables. Add a handful of nuts, some fruit and wholegrain bread, and your plate is Mediterranean without any effort at all. Healthy eating that is genuinely affordable One of the best things about the Mediterranean diet is that its staples are cheap. Pulses, grains and seasonal vegetables cost very little, which makes this one of the most affordable healthy ways to eat. Nóstimo is deliberately priced to match, with tins starting at well under two pounds and multipacks that bring the cost down further, and our free Club unlocks lower prices across the range. This is the whole idea behind the Whole Plate: that most of your plate, most of the time, should be real, minimally processed food, and that eating well should be easy and affordable rather than a luxury. A cupboard of good tinned pulses is one of the simplest ways to bring a little of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. If you would like some gentle encouragement, our free 30-day Whole Plate Pledge is full of simple ideas to help you eat this way, one plate at a time. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. If you have a health condition or specific dietary needs, it is worth speaking to a doctor or registered dietitian.

If you have looked at the prices inside the Whole Food Earth Club and thought "that seems too good to be true," you are not alone. Lower prices and free membership can sound like there must be a hidden catch. There isn't, and this article explains exactly how the Club works, why the prices are what they are, and why you can join with complete confidence. What is the Whole Food Earth Club? The Club is a free membership that unlocks lower, member-only prices across our range of whole foods. There is no joining fee, no subscription and no recurring charge. You simply create a free account, and you can then buy at member prices whenever you shop. It is open to everyone, whether you are stocking a home cupboard or buying for a business. Is it really free? What's the catch? It really is free, and there is no catch. You pay only for the products you order, plus any delivery charges and tax, exactly as you would expect. There is no card required just to join, no trial that quietly turns into a paid plan, and no obligation to keep buying. You can leave whenever you like. We have set the Club up this way on purpose, because we would rather earn your loyalty with good prices than lock you into a fee. So why are the prices so much lower? This is the question everyone asks, so here is the straightforward answer. First, we cut out the middleman. As an importer and wholesaler, we bring products in at source and sell them straight to you. Every extra pair of hands between the producer and your cupboard adds a mark-up, so by removing the distributors, wholesalers and retailers that usually sit in the chain, we take those mark-ups out of the price altogether. Second, rather than taking a large profit on each item, we keep our margins deliberately slim and rely on selling more, which lets us pass the saving on to you. Third, the Club is how we give our members our true, direct prices, closer to what we actually pay to bring the products in. In other words, these are simply the best prices we can offer when we sell to you directly. Is the quality the same? Yes. Club prices apply to wast majority of our products, in the same packaging, with the same quality, sourcing and freshness. Nothing is downgraded, close to expiry or second-rate. The only thing that changes is the price you pay. Why you can trust us We know that trust has to be earned, especially online, so here is why thousands of customers are happy to shop with us. We are an established UK company, not a fleeting online store. Our customers have left us real reviews, which you can read for yourself before you decide. We now have thousands members who already buy at Club prices. And every order is backed by our real customer support team, so if something is not right, we will put it right. Real reviews, a real UK business and a clear guarantee are the best answers to any doubt. You can even resell our products Here is a sign of just how genuine the value is: we actively welcome members reselling our products. You are free to resell through physical shops, stalls and markets, and online resale is available by application. In other words, the Club prices are good enough that independent shops and small businesses can buy from us and sell on. That is only possible because the savings are real. You can read the full details in our Club Terms and Conditions, which set everything out in plain language. How to join Joining takes a minute and costs nothing. Create your free account, log in, and you will see member prices applied as you shop. There is nothing to pay for membership itself, and no commitment to continue. From there, you can fill your cupboard with quality whole foods at prices that finally reflect what they should cost. If our prices made you pause, we hope this has cleared things up. The value is real, the membership is free, and the only catch is that you might wish you had joined sooner. Join the Whole Food Earth Club today and start shopping at member prices.

Scroll through any wellness feed and you will not get far before collagen appears. It is stirred into coffee, sold as flavoured powders, added to drinks and promised on the labels of countless skincare products. For something most of us never thought about a few years ago, collagen has become one of the most talked-about words in health and beauty. So what is it really, and does it deserve the attention? Here is a clear, no-nonsense look at what collagen is, what it does, and how you can support your body's own supply through the food you eat. What collagen actually is Collagen is a protein, and it is the most abundant one in the human body. Think of it as a kind of scaffolding. It gives structure and strength to your skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage, and it helps hold everything together. When people describe skin as firm and bouncy, collagen is a big part of what they are picturing. Your body makes its own collagen naturally, building it from the amino acids in the protein you eat. The trouble is that production gradually slows with age. From your mid-twenties onwards, natural collagen levels begin to dip, and this is one of the reasons skin loses some of its elasticity and joints can start to feel less supple over time. That slow decline is a big part of why collagen has captured so much interest. Why it became so popular Most of the buzz centres on two areas: skin and joints. Supplement makers point to research suggesting that collagen may help support skin elasticity and hydration, and some studies have looked at its role in joint comfort for active people. The idea of a single ingredient that supports both how you look and how you move is an easy one to get excited about. It is worth keeping a level head, though. Research into collagen supplements is still developing, results vary between studies, and a supplement is never a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you do try a collagen product, treat it as one small part of the picture rather than a miracle fix. Is there collagen in plants? This is where a lot of confusion creeps in. Collagen is an animal protein, which means it is found in the skin, bones and connective tissue of animals and fish. There is no collagen in plants, so any product labelled as vegan collagen does not actually contain the protein itself. What these plant-based products usually offer instead is a blend of nutrients that help your body build its own collagen. That is a meaningful difference, and it is good news for anyone following a plant-based diet. You do not need to eat collagen to make collagen. You simply need to give your body the right building blocks. Feeding your body's own collagen supply Your body produces collagen using protein alongside a handful of key nutrients, and vitamin C is one of the most important. Without enough vitamin C, the body simply cannot make collagen properly, which makes it a genuine star of the show rather than a nice-to-have. To support natural collagen production, aim for a diet rich in protein from foods such as beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and wholegrains, plenty of vitamin C from fruit and vegetables, and a good range of colourful plants that deliver the zinc, copper and antioxidants your body uses along the way. Berries, citrus fruits, peppers, leafy greens and pumpkin seeds are all worth a regular place on your plate. If you want a simple way to top up your vitamin C intake, our pure Vitamin C Powder stirs easily into water, smoothies or juice. Since vitamin C plays such a direct role in collagen formation, it is one of the most sensible things to keep in the cupboard, whether or not you ever reach for a collagen product. Focus on nutrition Collagen is having its moment for a reason. It is the protein that keeps skin, joints and connective tissue strong, and its natural decline with age explains why so many people are keen to top it up. Whether you choose a supplement or not, the most reliable approach is the least glamorous one: eat well, include plenty of protein and vitamin C, and give your body the raw materials it needs to keep doing what it does best. Talked about as it is, collagen is really just a reminder of something simple. Look after your body from the inside, and it tends to show on the outside.

What Really Goes Into a Bag of Chickpeas... When you pick up a bag of organic lentils or a pack of almonds from Whole Food Earth brand, it's easy to assume the journey from farm to cupboard is straightforward. In reality, every product passes through layers of checks, certifications, and careful handling long before it reaches your kitchen. Quality isn't something you can taste in a single bite — it's built into every step of how a product is sourced, stored, and packed. We sat down with Isaac from our Quality team at Wholefood Earth to talk supplier checks, allergen control, traceability, and the small details that make a big difference in the food you bring home. We ask the questions customers often wonder but rarely get answered: How do we verify organic? What does SALSA certification actually mean? And how do we make sure your nuts, grains, and pulses arrive at their best? 1. Most people think food quality is just about “checking dates.” What is the one thing about your job that would most surprise our customers? Isaac: Most people assume food quality is mainly about checking expiry dates, but that’s actually a very small part of the job. A large part of what we do happens before a product even enters production. We verify supplier documentation, certificates of analysis, organic certification, and batch traceability to ensure the product meets our standards before it is approved. We also visually inspect incoming goods and maintain strict hygiene and cleaning verification within our packing environment.So the biggest surprise for many people is that quality control is not just about checking the final product — it’s about building systems that prevent problems in the first place. 2. We are SALSA certified. In plain English, what does that actually mean for the bag of chickpeas sitting in a customer's cupboard? SALSA is a recognised UK food safety certification designed for smaller food producers.For a customer, it means that the chickpeas in their cupboard were packed in a facility that follows strict food safety procedures. These include hygiene standards, allergen control, traceability systems, supplier verification, pest control, and documented quality checks. The certification also involves an independent audit, so our procedures are regularly assessed to ensure we are meeting recognised food safety standards. 3. Can you walk us through the “journey” of a product—from the moment a shipment arrives at our warehouse to when it’s sealed in our branded packaging? When a shipment arrives, it first goes through a goods-in inspection. We check the delivery documentation, verify batch numbers, and visually inspect the pallets and packaging to make sure everything arrived in good condition.Once approved, the product is entered into our traceability system and stored appropriately. When a product goes into production, it is transferred to the packing area where staff follow strict hygiene procedures, including protective clothing and allergen controls. The product is then weighed and packed using our packing machines or manual stations, sealed, labelled, and assigned a batch code. That batch code means every finished bag can be traced back to the original supplier batch. 4. What are the specific "red flags" you look for when inspecting a new batch of organic nuts or grains? We look for anything unusual compared to the expected appearance and smell of the product. Some examples include insect activity, excessive dust, damaged packaging, unusual odours, or colour changes.We also review documentation from the supplier, including organic certification and testing results for things like pesticides, heavy metals, or mycotoxins. If something doesn’t look right or paperwork is incomplete, the batch is placed on hold until it’s fully verified. 5. How do we handle Allergen Control? For a customer with a nut allergy, what steps do we take to ensure there is no cross-contamination? Allergen control is one of the most important parts of food safety. At Wholefood Earth we manage allergens through a combination of segregation, production scheduling, and cleaning procedures. Products containing allergens are clearly identified and handled with dedicated scoops and equipment where possible. Production runs are scheduled carefully and equipment is thoroughly cleaned between different products. Staff are trained to recognise allergen risks and follow strict procedures when handling ingredients. Because we pack a wide range of products in the same facility, we are transparent on our labels so customers are aware that allergens may be present in the environment. 6. Organic food is grown without synthetic pesticides, but how do we verify that our suppliers are sticking to those standards? We only work with suppliers who are certified by recognised organic certification bodies. Organic certification applies to the entire supply chain—from the farmer to the final packer. Farmers, processors, traders, and packers must all be certified by recognised organic control bodies and are audited regularly.Each organic batch we receive is accompanied by certification and traceability documentation confirming its organic status throughout the supply chain. These documents are reviewed as part of our supplier approval and intake checks before the product is accepted into our system. Many products are also tested during the supply chain for things like pesticide residues, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and microbiological safety. At Wholefood Earth we verify this documentation as part of our due diligence when approving suppliers and accepting goods into our facility. In simple terms, organic integrity is maintained through a combination of certification, traceability, and risk-based verification throughout the supply chain. 7. We talk a lot about 'Clean Label' food. How do you ensure that what is on the ingredients list is 100% of what is in the bag? Most of our products are single ingredients like nuts, grains, pulses, and seeds, so the ingredient list is naturally very simple. We ensure the accuracy of the label through supplier specifications, batch traceability, and production controls. During packing we verify the correct product and label are being used together. Because every finished product is linked to a specific supplier batch, we always know exactly where the ingredient came from and how it was handled. 8. What is 'Food Fraud,' and how does our traceability system protect our customers from it? Food fraud refers to the deliberate substitution, dilution, or misrepresentation of food products—for example selling a lower-quality ingredient as a premium one.To protect against this, we operate a traceability system that tracks products from supplier to finished pack. We also carefully approve suppliers and review documentation and testing results. This makes it very difficult for fraudulent ingredients to enter the supply chain. At the same time, many of the foods we sell are natural agricultural products that come to us with minimal processing. This means that sometimes, depending on the weather or harvest conditions, a crop may vary slightly in appearance or size from year to year. That’s simply part of working with real food from nature — and it’s very different from fraud. Our role is to ensure that what is in the bagis exactly what it says it is. 9. What is your stance on the 'Best Before' vs 'Use By' debate? How do you test to ensure our products stay at peak quality for as long as possible? “Use By” dates relate to food safety and are used for highly perishable foods such as fresh meat. “Best Before” dates, which most of our products use, relate to quality rather than safety. Dried foods such as grains, beans, and nuts can remain safe for much longer if stored properly, but flavour, texture, or nutritional quality may slowly decline over time.We base our shelf life on supplier data, product characteristics, and industry standards to ensure customers receive the product at its best.Shelf life can also be supported by laboratory analysis and organoleptic (sensory) testing, where products are assessed over time for taste, texture, and overall quality. This helps ensure products remain enjoyable for as long as possible while also helping to avoid unnecessary food waste. 10. What is your favourite Whole Food Earth product, and—given your technical knowledge— why do you trust it for your own kitchen? One of my favourites is our organic lentils. They’re a great example of what we do best: simple, high-quality ingredients with full traceability and minimal processing.Because I see the controls behind the scenes—from supplier verification to packing procedures—know exactly how carefully these products are handled. Lentils are also such a nutritionally well-rounded product (pun intended). They’re packed with protein and fibre, incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and you can make everything from soups and curries to salads and veggie burgers with them. They’re also one of those wonderfully simple foods that store extremely well when kept dry, so they’re always a reliable staple to have in the cupboard. 11. If you could give our customers one tip for storing their whole foods at home to keep them fresh, what would it be? The best tip is to keep dried foods cool, dry, and sealed in airtight containers.This helps prevent moisture, insects, and oxidation from affecting the product. For nuts and seeds in particular, storing them in airtight containers—and even in the fridge if you buy them in bulk—can help preserve their freshness and flavour.Fun fact: prunes are one exception many people don’t realise. Once opened, they are best stored in the fridge. Because they still contain natural moisture, refrigeration helps slow spoilage and keeps them fresher for longer.