Red lentils are among the most widely used lentil varieties in global cuisine, favored for their quick cooking time, mild flavor, and adaptability in both traditional and modern food products. Nutrada connects you with verified red lentil suppliers offering bulk, private label, and organic options tailored to the needs of manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice businesses.
Red lentils (Lens culinaris) are small, round legumes that are reddish-orange. They are usually sold split and without their skin. Red lentils cook quickly and become soft and creamy. This makes them great for soups, purees, stews, and curries.
They are often used in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean dishes. Red lentils are popular because they are easy to use, nutritious, and versatile for plant-based and gluten-free recipes. They are high in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, which meets the growing demand for healthy food options.
Red lentils are primarily available in the following formats:
Red lentils are available in both conventional and organic forms, which makes them suitable for healthy products across various markets. Some common red lentil types include Aldinga, Cobber, Digger, Nipper, Northfield, Nugget, Red Chief, and Ruby. Furthermore, lentils come in several colors such as white, green, yellow, brown, and black, each serving specific purposes.
Red lentils are typically picked from August to October, depending on local conditions. The pods dry on the plant to make sure they mature fully and have good nutrients. Once harvested, red lentils are cleaned and sorted. They are then prepared for distribution around the world, ensuring a steady supply for wholesale buyers all year long.
The leading producers of red lentils include Canada, India, and Turkey. In Canada, red lentils are mainly grown in Saskatchewan and Alberta. In 2023, Canada exported 1.99 million metric tons, worth USD 1.68 billion. Meanwhile, the United States has been a major importer of red lentils, mainly sourcing from Canada, Turkey, and India.
Red lentils have been grown for centuries and have adapted to modern food systems. Lately, their popularity has grown due to the trend of plant-based diets that are looking for high-protein, iron-rich options. Additionally, there's a rising interest in gluten-free flours and thickeners, as well as easy-to-use ingredients for quick meals and soups.
In Middle Eastern and Indian cooking, red lentils feature in classic dishes like dal and lentil soup. Their versatility makes them ideal for producers creating functional foods.
Nutrada matches wholesale buyers with trusted manufacturers of red lentils. If you create packaged soups, flour blends, or canned goods, you can find red lentils in both split and whole forms. They come in bulk sizes, from 10 to 50 kg bags. You can choose organic or conventional varieties. Suppliers on Nutrada provide complete traceability and necessary documents, including Certificates of Analysis, microbiological tests, and pesticide reports.
Bulk red lentils are ideal for food processors, contract manufacturers, and meal box providers. These lentils are available in different forms and origins. Numerous suppliers offer bulk packaging to accommodate businesses needing larger quantities.
Nutrada's network of suppliers offers private label services for products such as red lentil pouches (from 100g to 1kg), jars, and mixes. Our suppliers may assist with regulatory compliance, custom labeling, and packaging, helping brands grow quickly in both retail and e-commerce markets.
Certified organic red lentils are cultivated without using synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and meet specific standards. They are usually offered as split lentils or ground into flour, and are packaged in bags that are safe for food and resistant to light and moisture, ensuring a long shelf life.
Nutrada makes it easy to source red lentils, from bulk buying to branded packaging. You can find red lentil suppliers on Nutrada and get in touch with reliable partners who can meet your quality, documentation, and supply chain requirements.