Red Lentils Wholesale

What are Red Lentils?

Red lentils (Lens culinaris) are small, lens-shaped legumes with a reddish-orange hue. Typically sold in split and dehulled form, red lentils cook quickly and break down into a soft, creamy texture, making them ideal for soups, purees, stews, and curries. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean dishes, red lentils are valued for their convenience, nutritional benefits, and versatility in plant-based and gluten-free recipes.

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and iron, red lentils support the growing demand for health-focused food ingredients. Their rapid cooking time and smooth consistency make them a staple for food processors and large-scale kitchens alike.

The global lentil market, including red lentils, is projected to reach USD 6.40 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.80% from 2024–2029.

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Types, Varieties & Forms of Red Lentils

Red lentils are primarily available in the following formats:

• Split Red Lentils – Dehulled and split for faster cooking; widely used in soups, dals, and ready meals.
• Whole Red Lentils (Football Lentils) – Less common, these retain their skin and take longer to cook but offer a firmer texture.
• Red Lentil Flour – Finely milled form, used in gluten-free baking, snack formulations, or as a natural thickener.

Red lentils are available in both conventional and organic formats, making them suitable for clean-label products across multiple markets.

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Common Red Lentil Varieties:

• Aldinga
• Cobber
• Digger
• Nipper
• Northfield
• Nugget
• Red Chief
• Ruby

Lentils also come in a variety of colors including white, green, yellow, brown, and black, each suited to specific applications.

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Harvest Season of Red Lentils

Red lentils are typically harvested between August and October, depending on regional growing conditions. The pods are left to dry on the plant before harvesting, which ensures optimal maturity and nutrient density. Post-harvest, red lentils are cleaned, graded, and processed for global distribution, ensuring a reliable year-round supply for wholesale buyers.

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Producing Countries

The leading producers of red lentils are:

• Canada – The largest global exporter, with primary production in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
• India – Major producer and consumer of red lentils, essential to regional cuisine.
• Turkey – Significant exporter with cultivation concentrated in the southeast.

In 2023, Canada accounted for 47.2% of global exports, and was the largest exporter of red lentils. However, recent droughts have reduced production​, although drought conditions have occasionally impacted output. These countries provide robust infrastructure for drying, milling, and packaging to meet international food safety and sourcing standards.

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Trends & Industry Insights

Red lentils have been cultivated since ancient times and continue to evolve in modern food systems. Their appeal has surged in recent years, driven by:

• The rise of plant-based diets seeking high-protein, iron-rich legumes.
• Increased demand for gluten-free flours and thickeners.
• Interest in convenient ingredients for ready meals and soup bases.

In Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, red lentils are used in staple dishes like dal and red lentil soup. Their adaptability makes them a go-to ingredient for manufacturers developing clean-label, functional foods.

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Red Lentils Manufacturers

Nutrada connects wholesale buyers with trusted manufacturers of red lentils in bulk quantities. Whether you're producing packaged soups, flour blends, or canned foods, red lentils are available in:

• Split or whole formats
• Bulk packaging (10–50 kg multilayer bags)
• Organic and conventional certifications
• Full traceability and documentation (COA, microbiological tests, pesticide reports)

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Bulk Red Lentils

Ideal for food processors, contract manufacturers, and meal kit providers, bulk red lentils can be sourced in standardized sizes and moisture levels. Many suppliers also offer steam-treated or pre-cleaned options for direct food production use.

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Private Label Red Lentils

Nutrada’s supplier network offers private label services including red lentil pouches (100g–1kg), jars, and blends. Support for regulatory compliance, custom labeling, and packaging is available to help brands scale quickly in retail and e-commerce channels.

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Organic Red Lentils

Certified organic red lentils are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and comply withstandards. These are typically available as split lentils or flour, packed in food-safe, light- and moisture-resistant bags for optimal shelf life.

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Find Red Lentil Suppliers on Nutrada

From bulk procurement to branded packaging, Nutrada simplifies the red lentil sourcing process. Find red lentil suppliers on Nutrada and connect with dependable partners who meet your quality, documentation, and supply chain needs.

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