What are the ingredients in Glory black eyed peas?

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official product label, the base ingredients for Glory Foods' seasoned black-eyed peas are prepared black-eyed peas and water. Beyond these two main components, the canned version contains a mix of savory seasonings, fats, and preservatives to create its signature Southern flavor. This article explains exactly what goes into Glory black eyed peas and compares them to other varieties.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the contents of Glory Foods' canned black-eyed peas, including primary beans, flavoring agents like bacon fat and spices, and common additives. This article explores different Glory product variations and compares them to homemade alternatives.

Key Points

Classic Recipe Ingredients: Glory Foods' classic seasoned black eyed peas contain prepared peas, water, bacon fat, pork stock, chicken fat, dried onions, garlic powder, and other spices and flavorings.
Not Vegan or Vegetarian: Due to the inclusion of bacon fat, pork stock, and chicken fat, the classic seasoned variety is not suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets.
Alternative Varieties: Glory offers alternative options, such as the 'Reduced Sodium' and 'Simply Seasoned' lines, which may use different or fewer seasonings to create a different flavor profile.
Additives and Preservatives: The cans contain additives like Disodium EDTA to promote color retention and TBHQ as an antioxidant.
Homemade vs. Canned: Homemade black eyed peas offer full control over ingredients and flavor, while canned provides convenience but contains specific flavorings and preservatives.
Reading the Label is Key: Always check the specific product label, as ingredients can vary between Glory Foods' different black-eyed pea offerings.

A Closer Look at Glory's Seasoned Black Eyed Peas

Glory Foods offers several versions of canned black-eyed peas, with the most popular being the classic seasoned variety. For this product, the ingredient list provides a complete picture of its composition. The primary components are simply the black-eyed peas themselves and water, which serves as the canning liquid. However, the distinct flavor that characterizes the Southern style is achieved through a collection of other ingredients, many of which are present in small quantities (less than 2%).

Flavor-Enhancing Ingredients

The rich, savory taste of Glory's seasoned black-eyed peas comes from a combination of animal fats, flavorings, and spices. Many consumers assume the classic recipe is vegetarian, but it contains several non-vegan ingredients:

Bacon Fat and Pork Stock: These are key to creating the smoky, classic Southern flavor profile that many associate with slow-simmered dishes.
Chicken Fat: This adds another layer of rich, savory depth to the overall taste.
Natural Flavors: This is a broad category that can include a variety of substances derived from a flavor source. In this case, the flavors likely contribute to the meaty, smoky notes.
Dried Onion and Garlic Powder: These dehydrated aromatics provide the essential foundational savory flavors of many Southern-style dishes.
Dried Red Bell Pepper: This adds a subtle sweetness and pepper flavor to the mix.
Smoke Flavor: This is added to enhance the smoky taste typically achieved by cooking with smoked meats.
Spice: A general term that refers to a blend of various spices.

Preservatives and Color Retention

To ensure the peas maintain their appearance and shelf life, food-grade additives are used.

Disodium EDTA: This is a preservative added to promote color retention, keeping the peas looking fresh.
TBHQ: This stands for Tertiary butylhydroquinone and is an antioxidant that helps prevent spoilage and maintains the quality of the fats in the product.
Caramel Color and Caramelized Sugar: These ingredients are used to give the final product a darker, more appealing color.

Variations of Glory Black Eyed Peas

Glory Foods recognizes that consumers have different dietary needs and preferences, so they offer alternatives to their classic recipe.

Reduced Sodium Blackeye Peas: For those watching their salt intake, this version uses black-eyed peas, water, and sea salt, along with natural flavorings that include natural hickory smoke flavor. Notably, this product often omits the animal-based fats, making it a more suitable choice for some diets.
Simply Seasoned: The Simply Seasoned black-eyed peas are another reduced-sodium option that is lightly seasoned with garlic, onion, and sea salt, and includes apple cider vinegar for a hint of tanginess. It's a more minimalistic option for a cleaner flavor profile.
Seasoned Blackeye Peas with Rice: This product combines black-eyed peas with long-grain rice, along with a similar seasoning base found in the classic recipe, including pork stock and bacon fat.

Canned vs. Homemade Black Eyed Peas


Feature	Canned Glory Black Eyed Peas	Homemade Black Eyed Peas
Preparation Time	Minimal; heat and serve.	Requires several hours of soaking and simmering.
Flavor Control	Pre-seasoned, offers consistent flavor.	Fully customizable; adjust seasonings to preference.
Ingredients	Includes prepared peas, water, seasonings, and preservatives like EDTA and TBHQ.	Prepared with fresh or dried peas, water, and whole food seasonings.
Dietary Restrictions	Classic is not vegan; specific varieties exist.	Easily made vegan or vegetarian by omitting meat products.
Texture	Generally softer due to processing.	Can be cooked to a desired firmness.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Black Eyed Peas

When it comes to enjoying black-eyed peas, the choice between canned Glory Foods and a homemade pot depends on your priorities. For convenience and a reliable, classic Southern flavor, the standard Glory can is an easy and popular option. However, it's important to remember that this variety includes animal products like bacon fat and pork stock, making it unsuitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

For those seeking a healthier, lower-sodium, or plant-based version, Glory offers alternatives like their Simply Seasoned or Reduced Sodium lines. For the freshest, most controlled flavor and texture, preparing them from scratch with dried peas is the best route. Regardless of the choice, understanding what are the ingredients in Glory black eyed peas ensures you make the best decision for your dietary needs and culinary goals.

Here is a guide for cooking dried black-eyed peas from scratch to customize your recipe.

Quick Ingredient Summary

In short, the ingredients in Glory black eyed peas extend beyond just the beans and water. They include a mix of savory fats and flavorings—such as bacon fat, pork stock, and various spices—along with preservatives and colorants. Specific product varieties may contain different ingredients, with some catering to lower-sodium or vegan preferences.

Additional Considerations for Consumers

When making a choice, consider your dietary restrictions, cooking time, and desired flavor. The classic Glory peas provide a shortcut to a deep, savory profile, but for complete control and avoidance of animal products or additives, homemade is the superior choice. The product labels are the ultimate source of information for each specific variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the classic seasoned Glory Foods black-eyed peas are not vegan or vegetarian because they contain animal products, including bacon fat, pork stock, and chicken fat.

The primary flavor is a savory, smoky taste derived from bacon fat, pork stock, and natural smoke flavors, combined with dried onion and garlic powder.

No, not all varieties contain bacon fat. The 'Reduced Sodium' and 'Simply Seasoned' versions use different seasonings and often omit the animal-based fats.

Disodium EDTA is a common food additive used as a preservative to promote color retention, ensuring the black-eyed peas maintain their appearance over time.

You would need to purchase one of Glory's explicitly vegan or simply seasoned versions. The classic seasoned product cannot be made vegan due to its non-plant-based ingredients.

Homemade recipes offer full control over all ingredients, often using fresh, whole foods. Canned Glory peas contain a specific blend of pre-mixed seasonings, fats, and preservatives for convenience.

Yes, according to some product information and ingredient lists, the classic black-eyed peas are gluten-free. However, it's always best to check the specific product packaging for certification.