But tremoços are more than just a casual nibble. They’re a Mediterranean treasure with a fascinating story, impressive nutritional benefits, and a growing fan base beyond Portugal’s borders.

What Are Tremoços?

Tremoços (pronounced treh-MO-soosh) are lupin beans—edible seeds from the Lupinus plant family. They’re part of the legume family, like chickpeas or lentils, but with a firmer bite and slightly nutty flavor.

They’re typically served in brine, eaten by gently squeezing the bean out of its skin with your fingers or teeth. No forks needed—it’s part of the ritual!

A Snack Steeped in Mediterranean Tradition

While tremoços are deeply woven into Portuguese food culture, they’re not exclusive to Portugal. Variants of lupin bean snacks can be found in Spain, Italy, Egypt, and Greece, where they’re often eaten during Lent or served as a meze with drinks.

However, in Portugal, tremoços hold a unique place. They’re the bar snack—a symbol of relaxed afternoons, social gatherings, and hot summer evenings by the sea.

Why People Eat Tremoços (and When)

In Portugal, tremoços are eaten:

• As a snack with beer or wine (classic combo!)
• Before meals, as a simple appetizer
• On road trips or at family picnics
• At football matches, festivals, and local taverns

They’re cheap, filling, and naturally salty, making them the perfect partner to a cold drink. Plus, they’re plant-based and suitable for most diets, from vegetarian to Mediterranean.

How Are Tremoços Made?

The preparation is simple but time-consuming. Raw lupin beans contain natural alkaloids and need to be:

• Soaked for several days
• Cooked
• Rinsed and soaked again
• Then finally preserved in salted water (brine)

The result? A tender, savory bean with a slightly bitter edge—perfectly addictive.

At Sol Deli, we take the work out of it for you. We offer ready-to-eat tremoços in various sizes and packaging options, straight from Tremoceira, a small Portuguese family producer.

Nutritional Benefits of Tremoços

Tremoços aren't just tasty—they're surprisingly healthy:

• High in plant-based protein (up to 40% by dry weight!)
• Rich in fiber – supports digestion
• Low in fat and carbs
• Naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free

They’re often considered a super snack in Mediterranean diets and a great alternative to nuts or chips if you're looking for something more nutritious.

Don’t Miss Out – We Bring Tremoços to You

Whether you’ve tasted them in Lisbon or it’s your first time hearing the name, tremoços are worth discovering. Salty, satisfying, and packed with protein, they bring a piece of Portugal to your table.

You’ll find tremoços in jars and snack packs in different sizes—perfect for your next aperitivo, picnic, or Mediterranean-style happy hour.