The Best Black Beans

Ortega Black Beans

Back in black

These black beans are delicious served hot or cold, making them a perfect choice for a wide range of recipes.

Best Overall

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Ortega’s canned black beans are fantastic canned beans that can be added to any meal. As with most canned products, they have a long shelf life that allows them to be used immediately or saved for a rainy day. These beans are packed in lightly salted water, which can be used in cooking or drained to reduce your salt intake. For a fantastic chili, bean soup, or even just to put on top of nachos, grab a can of Ortega’s black beans.

Pros:

• Simply cooked, allowing them to be used in a variety of ways
• Are an excellent source of protein and fiber

Cons:

• Come in a pack of 12, which may be more than you’d like to buy at one time

Ranch Style Black Beans

Home on the range

These flavorful black beans are cooked in a bold blend of flavors and spices.

Best Seasoning

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For great Southwestern flavor that’ll take you back to the Wild West, look no further than Ranch Style’s black beans. These beans are pre-cooked in a special blend of flavors and spices, such as tomato paste, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika, providing a tasty side dish or addition to any meal. They can be quickly reheated on the stove or in 1 1/2 minutes in the microwave.  These pre-seasoned beans are a quick and easy way to add a Southwestern kick to any dish.

Pros:

• Pre-cooked and seasoned beans
• Have a long shelf life

Cons:

• Contains soy, which may be an issue for those with allergies

Palouse Brands Clear Creek Black Beans

Rich and meaty

These dried black beans highlight the pure flavor of the beans themselves.

Best Organic

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These premium beans are grown on a family farm in the Pacific Northwest. 100% kosher and non-GMO, they have a meaty texture that’s rich in flavor and are extremely versatile in the ways they can be used and cooked. They only take about 45 minutes to prepare — though, like other dried beans, cooking time can be significantly reduced if you presoak them first. One four-pound bag of beans is equal to about 16 cans, so you’re sure to get your money’s worth with these high-quality beans.

Pros:

• A good quantity of beans for the cost
• 100% kosher and non-GMO
• Sustainably sourced

Cons:

• Dried beans take a bit longer to prepare, but can be well worth the wait

Happy Belly Black Beans

More for less

Snag this excellent can of black beans at a super affordable price.

Best Value

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For simple black beans that pack a ton of flavor at a great price, Happy Belly’s black beans are hard to beat. These beans have only four ingredients — black beans, water, salt, and calcium chloride to maintain firmness — putting you in the driver’s seat to explore how they should be seasoned and enjoyed. The cans are sold individually, giving you the freedom to purchase exactly the number of cans you want or need, all at an extremely affordable price. Enjoy the pure, simple flavor of black beans and satisfy your hunger with this pick from Happy Belly.

Pros:

• Individually sold, allowing you to purchase what you need
• Extremely affordable

Cons:

• Some cans may be dented in transit, though small dents shouldn’t affect the quality of the beans

Fillo’s Cuban Black Beans

Meals made simple

These black beans have already been deliciously cooked, only requiring simple reheating before you can enjoy them.

Best Prepared Meal

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Fillo’s Cuban black beans are an excellent way to enjoy black beans without a long wait. Pre-cooked in a mixture of onions, bell peppers, garlic, ground cumin, and more, these beans can be quickly reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. With your health in mind, their pouches are completely BPA-free and their beans contain non-GMO ingredients. For authentic Cuban flavor without the hassle, Fillo’s has you covered.

Pros:

• Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
• Can be microwaved directly in the BPA-free pouch
• Completely vegan

Cons:

• Each pouch only serves two, so multiple pouches may be needed to serve a whole family

Frequently Asked Questions

Are black beans healthy?

Black beans are incredibly healthy for you. They’re a fantastic source of antioxidants, protein, and fiber, and while they may be high in carbohydrates, they don’t cause a spike in blood sugar. Altogether, not only do black beans taste great, but they’re also great for you.

If I’m cooking a recipe that calls for black beans, does it matter if I use canned or dried?

In general, you can use either canned or dried black beans in any recipe. The difference between the two is primarily in their cooking time, with dried beans taking longer than their canned counterparts to prepare. Also, dried beans are lighter than canned beans, but gain weight as they are rehydrated and cooked, so fewer are required at the start of your preparation. Approximately 1/2 cup of dried beans is equal to one 15-ouncecan, so be sure to measure accordingly.