Pantry staples like canned beans rank quite high in meeting my needs. They serve as highly effective powerhouses right there in your kitchen. You can easily add them to a wide variety of meals, ranging from thick chilis to quick dips, as they always seem to fit well. Aldi definitely offers almost every kind of bean you could desire.
Since I am truly fond of both plant-based cooking and beans, I decided that exploring the Aldi bean aisle was a good idea. Thirteen very different varieties ended up coming home with me. This selection included classic kinds like kidney and black beans, as well as somewhat lesser-known types such as Great Northern beans. Additionally, ready-to-eat items like baked and refried beans were also included.
My main goal was to determine which beans were worth purchasing and which ones might be better left on the shelf. I tasted each bean completely plain, straight from the can without adding anything else. Trying all thirteen kinds was truly an interesting experience. Below, you will find a discussion of the initial batch of contenders, namely those that honestly ended up at the bottom of the list.
1. **Dakota’s Pride Great Northern beans** arrived in the test at number 13. Coming in at the very bottom, they felt like a letdown. Great Northern Beans are generally supposed to be extremely versatile for cooking. They are supposed to have a soft, creamy texture. Their mild taste often allows them to be swapped for butter beans, and their mellow flavor fits well in many dishes you make. Sadly, trying these particular beans was unappetizing from the start.
They came covered in a thick white goop immediately. Washing helped, but the first visual impression was truly awful, actually making you not want to use them at all. Even after a good wash, the impression remained bad. They had an incredibly mushy texture, which didn’t feel right either. This mushiness might mean they were overcooked somehow.
That could explain all the weird liquid you saw. Besides texture issues, they also tasted way too salty. Such heavy saltiness makes using them in recipes very tricky, since Great Northern Beans normally have a delicate flavor profile.
Product on Amazon: Eden Organic Great Northern Beans, 15 oz Can, No Salt, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Kosher, U.S. Grown, Heat and Serve, Macrobiotic, Similar to Cannellini, Smoother
Brand: Eden
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 3.59 USD
Features:
1. Eden Foods is a principled natural food company, est. 1968. Healthy soil, long-term organic, non-GMO, skilled growers and handlers; a reliable alternative to commercial food. Uncompromised, pure, most delicious nutrient rich beans.
2. Eden Foods is a principled natural food company, est. 1968. Healthy soil, long-term organic, non-GMO, skilled growers and handlers; a reliable alternative to commercial food. Uncompromised, pure, most delicious nutrient rich beans.
3. Plant-based protein, complex carbs, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, polyphenols, phytonutrients, and excellent fiber. A source of folate B9, zinc, and iron.
4. U.S. organic family sourced. Creating and supporting local supply for decades.
5. Low Sodium, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Wheat Free, Vegan, Kosher, Low Fat, High Fiber.
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2. **Dakota’s Pride black beans** are next on this list. Black beans typically serve as a complete kitchen staple. They often pair well with Mexican-style dishes or any dish that has a bit of spice. Their earthy, meaty flavor is highly suitable for cooking various dishes, making them an excellent choice for making veggie burgers yourself.
They also contain a large amount of dietary fiber. I usually have good luck when buying black beans, so I naturally had some hopes for these beans. Upon immediate inspection, I noticed that these beans were a bit larger. However, the major issue was the smell when opening the can. A distinct metallic aroma emanated right from it.
I couldn’t tell whether it was the can or the beans themselves. Nevertheless, the beans clearly had a strong coppery taste. They simply lacked the sweet, fragrant earthiness that was expected. Instead, their taste was rather neutral and somewhat boring. Overall, that metallic note made them quite unappealing when I tried them. They weren’t as salty as the Great Northern Beans I had tasted before, but their bland, metallic taste made them completely undesirable.
Product on Amazon: S&W – Organic Black Beans – 15 Oz. Can (Pack Of 12)
Brand: S & W
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 33.6 USD
Features:
1. Addition by subtraction: USDA organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free means it’s not just what we put into our beans, it’s what we don’t.
2. Tasty and tantalizing: Whether it’s a family recipe or you’re trying something new, our canned beans are hearty, nutritious, and delicious.
3. Vegan and vegetarian: S&W Organic Black Beans are fat free and full of plant protein and fiber.
4. A case made for taste: The product ships as a 12-pack of 15-ounce recyclable cans that are PFAS-free and have non-BPA lining (can liner not derived from BPA). S&W beans have been canned in the USA since 1896.
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3. **Dakota’s Pride cannellini beans** Cannellini beans are mostly known as white kidney beans. They can sometimes appear similar to Great Northern Beans. However, to be honest, you will realize that they are actually quite different. These beans are a heartier and denser type of white bean. Although they have a mild flavor, they offer more nuttiness and a stronger bean taste. Their firm texture makes them perfectly suitable for thickening soups.
They are also ideal for retaining their shape in a casserole. Aldi’s version had a particularly earthy flavor. The beans themselves were surprisingly large for their type. Just like the Great Northern Beans, these were also overly salty. This poses a real problem if you plan to cook with them later, as controlling seasoning becomes difficult when too much salt has already been added. Despite their plump appearance, their texture was certainly poor.
These beans felt extremely frail and completely mushy. They were totally unlike how dense white kidney beans normally hold up. They simply failed to maintain their shape. You could probably blend them for soup, but they would not be suitable for casseroles or quick stir-fries, where beans need to remain intact in the dishes.
Product on Amazon: Dakota’s Pride Cannellini White Kidney Beans 15.5oz 439g (Three Cans)
Brand: Generic
Binding: Product Group: Grocery
Price: 17.99 USD
Features:
1. Cannellini White Kidney Beans
2. 15.5oz/439g per can
3. Made in the United States
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4. **Dakota’s Pride original baked beans** were next in line for testing. We now proceed to try the prepared bean varieties available on the market. Baked beans have always seemed like a true staple at American cookouts. Typically, they consist of white beans in a sweet and smoky sauce. They are perfect to serve alongside your favorite homemade barbecue foods. Consider having them with burgers or coleslaw that you prepare. Even though their flavor is specific, baked beans remain convenient.
They are good when you need a quick fix for a sweet and salty craving. It seemed that this original baked beans product used a standard recipe. Their sauce mainly had a brown sugar flavor. A small amount of bacon was added for extra flavor. One thing that was certainly noticed was a distinct lack of smoky flavors. Generally speaking, this felt strange for baked beans. However, that was not even the most noticeable problem.
The can, which was larger than normal, was not full. It was truly only about three-quarters filled. A significant amount of the can space was occupied by bland sweet sauce. In the end, much of that sauce was poured right down the drain in an attempt to reach the actual beans sitting below the surface.
Product on Amazon: B&M Baked Beans, Original Flavor, 28 Ounce, pack of 1
Brand: B&M
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 1.86 USD
Features:
1. 99% fat free
2. Great source of fiber and protein
3. Your favorite baked means with the best, traditional flavor
4. Each pot is had stirred in thick, rich sauce for that great homemade taste
5. Slow baked beans made in old fashioned brick ovens, the traditional New England way
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5. **Dakota’s Pride dark red kidney beans** are truly classic beans. They seem suitable for almost any kind of homemade bean dish. Moreover, they possess a distinct mild earthy flavor and appearance. Additionally, their intense deep color usually stands out. Large, plump, and vibrant, they are a must – have for the pantry. However, this Dakota’s Pride version did not feel like the top choice. These red kidney beans had that typical nutty taste.
Finding corn syrup inside was somewhat disturbing. But their overall appearance seemed just a bit off. They were packed in a clear, thick, and odd liquid, truly unlike any canned bean liquid I had seen before. It was not appealing at all. Thank goodness it washed off easily; then you could simply pretend it never happened.
The beans themselves did not seem brightly red. However, they definitely appeared nice and plump. When taking a bite, one might still feel that they were a bit undercooked, depending on how you plan to use them later. Sometimes, this feeling of being undercooked might actually be acceptable if you are simmering them for a long time in chili dishes, as they might hold their shape better instead of breaking down.
Product on Amazon: S&W – Dark Red Kidney Beans – 15.5 Oz. Can (Pack Of 12)
Brand: S & W
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 37.55 USD
Features:
1. Tasty and tantalizing: Whether it’s a family recipe or you’re trying something new, our canned kidney beans are hearty, nutritious, and delicious.
2. Addition by subtraction: Non-GMO and gluten-free means it’s not just what we put into our beans, it’s what we don’t.
3. Vegan and vegetarian: S&W Kidney Beans are fat free and full of plant protein and fiber.
4. A case made for taste: The product ships as a 12-pack of 15.5-ounce recyclable cans that are PFAS-free and have non-BPA lining (can liner not derived from BPA). S&W beans have been canned in the USA since 1896.
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6. **Dakota’s Pride pinto beans** are liked by many people. Just seeing them typically brings someone a small amount of joy. These cute speckled beans are associated with many people’s favorites, such as bean dip, tacos, or refried beans. Chile con carne dishes also often use them extensively. You name it; they probably work well in that recipe.
I had high hopes because Aldi sells large cans. Extra – large cans are good for frequently stocking up on. Thankfully, they were not a complete disappointment. However, they certainly did not completely impress me. These particular little beans felt nice and plump. Fortunately, they were definitely not mushy at all, which absolutely felt like a win.
Their texture is really quite suitable for cooking various dishes. They are firm enough to keep their shape while cooking in stews and soft enough to be easily mashed for dips. However, flavor always seems to be the primary issue with them. They are not as flavorful as other popular brands I have found. They honestly always have a rather bland taste. This blandness can be good when a neutral base is needed sometimes.
A hint of classic nuttiness does actually exist when tasting them. They could pair well with spicy meat – based dishes. Honestly, though, I would not eat these beans plain; that would be a rather boring snack experience.
Product on Amazon: S&W – Pinto Chili Beans – 15.5 Oz. Can (Pack Of 12)
Brand: S & W
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 33.97 USD
Features:
1. Tasty and tantalizing: Whether it’s a family recipe or you’re trying something new, our canned chili beans are hearty, nutritious, and delicious.
2. Addition by subtraction: Non-GMO and gluten-free means it’s not just what we put into our pinto beans in mild chili sauce, it’s what we don’t.
3. Vegan and vegetarian: S&W Chili Beans are low-fat and full of plant protein and fiber.
4. A case made for taste: The product ships as a 12-pack of 15.5-ounce recyclable cans that are PFAS-free and have non-BPA lining (can liner not derived from BPA). S&W beans have been canned in the USA since 1896.
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7. **Dakota’s Pride brown sugar and hickory baked beans** are up next. Moving up from the original variety finally felt acceptable. These beans feature a combination of brown sugar and hickory tastes. They offer a deep, savory, woody flavor profile, which comes from ingredients such as torula yeast found inside. It appears that tiny navy beans are used in these cans. The beans are well – held in a brown sugar base.
This base surprisingly has a good consistency. It is neither too watery nor too thick. They might sound good as a topping for veggie burger dishes, especially since they are noted to be totally vegan – friendly. Baked beans are often not vegan – friendly enough. Trying these beans felt like getting a nice warm hug. They have a rather strong sweet taste.
Perhaps they taste just a little too sweet. But their sweetness does not feel artificial or syrupy at all. The hickory flavor serves as a truly nice touch, providing a perfect contrast to the sweet flavors overall. Usually, some baked bean brands add too much smoke flavor. Thankfully, that issue did not arise here. Instead, a rich molasses flavor nicely coated my mouth.
Then, a genuine woody smokiness came through. It helped balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar overall. I surely appreciate that no caramel color was added here, unlike tons of other canned baked bean brands. They feel like a definite step up from the original ones.
We have now reached the beans that made our taste buds sing happily. Sometimes, they might even hum a nice tune. We have already sifted past the soggy and salty bean types. Now, at last, we have come to the really good stuff. These specific Aldi beans have earned their spot near the top. They prove that canned goodness can sometimes truly exist.
Product on Amazon: BUSH’S BEST 16 oz Canned Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans, Source of Plant Based Protein and Fiber, Gluten Free (Pack of 12)
Brand: Bush’s Best
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 25.68 USD
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6. **Simply Nature organic dark red kidney beans** are where things start looking much better for us. For simple, clean kitchen needs, these organic beans are perfect. These beans skip weird preservatives or added sugars that are sometimes included. The ingredients are just organic beans, water, and a little salt. It always feels like a breath of fresh bean – y air.
The quality of the Simply Nature brand totally impressed us. They look plump and feel soft when they come out. These beans do not fall apart into mush, which is good. They have a vibrant, earthy flavor and a deep red color. Their deep red color makes any dish look appealing. They are always ready to elevate your cooking game.
Now, they are not super salty, with only 85 milligrams per half – cup. This amount is low. While cooking, you might need to add a little extra salt. That is much better than beans that are already too salty. So, for people who want pure, simple ingredients, these beans are a good choice. These organic kidney beans are absolutely a top choice for you.
Product on Amazon: Yupik Beans Organic Dark Red Kidney, 2.2 lb, Pack of 1
Brand: Yupik
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 10.99 USD
Rating: 4.5 Total reviews: 373
Features:
1. High in fiber A good source of protein and iron
2. A wholesome dried legume that can be used in soups, stews, casseroles and salads
3. Non-gmo, sulfite-free, Vegetarian, Vegan and all-natural
4. Certified: organic and Kosher
5. Keep cool and dry
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5. **Casa Mamita traditional refried beans** are next on our list. Let me inform you that these are exactly what you would expect. They are undoubtedly classic and comforting refried beans. Forget those goopy and bland versions you have found before. Casa Mamita completely nails this traditional style. They are a delicious, scoopable mash that is perfect for tortillas.
They are great for simply dunking your favorite chips into. These refried beans keep it simple and traditional in terms of ingredients. Inside this can, there are just beans, lard, and spices. We are talking about chili pepper, garlic powder, paprika, tomato paste, and some mystery spices. These give them that classic and cozy flavor profile. I always secretly wish the spices were a bit more punchy.
Their milder seasoning makes them extremely versatile. You can easily customize them with your hot sauce. Adding lard is crucial here for the texture. It gives refried beans that iconic and luscious feel, along with a rich taste that is hard to find otherwise. Yes, they are quite salty, with 520 milligrams per half – cup. That is a large amount. Honestly, it makes them even more delicious. Despite the lard, they contain only half a gram of fat. That is remarkable considering how rich they taste.
Product on Amazon: Old El Paso Traditional Canned Refried Beans, 1 Can, 16 oz (Pack of 12)
Brand: Old El Paso
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 15.48 USD
Features:
1. REFRIED BEANS: Our canned refried beans make a tasty and convenient ingredient in your favorite dishes or as a side to complete your meal
2. EASY MEAL PREP: Old El Paso beans are ready in minutes in the microwave or on the stovetop
3. FIESTA FLAVOR: Perfectly seasoned and made with real spices, ready to add flavor to all of your Mexican inspired dishes
4. TASTY TACO INGREDIENT: Combine with other Old El Paso favorites such as tortillas, salsa, guacamole and more for savory sensations your whole family can enjoy
5. CONTAINS: Twelve 16 oz cans of Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans; 4 servings per can
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4. **Simply Nature organic pinto beans** have brought more organic goodness to this list. They prove that simple ingredients can truly shine. Just like their kidney – bean cousins, these pintos contain only organic beans inside. Water and salt are also present in the can. There is none of that murky, questionable liquid that is sometimes seen. They come in a can with just clean, clear liquid.
You do not even have to rinse these beans to enjoy them. Although a quick rinse never does any harm, it is not necessary. What truly sets these organic pintos apart is their flavor. It is so much brighter and bolder. Many canned pinto beans always taste bland or metallic. These taste remarkably fresh, as if they have just been cooked. They may need a little extra salt now. Each serving holds only 85 milligrams of sodium. Under – salted beans are a blessing compared to overly – salted ones. These pintos also have a lovely flavor for refried beans. They would be the star in any dish where pintos are the main event. They bring a clean, vibrant taste, making a difference.
Product on Amazon: 365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Pinto Beans, 15.5 Ounce
Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 1.29 USD
Features:
1. 15.5 ounce can of organic pinto beans
2. Naturally fat-free
3. USDA certified organic
4. Non-GMO verified
5. Excellent source of fiber
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3. **Casa Mamita fat free refried beans** secured the number three spot. This is where things become truly interesting. As someone exploring plant – based eating, I have tried lard – free versions. Honestly, many of them were quite disappointing. They often lack the richness and texture that people crave. But these completely plant – based, fat – free beans are different. They are among the best lard – free beans I have ever had the pleasure of trying. Smearing these on a tortilla is pure joy. I actually had the chance to compare them side by side. The amazing part is that they always tasted just as good.
Perhaps they were only slightly less rich than the others. They are now completely free of animal products and fat. That is truly a culinary magic trick. They use pretty much the same ingredients as the traditional kind. However, fat – free versions add extra salt to compensate for the lack of lard. This sometimes pushes them into the overly – salty territory. Keep that in mind if you are salt – sensitive. The spices are still present but not overwhelming. The texture is wonderfully silky – smooth, too. It truly coats your mouth, making you want vegan tostadas now. These are some of the absolute best lard – free refried beans available.
Product on Amazon: Rosarita No Fat Traditional Refried Beans, 16 oz
Brand: Rosarita
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 1.25 USD
Features:
1. Taste the tradition of Mexico—now with zero fat—with Rosarita No Fat Traditional Refried Beans
2. These no-fat refried beans will give you authentic Mexican-style fare without all the fat
3. When you serve Rosarita refried beans, you’re giving your family delicious, Mexican flavors
4. Make your family’s next Mexican food night even better with Rosarita
5. Rosarita No Fat Traditional Refried Beans have 100 calories per serving with zero fat
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2. **Dakota’s Pride garbanzo beans** secured the number two spot this time. They prove that sometimes the house brand can truly deliver well. Garbanzo beans, often called chickpeas, are somehow different. They are dense yet possess this delicate quality. They also have a very specific flavor and texture. Achieving this in a can can be challenging. I am always quite picky about my chickpeas. It was easy to assume that a less – expensive house brand might miss the mark.
But no, Dakota’s Pride completely succeeded. They captured the bright, flavorful essence that chickpeas should have. Chickpeas are naturally less earthy and far more buttery. These cans did not hide anything behind a metallic taste or excessive salt. In fact, they were perfectly salted for us. Just enough salt was present to enhance the beans’ natural sweetness and buttery goodness. In terms of texture, chickpeas have a unique characteristic. They are firm and solid but also soft and luscious. Many canned versions turn out completely mushy. These Dakota’s Pride chickpeas were always noticeably firm. It was rare to find a bean that was not intact. Any regular chickpea fan knows that this is unusual. These tiny garbanzos are fantastic when roasted until crispy. Toss them with some za’atar spice for a dish.
Product on Amazon: S&W – Organic Garbanzo Beans – Chickpeas – 15.5 Oz. Can (Pack Of 8)
Brand: S & W
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 22.45 USD
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1. **Dakota’s Pride mild chili beans** claim the crown today. (Drumroll, please, everyone.) These beans sit at the very top of our ranking. Unlike baked beans, chili beans are in a lighter sauce. The sauce is specifically spicier, meant for chili. Some people always prefer starting with plain beans. That way, they can carefully build flavor from scratch. Usually, that is also a solid strategy.
However, when you get your hands on these beans, you might want to let them do most of the work now. Although they just look like pinto beans floating in sauce, the magic truly lies in the flavor. The can says “mild,” and that is indeed the case here.
They are not super spicy at all. But the flavor is perfectly balanced now, creating a harmonious and savory taste consistently. This pairs beautifully with the natural earthiness of pinto beans.
They rely heavily on cumin inside. This gives the beans a fragrant, almost floral quality, making the pepper – based spice stand out nicely. These beans are delicate yet firm, holding their shape well.
They are obviously bold and delicious in pot chili. Honestly, I had to stop myself from eating them straight from the can. They are always that tasty on their own. Maybe try them adventurously as a pizza topping. Seriously, these are the best beans we have found. A true winner for us here.
Product on Amazon: Dakota’s Pride Chili Beans, Mild, 15.5 Ounce (Pack of 12)
Brand: Dakota’s Pride
Binding: Grocery Product Group: Grocery
Price: 42 USD
Item Weight: 15.5 Ounces
Specialty: Gluten Free
Protein: 6.99 Grams
Item Form: Whole
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So there you have it. This ranking is now complete. Our journey through Aldi’s canned bean aisle has brought us many surprises. These beans have transformed from definite misses to absolute must-have types. It turns out that you do not need to spend a fortune to stock your pantry with beans. Obtain some high – quality, delicious beans for your pantry. Securing these top – ranked Aldi beans will always make cooking more enjoyable. These beans will definitely make your snacking more enjoyable, too.
