5 Best Canned Refried Beans That Will Make You Buy More
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. You can find it in most Mexican dishes such as carnitas, enchiladas, burritos, and dips paired with tortilla chips. Their creamy texture and delicious taste make it a popular choice in most Mexican restaurants or parties.
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But what if we told you that having refried beans is not limited to buying from Mexican places? You read that right. Refried beans are sold canned in most grocery stores that it’s easy to have one at home. This way, you can have it any time you like. Having them in cans also means your refried beans have a longer shelf life so you can stock up on them as well.
So what are the best canned refried beans you should get? Here are 5 delicious canned refried beans that will make you want to buy a lot to keep in case you’re craving for Mexican food at home.
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Best Canned Refried Beans On The 2022 Market
Name | Picture | Weight Per Can | Rating | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 oz | ||||
 | 16 oz | ||||
 | 16 oz | ||||
 | 15.4 oz | ||||
 | 15 oz | ||||
We’re all a little guilty of indulging at Taco Bell more than making our own Mexican food. That’s because fast food is convenient. If you’re looking to changing your lifestyle but can’t let go of eating Taco Bell just yet, then why not try out Taco Bell’s Fat-Free Refried Beans?
This canned refried beans taste just like Taco Bell’s. It has a thick consistency so if you want it a bit thinner, just add a small amount of water. It has 2% less salt and has no saturated or trans-fat. All the ingredients indicated on their label is pretty simple without any harmful additive.
The next time you’re craving for Taco Bell, just open up a can of their refried beans, heat it in the microwave and indulge.
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Though Old El Paso has regular refried beans, we recommend the spicy one as that adds a bit more flavor. This type of refried beans goes well with any Mexican dish you want be it on your tacos, layered dips, or enchiladas.
It’s also fat-free and no cholesterol making this a decent alternative to refried beans that are found in fast food joints.
Since some like to add salsa to their refried beans, Old El Paso’s does not need you to put in more heat since it already packs the right amount of spiciness to it.
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Ortega is a well-known brand for carrying many Mexican food products such as salsas, taco shells, and soft tortilla. It isn’t a surprise that they’d carry one for canned refried beans as well. But what is worth mentioning about this is that Ortega has one of the most popular choices for traditional refried beans.
The consistency of Ortega’s refried beans is not too thick. It easily flows out of the can when poured into a bowl. They’re great for burritos and dips and contain a lot of natural flavors. The spices they use are onion powder and garlic powder so it doesn’t taste as bland as compared to other canned refried beans. Ortega also offers different varieties of their refried beans such as hot and spicy, with diced jalapeños or chiles, fat-free, and vegetarian. But its traditional one allows for a more neutral flavor which you can tweak if you’re feeling a little adventurous.
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Who said canned refried beans aren’t healthy? Amy’s refried beans prove that even though their product is canned, it can still be enjoyed by health enthusiasts.
Amy’s canned refried beans come from organic sources. There is an original flavor to this type of beans but the one we recommend is the mild flavor with green chiles. Not only do you get the tasty earthiness of refried beans, but you also get the added flavor that the green chiles bring. It’s not too spicy but just enough to make you enjoy these refried beans.
The next time you decide in stocking up on refried beans, consider trying out Amy’s organic ones. They’re just as delicious as your regular canned refried beans but healthier.
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If you’re looking to try out other kinds of beans, Bush’s Best Black Beans are your next bet. They contain less amount of sodium than pinto beans which is healthier. Bush’s Best Black Beans are known to be dairy-free and gluten-free. It’s also plant-based and high in fiber at 6g per serving.
The texture is slightly denser than pinto beans so don’t expect the exact creaminess that you get from other canned refried beans. Since it contains less sodium, it’s also a tad bit bland. You’ll need to add your own spices to flavor it. Nevertheless, Bush’s Best Black Beans are a healthy choice and ideal for burritos and nachos.
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These 5 best canned refried beans are great for quick dinners or snacks when you craving for Mexican food. With these, you’ll have a lot of options on which ones to stock or which ones are suitable for your lifestyle.
What Are Refried Beans?
Refried beans are simply beans that have been cooked and mashed. Think of mashed potatoes as the staple for most American cuisine. Refried beans are sort of the mashed potatoes for Mexican cuisine.
Spices are added to the beans to add flavor to them. That’s why some canned refried beans have chiles to add heat and saltiness to the beans.
Refried beans are usually served as appetizers with tortilla chips. But they’re also used as a side dish or included inside layered dips, burritos, tacos, and nachos.
The taste of refried beans is either lumpy or creamy with a hint of earthiness to it. It can be bland when it’s not seasoned well. But refried beans are eaten with a lot of accompaniment such as salsa or chiles that it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t taste as flavorful by itself.
Best Canned Refried Beans Buying Guide
Canned refried beans may be a simple item but there are still a few factors you should take into consideration before buying one.
Type of Beans
Most refried beans are made from pinto beans but there are other choices in the market. A popular one is black beans. There’s not much difference when it comes to nutritional content as both are healthy. But pinto beans contain less sodium and are softer than black beans which are denser. So if you’re looking for a creamier texture, opt for pinto beans rather than black beans.
Spice Level
Brands offer different varieties of canned refried beans nowadays. They have the traditional flavors and the ones that contain chiles to add a level of spiciness to it.
If you’re not fond of spicy food, it would be best to get the classic or traditional canned refried beans. But if your taste buds are looking for a certain heat, get the mild and spicy level of flavor.
Nutritional Content
Beans are healthy in which they’re a good source of fiber and protein. But these good sources may not give you enough nutrition when the sodium content is high.
Read the back of the label before buying your canned refried beans. Compare the nutritional content with other refried beans on the market. The lower the sodium content is, the better it is to consume.
Expiration Date
Canned goods are known for their long shelf-life. But it’s still recommended to check before buying your canned refried beans. You don’t want to make the mistake of buying beans that are going to expire in a month or so.
FAQs on Canned Refried Beans
Looking for some more answers to your canned refried bean questions? We have a few for you.
- Are canned refried beans bad for you?
Canned refried beans are quite healthy since they contain protein and fiber. The only thing that you need to watch out for when you’re buying it is the sodium content. It can affect your kidneys and your health.
Homemade refried beans where you make them from scratch are still recommended than buying canned ones. But for convenience, canned ones are the more popular choice. Just be sure to check the label at the back of the canned good to see if the sodium content is high.
- How do you heat up canned refried beans?
There are two ways you can heat refried beans. The first one is to pour it on a pot and stir in medium heat. Remember to keep an eye on it and add just a little bit of water so it doesn’t dry up. You may also add chicken broth for flavor.
Another way is to heat it in a microwave oven. Transfer the refried beans to a microwavable bowl and then heat it for 3 to 5 minutes in a medium setting.
- Do you have to cook canned refried beans or are canned refried beans ready to eat?
The best part about canned refried beans is that they’re ready to eat straight from the can. It’s already cooked so you don’t need to cook it again. But the usual practice is to heat it first.
Others also prefer adding more ingredients to their refried beans such as salsa or adding cheese and sour cream so most people would say they don’t eat it straight from the can. Unless you prefer to eat it as is, you may do so. There’s no right or wrong way to eat them just as long as you do so using sanitary means.
- How can you tell if canned refried beans are bad?
A safe way in checking if your canned refried beans are bad without opening them up first is to check the expiration date on the label. Sometimes the dates can be found on the top or bottom of the cans as well.
If the date has gone past the one recorded on the label, then it’s recommended not to eat it. But canned refried beans usually have a long shelf life so you won’t have any problems with it.
Another way to tell if canned refried beans are bad is if they smell sour or has a foul odor upon opening. It’s also best to check if it has molds. Once you spot these signs, do dispose of the contents properly and refrain from eating it.
Start making Mexican dinners at home with these 5 best canned refried beans. You can go for traditional flavors or add some spiciness to it if you’d like. You can also eat it straight from the can if you’re too tired to cook. Either way, these canned refried beans are easy and convenient to whip up in your own homes.
Which ones were your favorites? We’d love to hear from you.
