Beans, chili, barbecue, ranch style, cooked
Whole food · Legumes and Legume Products
Photo: Wikipedia
These are pinto beans simmered in a savory, slightly tangy tomato-based sauce with chili and cumin, resulting in a soft, creamy texture with a mild, earthy flavor. Nutritionally, they offer a solid plant-based protein punch and a significant amount of dietary fiber for a low-calorie, low-fat food.
Calorie split: 21% protein · 70% carbs · 9% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their comforting, savory depth and incredible versatility—they are a staple side dish, a hearty base for meals, and a cultural icon in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cuisine.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary concern is the often high sodium content in canned or pre-made versions, which can be counteracted by rinsing them under water or choosing low-sodium brands. They also contain lectins and oligosaccharides, which can cause digestive discomfort for some; thorough cooking and gradual introduction into the diet can help mitigate this.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of plant-based protein
- High in dietary fiber for digestive health
- Low in total fat and calories
- Good source of complex carbohydrates
- Contains essential minerals like iron and magnesium
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The iconic 'Ranch Style Beans' brand, which popularized this specific preparation, was created in Texas in 1940 and is now owned by Conagra, becoming a pantry staple across the United States.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 75.5 g |
| Energy | 97.0 kcal |
| Energy | 404 kj |
| Protein | 5.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 1.0 g |
| Ash | 1.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 16.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 31.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 45.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 154 mg |
| Potassium, K | 450 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 725 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.25 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 1.3 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.7 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.15 mg |
| Niacin | 0.36 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.27 mg |
| Folate, total | 26.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 26.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 26.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 36.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.01 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 1.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 7.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 12.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 297 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 13.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.21 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.40 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.14 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.56 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.34 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Lima beans, thin seeded (baby), mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt — USDA does not publish this profile for Beans.
| Tryptophan | 0.10 g |
| Threonine | 0.35 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.42 g |
| Leucine | 0.69 g |
| Lysine | 0.54 g |
| Methionine | 0.10 g |
| Cystine | 0.09 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.46 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.28 g |
| Valine | 0.48 g |
| Arginine | 0.49 g |
| Histidine | 0.25 g |
| Alanine | 0.41 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.0 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glycine | 0.34 g |
| Proline | 0.37 g |
| Serine | 0.54 g |
FAQ
Are Ranch Style Beans the same as regular pinto beans?
No. While they are made from pinto beans, Ranch Style Beans are a specific product or preparation where the beans are cooked in a seasoned sauce with tomato, chili powder, and other spices, giving them a distinct flavor.
How can I reduce the sodium in canned beans?
The most effective method is to drain and rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water in a colander. This can remove up to 40% of the added sodium.
Can I use these beans in vegetarian chili?
Absolutely. They add a wonderful texture and pre-seasoned flavor base. Simply use them in place of or alongside other beans, and adjust your additional spices accordingly.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.97 kcal/g · 21% calories from protein · 4.2 g fiber · 5.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.61 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.