Refried beans, canned (pinto)
Whole food · Legumes and Legume Products
Photo: Wikipedia
Canned refried pinto beans are a creamy, savory staple made by mashing cooked pinto beans with lard or oil. They offer a rich, earthy flavor with a smooth, thick texture that's perfect for scooping or spreading. A standout nutritional feature is their high fiber content, providing nearly 4 grams per 100g serving.
💚 Why it's loved
People love refried beans for their comforting, savory depth and incredible versatility—they form the heart of countless Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Their creamy texture acts as a perfect canvas for spices, cheese, and toppings, making them a beloved cultural staple.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Canned versions can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. To counteract this, look for low-sodium varieties or rinse the beans briefly before heating. They also contain lectins and oligosaccharides that can cause gas; pairing with a small amount of fennel or ginger can help ease digestion.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of dietary fiber for digestive health
- Plant-based protein source
- Rich in iron and folate
- Convenient and shelf-stable pantry staple
- Naturally low in sugar
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'refried' is a misnomer; the beans are typically mashed and fried only once, not repeatedly.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 79.1 g |
| Ash | 1.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.9 g |
| Sucrose | 0.54 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Riboflavin | 0.11 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 38.2 ug |
| Choline, total | 28.8 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.64 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 5:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 7:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 9:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 11:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.39 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.20 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 21:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 23:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.59 g |
| MUFA 12:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.55 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 n-9 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 n-11 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.47 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.30 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.15 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-9 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:2 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.01 g |
| TFA 14:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 20:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:3 t | 0.00 g |
FAQ
Are canned refried beans healthy?
Yes, they are a good source of fiber and plant-based protein. However, check the label for sodium content and choose low-sodium options when possible.
How do I reduce the sodium in canned refried beans?
You can rinse the beans in a colander under cold water for a minute or two to remove some surface sodium, or simply choose a 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' version.
Can I use canned refried beans in vegetarian dishes?
Absolutely. They are a hearty, protein-rich base for vegetarian tacos, burritos, bowls, and as a dip, especially when paired with cheese, avocado, and salsa.