A well-stocked emergency pantry needs more than canned soup and vegetables. Foods that last a long time, provide useful nutrients, and work in different recipes can make everyday meals and unexpected disruptions easier to manage.
Canned beans are an affordable choice because they’re ready to eat, require little preparation, and provide protein and fiber. Keep a few different kinds on your shelves, and you’ll have plenty of options for soups, stews, rice bowls, and quick meals when fresh ingredients are in short supply.
Here are 10 canned beans worth keeping in your pantry.
Black Beans
Black beans have a deep, earthy flavor that works well in chili, tacos, burrito bowls, soups, and rice dishes. They’re a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a filling addition to many meals.
Related: These Impressive Recipes Start with Canned Beans
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans have a firm texture that holds up well in chili, soups, stews, and casseroles. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place, and discard any can that is bulging, leaking, or badly damaged.
Related: Healthy Canned Foods That Make Smart Pantry Staples
Green Beans
Canned green beans are a handy vegetable to keep on the shelf, even though they’re different from dried beans such as kidney or pinto beans. Serve them as a side dish or add them to soups, casseroles, and other meals when fresh vegetables aren’t available.
Related: 7 Canned Foods Frugal Shoppers Always Keep on Hand
Pinto Beans
Pinto beans have a creamy texture that works well in burritos, chili, soups, and rice dishes. You can mash them into refried beans or a simple dip, and their protein and fiber help make meals more filling.
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans, also called white kidney beans, have a mild taste and creamy texture that suit pasta dishes, Italian-style soups, and salads. They add plant-based protein and fiber without taking attention away from the other ingredients.
Related: 13 White Bean Soup Recipes That Taste Like Comfort in a Bowl
Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, work well in salads, hummus, curries, soups, and grain bowls. They’re rich in protein, fiber, and several minerals, and you can roast drained chickpeas for a crunchy snack.
Lima Beans
Lima beans have a mild flavor and soft, buttery texture that work well in soups, casseroles, and vegetable side dishes. They provide fiber, plant-based protein, and potassium, making them a useful choice for pantry meals.
Butter Beans
Butter beans are large, creamy legumes that add substance to soups, stews, salads, and casseroles. Their mild taste pairs well with garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and smoked meats, so they’re easy to use in many hearty dishes.
Black-Eyed Peas
Black-eyed peas are a familiar ingredient in Southern cooking, but they also work well in rice dishes, soups, salads, and stews. They supply protein, fiber, and folate, giving you another filling option for your emergency food supply.
Lentils
Canned lentils come pre-cooked, making them handy for quick meals without the soaking and cooking time dried lentils require. Add them to soups, curries, salads, or grain bowls for extra protein and fiber at a low cost.
