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Top 15 Best Canned Refried Beans

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Refried bean is a terrific and healthy way to enhance the flavor of many dishes. Buttery refried bean makes perfect bean tortillas or tacos. You can also add refried bean as a thickener to your soup and sauce, or as an interesting contrast note to plain rice. Moreover, you can top refried beans with cheese for delicious dips.

Refried beans are versatile yet nutritious. They’re an excellent source of natural fiber and protein. You can serve them at home or bring them with you on an overnight trip to enjoy the healthy nutrition refried beans offer.

Canned refried beans are not just versatile and healthy; they’re a breeze to prepare. With the heat and serve option, all it takes is less than 10 minutes to heat up the beans. Canned refried beans are a staple ingredient in many kitchens.

Either you want a snap option for heat and serve refried beans or a more fulfilling taste when you make refried beans from scratch; there’s a product for you. So, to pick the best refried beans for your personal preference, check out these top 15 product reviews and buying guides before making a purchase.

What is The Best Canned Refried Beans?

If you’re looking for refried beans with some specific characteristics in mind, check out this section to find out the best refried beans based on their cooking styles or unique features.

Canned Refried Beans Comparison Chart

For easy comparison of all the 15 best refried beans, I put together all their basic information in this chart. Consider their cooking type, ingredients, and key features to see which product can meet all your needs.

Best Refried beansCooking typeingredientsKey featuresNet weightPack of
Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans - Best Heat and ServeHeat and serveCooked pinto beans, water, lard, salt, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, spice, chili pepperNo added sugar16 oz12 cans
Taco Bell Fat Free Refried Beans - Best BudgetHeat and servePinto beans, water, salt, soybean oil, pink beans, natural flavor, soy lecithinLow fat16 oz12 cans
Amy's Organic Refried Beans - Best OrganicHeat and serveAll organic: pinto beans, water, onions, sunflower oil, salt, garlic, spicesOrganic, low fat, non-gmo, gluten free15.4 oz12 cans
Old El Paso Refried Spicy Beans - Best SpicyHeat and serveCooked beans, water, jalapeno, pepper, salt, tomato paste, chili pepper, acetic acid, sugar, natural flavor, yeast extractFat-free, great spiciness16 oz12 cans
HEB Organics Refried BeansHeat and serveAll organic: prepared pinto beans, water, sea salt, canola oil, onion powder, chili pepper, spice, garlic powderNo bpa liner, USDA organic, vegetarian, non-gmo16 oz6 cans
Santa Fe Bean Instant Southwestern Refried Beans - Best Low FatHeat and servePinto beans, interesterified soybean oil, saltHigh Fiber, gluten-free, low fat7.25 oz6 pouches
Bearitos Organic Fat-Free Refried BeansHeat and serveWater, organic pinto beans, saltFat free, vegan, organic, non-gmo verified, no bpa lining16 oz12 cans
Santa Fe Bean Instant Fat Free Black Refried BeansHeat and serveBlack beans, saltBlack refried beans, all natural, high in fiber, protein, fat free, gluten-free7.25 oz8 pouches
Ortega Refried Beans TraditionalHeat and servePinto beans, water, salt, distilled vinegar, spices, onion powder, garlic powderRich in fiber, traditional flavor15 oz12 cans
Westbrae Natural Organic Black Beans - Best Low-SodiumFrom scratchOrganic black beans, waterOrganic, low sodium, no bpa lining, non-gmo15 oz12 cans
Santiago Smooth Refried Beans - Best With LardHeat and servePinto beans (dry), lard, saltNo preservatives, no artificial colors, flavors29.77 oz6 pouches
Rosarita No Fat Refried Beans with Green Chile and LimeHeat and serveCooked beans, water, salt, vinegar, jalapenos, chili, lime juice concentrate, pepper, spice, onion powder, garlic powder, natural flavorNo fat, bound in Fiber16 oz12 cans
Casa Corona Instant Mexican Style Refried BeansHeat and servePinto beans, interesterified soybean oil, saltLow in fat, cholesterol free3 lbs1 pouch
Ducal Refried Red BeansHeat and serveWater, red beans, blend vegetable oils (might contain soybean sunflower oil), salt, onion, garlicCholesterol free, good source of protein14.1 oz3 pouches
SunVista Organic Pinto Beans - Best From ScratchFrom scratchPinto beans, water, salt, sugar, calcium chloride, garlic powder, edta calcium, disodiumGreat for homemade refried beans, low fat15 oz12 cans

Top 15 Best Canned Refried Beans Reviews

Now, let’s move on to the most exciting part of this article – the detailed review of each product in the list of the top 15 best canned refried beans currently available.

Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans

(Best Heat and Serve)

Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans

You can’t go wrong with this traditional refried bean from Old El Paso. Add it to your favorite dishes, dips, or toppings for a Mexican style meal. The mild taste without any overpowering seasoning or flavor enables you to add extra taste to your recipes as you like.

The bean isn’t too runny; it has great consistency and texture. Wait no more to add these convenient yet nutritious beans to your daily meals.

Highlight Features

  • Mexican style
  • Ready to use as an added ingredient or as a side dish
  • No added sugar

Product Specifications

BrandOld El Paso
Net weight16 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 120g serving
Calories110
Total fat2.5g
CholesterolLess than 5mg
Sodium440mg
Carbohydrate16g
Protein6g

Pros

  • Neutral taste enables you to flavor your dish the way you prefer
  • Good consistency
  • A great low-cost option

Cons

  • None

Taco Bell Fat Free Refried Beans

(Best Budget)

Taco Bell Fat Free Refried Beans

The Taco’s fat free refried beans do contain soy products, so make sure you’re aware before purchasing in case you’re allergic to soy. This canned fried bean contains cooked pinto beans, water, and less than 2% of added salt, soybean oil, dried pink beans, soy lecithin, and natural flavors.

It comes in very thick, if you prefer the bean to be spreadable for dips or toppings, just add some water to the bean when you heat it up. The taste is rich, not too spicy, but you can still spice it up a bit more with other seasonings if you’d like to.

Highlight Features

  • Pinto beans
  • Low fat
  • Thick texture
  • Great taste

Product Specifications

BrandTaco Bell
Net weight16 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 130g serving
Calories130
Total fat1,5g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium580mg
Carbohydrate21g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Reasonable price, but tastes delicious
  • No excess water or oil in the can

Cons

  • Too much sodium per serving

Amy’s Organic Refried Beans

(Best Organic)

Amy's Organic Refried Beans

This great refried bean is suitable for any dietary choice as they’re gluten free and vegan. The beans used are also organic and non-GMO, picked carefully by the manufacturer. You can be assured to consume this safe and healthy product.

Add the bean to tacos, burritos for a Mexican taste, or enjoy it as a side dish, dip, or topping. These natural, delicious ingredients are nourishing for both your body and soul. Enjoy the exquisite taste with your family and friends. Feel free to add some salsa for extra spicy flavor if you want.

Highlight Features

  • Organic pinto beans
  • No GMOs
  • Low fat
  • Gluten free
  • Vegan
  • High in protein and fiber
  • No cholesterol

Product Specifications

BrandArmy’s Organic
Net weight15.4
Pack of12
Nutrition value per 130g serving
Calories140
Total fat3g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium390mg
Carbohydrate22g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Terrific flavor, never too salty or greasy
  • Organic product
  • Free of all toxic chemicals

Cons

  • None

Old El Paso Refried Spicy Beans

(Best Spicy)

Old El Paso Refried Spicy Beans

When you have only little time to cook, this canned refried bean is a great option. You can quickly heat it up in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Flavor it the way you like, and this delicious and nourishing bean is ready for adding to your favorite Mexican recipes or for thickening homemade sauce and soup.

Get it and try for yourself, the significant refried beans definitely makes the recipe outstanding and memorable for everyone who shares the taste.

Highlight Features

  • Fat free
  • Great spice

Product Specifications

BrandOld El Paso
Net weight16 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 121g serving
Calories90
Total fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium510mg
Carbohydrate16g
Protein5g

Pros

  • Great taste and consistency
  • It’s low fat
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • The bean is a bit too spicy

HEB Organics Refried Beans

HEB Organics Refried Beans

One can of refried bean form the HEB contains all organic products, including pinto beans, water, sea salt, canola oil, onion powder, garlic powder, chili pepper, and spice. All these high-quality ingredients make the bean very delicious and flavorful.

Open the can, heat the bean, and it’s ready to use. You can be creative with the refried beans when it comes to your favorite recipes. Add these flavorful and nutritious beans to your lasagna, soup, sauce, Mexican style dishes, and more.

Highlight Features

  • No BPA liner
  • USDA organic
  • Vegetarian
  • Non-GMOs

Product Specifications

BrandHEB organic
Net weight16 oz
Pack of6 cans
Nutrition value per 130g serving
Calories110
Total fat1.5g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium510mg
Carbohydrate19g
Protein6g

Pros

  • Suitable for vegetarians
  • Free of farming chemicals, organically grown beans
  • Great taste
  • BPA-free liner

Cons

  • Too salty

Santa Fe Bean Instant Southwestern Refried Beans

(Best Low Fat)

Santa Fe Bean Instant Southwestern Refried Beans

As a great narural source of fiber and protein for your body, you can bring this refried bean on your trips or serve it at home.

Not only the Santa Fe Bean’s bean provides great nutrition value, but it also tastes outstanding, and the consistency is just right for every recipe. If you prefer the bean to be less thick, add some water to it when you cook.

Add salsa, garlic powder, onion powder to the bean as you prefer. Apart from pinto beans, this refried bean also contains interesterified soybean oil and salt.

Highlight Features

  • Southwestern Style Refried Beans
  • High Fiber
  • Gluten-Free
  • Low Fat

Product Specifications

BrandSanta Fe Bean
Net weight7.25 oz
Pack of6 pouches
Nutrition value per 35g serving
Calories140
Total fat2g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium400mg
Carbohydrate21g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Very flavorful
  • Great consistency

Cons

  • Maybe way too salty for some of you

Bearitos Organic Fat-Free Refried Beans

Bearitos Organic Fat-Free Refried Beans

Being bound in natural fiber and protein, the versatile and convenient Bearitos refried bean has become a staple in many kitchens.

All-natural ingredients are packed in non-BPA liner, and there’s no added artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, you can be sure to use this refried bean every day without taking any risks on your health.

The bean’s ready to cook and serve out of the can, and it heats up quickly. It’s time to add the delicious and nourishing bean to your next memorable meals.

Highlight Features

  • Fat free
  • Vegan
  • Organic
  • Non-GMO verified
  • No BPA lining

Product Specifications

BrandBearitos
Net weight16 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 130g serving
Calories80
Total fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium360mg
Carbohydrate18g
Protein6g

Pros

  • Not too salty
  • Not pre-seasoned, you can flavor the bean as you like
  • Cook fast

Cons

  • Some dented cans

Santa Fe Bean Instant Fat Free Black Refried Beans

Santa Fe Bean Instant Fat Free Black Refried Beans

Refried bean is a great source of delicious plant protein, which creates a balance in your diet plan. This Santa Fe’s refried black bean’s also bound in fiber, and it has no fat at all.

Add water when you cook the bean to the desired consistency and add it to your favorite burritos, tacos, and enchiladas.

Also, feel free to flavor and season the bean as you like to make it a yummy go-to ingredient anytime you cook.

Highlight Features

  • Black Refried Beans
  • All Natural
  • High in fiber, protein
  • Fat Free
  • Gluten-Free

Product Specifications

BrandSanta Fe Bean
Net weight7.25 oz
Pack of8 pouches
Nutrition value per 35g serving
Calories116
Total fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium340mg
Carbohydrate22g
Protein8g

Pros

  • The black bean has great texture
  • No added seasoning, freedom to flavor your own dishes

Cons

  • None

Ortega Refried Beans Traditional

Ortega Refried Beans Traditional

Ortega refried beans brings traditional Mexican style meals to everyone. Roll them in tortillas to make delicious bean tacos, add them to your favorite lasagnas, or top them with cheese to serve as yummy dips.

Just 1 can of refried beans, yet many exciting options to go for. Moreover, those beans are an excellent healthy source of fiber and protein for your daily needs.

And, it only takes less than 10 minutes to heat and serve flavorful refried beans; eating healthy is now no longer a hard thing to do in your busy daily life.

Packed in small and portable cans, Ortega’s refried beans are perfect for bringing with you on your next adventure or camping trip.

Highlight Features

  • Rich in Fiber
  • Traditional flavor

Product Specifications

BrandOrtega
Net weight16 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 131g serving
Calories130
Total fat2.5g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium560mg
Carbohydrate21g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Great consistency, able to spread a thin layer on other ingredients

Cons

  • High sodium

Westbrae Natural Organic Black Beans

(Best Low-Sodium)

Westbrae Natural Organic Black Beans

If you need to lower your sodium intake, this’s a perfect match for you. The beans only contain 125mg of sodium per serving, so you can still enjoy delicious refried black beans while keeping the sodium in check.

These organic whole black beans are ready to heat and serve out of the box. Fry and smash them up with oil, onion, garlic, spice, water, in a pan to make great refried black beans. Easy to heat and only takes a few minutes, the yummy Westbrae refried bean is a snap to add to other recipes or serve as a side dish.

Highlight Features

  • Low in sodium
  • Low fat
  • Organic
  • Non-gmo
  • Bpa-free lining

Product Specifications

BrandWestbrae
Net weight15 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per serving
Calories110
Total fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium125mg
Carbohydrate20g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Great organic black beans taste like freshly cooked
  • Very low in sodium

Cons

  • None

Santiago Smooth Refried Beans

(Best With Lard)

Santiago Smooth Refried Beans

The traditional refried beans recipe brings an authentic taste to all dishes. The recipe of this dried refried bean contains nothing artificial, only dry pinto beans, lard, and salt.

Prepping the bean is easy breezy, you can heat them in a pan while adding water slowly until you get the desired consistency. Stir evenly to make sure the beans blend well with water and other flavors. Onion and garlic powder are some very basic yet great ingredients to flavor your delicious refried beans.

A serving of 130g has 8g protein, and 8g dietary fiber which is 32% of a 2000-calorie diet. What a great source of healthy plant-based protein and fiber.

Highlight Features

  • No preservatives
  • No artificial colors, flavors

Product Specifications

BrandSantiago
Net weight29.77 oz
Pack of6 pouches
Nutrition value per 35g (dry) serving
Calories170
Total fat4.5g
Cholesterol2mg
Sodium550mg
Carbohydrate24g
Protein8g

Pros

  • Contains no artificial colors or flavor
  • Bound in plant-based protein and fiber

Cons

  • High in sodium

Rosarita No Fat Refried Beans with Green Chile and Lime

Rosarita No Fat Refried Beans with Green Chile and Lime

Opt for this no trans-fat and no sugar refried beans for a healthier meal or snack.

Delicious pinto beans taste like freshly cooked blends well with green chili and lime juice for a unique taste. The perfect balance of added flavor makes the Rosarita beans taste like restaurant refried beans, making the product worth trying.

Convenient can packaging makes the beans handy to heat and serve any time at home or as camping rations on your next trip. Packed with protein and fiber, those beans are a great source of energy and nutrition for your body.

Highlight Features

  • No fat
  • Flavor with chili and lime juice

Product Specifications

BrandRosarita
Net weight16 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 128g serving
Calories100
Total fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium580mg
Carbohydrate18g
Protein6g

Pros

  • Great flavor and consistency
  • No trans fat

Cons

  • High in sodium

Casa Corona Instant Mexican Style Refried Beans

Casa Corona Instant Mexican Style Refried Beans

Dry refried beans always offer rich flavor, and you can prepare to achieve your desired paste texture. Get the Casa Corona refried bean to experience authentic Mexican meals right in the comfort of your kitchen.

The beans are low-fat, free of cholesterol, making them a healthy yet yummy for tacos, fajitas, rice, or as dips for your beloved chips and snacks.

To prepare these dried refried beans for any dishes, boil beans and water (in 1:1 ratio) in a covered pan, occasionally stir to avoid sticking and simmer the content for 6-8 minutes. After that, the beans are ready for serving.

Remember to seal the bag and store it in a dry and dark place to preserve the unused beans.

Highlight Features

  • Low in fat
  • Cholesterol free

Product Specifications

BrandCasa Corona
Net weight3lbs
Pack of1 pouch
Nutrition value per 35g (dry) serving
Calories140
Total fat2g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium400mg
Carbohydrate21g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Convenient to prepare
  • Very flavorful

Cons

  • None

Ducal Refried Red Beans

Ducal Refried Red Beans

Take a break from pinto and black beans and try these refried red beans from Ducal. Easy and convenient to heat and serve, these refried red beans offer an authentic traditional Latin cuisine taste.

The beans come pre-seasoned, ready to heat and serve right out of the convenient pouch. Add them to your memorable dishes or dip your favorite chips in them – the yummy buttery red beans and enjoy.

Anybody with any cooking background can prepare delicious Ducal refried beans with ease. Heat them up on the stovetop or microwave them, just remember to add water to maintain the moisture of the beans.

Highlight Features

  • Cholesterol free

Product Specifications

BrandDucal
Net weight14.1 oz
Pack of3 pouches
Nutrition value per 130g serving
Calories200
Total fat10g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium410mg
Carbohydrate20g
Protein7g

Pros

  • Great red beans flavor, smooth texture

Cons

  • High in fat compared to other refried beans

SunVista Organic Pinto Beans

(Best From Scratch)

SunVista Organic Pinto Beans

I highly recommend you try these organic beans out and make your own refried beans.

These delicious whole pinto beans come pre-seasoned, so they’re ready to heat and serve. You can use these whole beans to make refried beans to add to your favorite recipes.

Making refried beans from whole canned beans is very simple, and you’ll be able to adjust the consistency as you prefer. Do as these steps to make yummy refried beans from Sunvista’s organic whole beans.

Step 1: Heat oil in a pan (add some more garlic, onion, chili if you want)
Step 2: Add the beans and fry them
Step 3: Smash the beans, add water until the content gets to desired consistency

Even the pinto beans are pre-seasoned, you can still flavor them more if you’d like to. Wait no more to make your first batch of refried beans. Good luck with it!

Highlight Features

  • Great for homemade refried beans
  • Low fat

Product Specifications

BrandSunvista
Net weight15 oz
Pack of12 cans
Nutrition value per 130g serving
Calories120
Total fat1g
Cholesterol0mg
Sodium530mg
Carbohydrate22g
Protein6g

Pros

  • Beans are flavorful and buttery
  • Simple and quick to make refried beans

Cons

  • High sodium

Best Canned Refried Beans Buying Guides for

You should pick a product that aligns with your dietary choice, personal preference, and cooking needs. There’re some factors you should consider before shopping for the best canned refried beans.

Types of Refried Beans

  • Heat and Serve

This is the most convenient choice for you. It doesn’t take much time to open the can, heat the beans on the stove or in the microwave. In less than 10 minutes, yummy refried bean’s ready to serve.

  • From Scratch

This is a great way to prepare the refried bean up to your own standard. For this option, you opt for cans of pinto beans or black beans then make your own refried beans with the personal flavor and consistency preferences. You need more time to make refried beans from scratch. But I’m sure the result’s worth your time and effort.

Diet

If your doctor advices you to stay low on sodium, make sure the sodium in each serving of the refried bean you’re going to buy isn’t too much so that the delicious bean can fit in your meal plan for the day.

And, there’re also no fat or low fat options if you prefer to cut down on your fat intake. Check each product carefully before buying so that you end up with the right product you want

If you’re a vegan, opt for vegan-friendly refried beans that contain no animal product. There’re many options for you. Here’s a great one – the Bearitos Organic Fat-Free Refried Beans.

Moreover, for a low-sodium diet, opt for the Westbrae Natural Organic Black Beans. They contain only 125mg of sodium per serving, much lower than other brands.

Finally, gluten-free refried beans are also available for those who follow the gluten-free diet.

Food Allergies

This’s also an important thing to keep in mind so that you can enjoy the yummy refried bean worry-free. Have a look at the ingredients of each product in order to spot any added ingredients you’re allergic to.

Added Flavors and Seasonings

By checking the product’s ingredients, you’re able to know if the bean is pre-seasoned or not. If you prefer to flavor your dishes as you prefer, it’s best to opt for refried beans with little to no added flavors or seasonings.

FAQs

If, after reading the earlier content and you still have questions about refried beans or any other terms such as non-GMO or organic, you can find out more about these kinds of stuff here.

What can I add to refried beans for flavor?

If you want to flavor the refried beans yourself, but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry too much. There’re many ways in which you can add extra flavor to your yummy beans.

For an easy and quick option, add some garlic and onion powder. You can’t go wrong with these basic options. Moreover, the beans go well with several herbs like parsley, rosemary, sage, savory, and thyme.

For extra spice, you can add salsa, chilies to the refried beans. And, it’s also a great idea to leave some cheese on top of the refried beans to make yummy dips.

How can I heat the refried bean on the stovetop?

Heating refried beans on the stovetop is very simple, and you can adjust the thickness of the bean as you like by adding water. Just do the following steps.

Step 1: In a pot, prepare beans, flavors, and water to prevent the beans from drying

Step 2: Put the prepared pot on the stove, medium heat

Step 3: Stir the mixture consistently to prevent sticking, heat for 4-6 minutes

Can you microwave refried beans?

Yes, refried beans are microwavable.

Just pour the beans and some flavors to a microwave-safe bowl with a lid on. Add a bit of water to the bean so that it won’t dry out. Heat at high temperature for about 2 minutes, then stir the mixture and you can add more water to get the desired consistency. Finally, microwave it again for another 2 minutes. All done, very quick and easy to do even you’re in a rush.

What is non-GMO?

GMO means genetically modified organisms. The main aim of the non-GMO project is to prevent the use of genetically modified food. Many scientists claim GMO involves many health and environmental risks.

If your refried bean’s labeled non-GMO, it means that the food you’re consuming is breed according to the traditional methods instead of going through genetic alteration processes in the laboratory.

What's good about organic beans and ingredients?

Organic beans and ingredients are free of fertilizer and pesticides.

Research has shown that organic food is more abundant in natural vitamins and antioxidants as a result of the plants’ mechanism to cope with pests and weeds naturally.

However, organic food is more expensive. It’s up to you to go organic or not. But beans are always bound in vitamins and minerals, so they’re good for your health, either organic or not.

My Top Pick

Now, you just discovered the 15 best canned refried beans, time to make up your mind on which beans you’re getting. Consider all these different options available and see what beans are suitable for your taste, dietary choice, and cooking style.

I recommend these versatile dried refried beans from Santiago brand – the Santiago Smooth Refried Beans. There’s no added artificial ingredients in the product, the beans taste like they do in restaurants, and you have the freedom to add spice, herbs to the refried beans as you like.

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2 Comments

    1. Dear Mark,

      First of all thanks for contacting me.

      Yes, I tried the brand you mention. To tell you the truth, I think it is a little difficult to find. However, they are tasty, especially the black bean version.

      Love,
      Amanda