Key findings
- 1Plain canned beans are among the least processed canned foods
- 2In our analysis, canned beans average a Processing Score of 3.7, which is Level 2
- 3Canning is pressure cooking and sealing, a preservation method dating to the 1800s
- 4Baked beans add brown sugar, mustard, and multiple flavorings, making them far more processed
Why is Canned Beans Level 2 on average?
Canned beans are one of the simplest canned foods. Dried beans are sorted, soaked, packed in water with salt, and pressure-cooked in the sealed can. Some brands add calcium chloride (firming agent) or disodium EDTA (color preservative), minor additives that slightly increase processing. Flavored varieties (chili beans, baked beans) add significantly more ingredients.
How 3,046 canned beans products break down
Share of products at each processing level, in our analysis.
Canned Beans brand comparison
From least to most processed in our database.
How to read a canned beans label
- 1
Best labels list only: beans, water, salt; 3 ingredients
- 2
Calcium chloride is a firming agent; minor but indicates some processing
- 3
Rinsing canned beans reduces sodium by 40%
- 4
Baked beans and chili beans have added sugar and tomato sauce, and are more processed
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Frequently asked questions
Are canned beans as healthy as dried beans?
Nutritionally, canned and dried beans are nearly identical. Canned beans are slightly higher in sodium (which rinsing reduces by 40%). From a processing standpoint, both are simple, with little or nothing added to the beans.
Are baked beans ultra-processed?
Flavored baked beans are far more processed than plain canned beans, with added sugars, modified food starch, and various flavorings. In our analysis, canned beans average a Processing Score of 3.7, which is Level 2.