Is Canned Beans Ultra Processed?
Not Typically Ultra-Processed
Canned beans are Level 2 — moderately processed. Simple versions contain just beans, water, and salt. The canning process (cooking and pressure sealing) is a preservation method, not industrial ultra-processing.
Key Findings
- •Plain canned beans are among the least processed canned foods at Level 2
- •Canning is pressure cooking and sealing — a preservation method dating to the 1800s
- •Baked beans (Bush's etc.) add brown sugar, mustard, and multiple flavorings — Level 3-4
Why Is Canned Beans Level 2?
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.
Canned Beans Processing Level Distribution
How 1,000 canned beans products break down by processing level:
Average ingredient count: 13.1 · Average nutrition score: 7.4/10
Canned Beans Brand Comparison
Comparing the least to most processed canned beans products in our database:
| Product | Brand | Level | Score | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beans | Best Choice | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Kidney Beans, Light Red | Best Choice | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Triple Cleaned Pinto Beans | Montecito | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Pinto Beans | Best Choice | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Bob's Red Mill, Red Kidney Beans | Bob's Red Mill | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Pinto Beans | Best Choice | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Triple Cleaned Pinto Beans | Peak | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Black Beans, Black | Signature Select | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Pinto Beans | Best Choice | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
| Light Red Kidney Beans | Raley's | Processing Level: 1 out of 4 - Minimally Processed | 1.0 | 1 |
How to Read Canned Beans Labels
- 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 — Level 3
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 Level 1-2.
Are baked beans ultra-processed?
Flavored baked beans (Bush's, Heinz) are Level 3-4 with added sugars, modified food starch, and various flavorings. Plain canned beans are Level 2.