Are Beans Considered Processed Food? A Comprehensive Guide

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the widely used NOVA food classification system, the answer to whether beans are considered processed food depends entirely on their preparation. While dried beans are minimally processed, other forms, such as canned and baked, undergo varying levels of alteration. This means that how a bean is prepared, not just the bean itself, determines its processed status.

Quick Summary

The level of processing in beans varies significantly by type, with dried beans being minimally processed and products like canned or baked beans falling into processed or ultra-processed categories due to added ingredients and preparation methods.

Key Points

Processing is a Spectrum: The level of processing for beans varies greatly, from minimally processed dried beans to ultra-processed canned baked beans.
Dried Beans are Minimally Processed: Dried beans are considered unprocessed or minimally processed, with drying being a preservation technique that does not add unhealthy ingredients.
Canned Beans are Processed, But Can Be Healthy: Canned beans are processed with heat and often salt, but they are still nutritious. Rinsing them can reduce sodium significantly.
Baked Beans are Ultra-Processed: Store-bought baked beans are typically ultra-processed due to the addition of significant amounts of sugar, salt, and other additives.
Read Labels to Assess Processing: To choose healthier bean options, check the ingredient list for added salt, sugar, and other unfamiliar additives.
Beans Offer Great Nutritional Value: All forms of beans provide valuable fiber, protein, and minerals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Understanding the Levels of Food Processing

To determine if beans are processed food, it is essential to understand the different levels of food processing, as defined by systems like the NOVA classification. This framework helps differentiate between slight alterations and significant industrial manufacturing.

Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods

This category includes foods that are in their natural or near-natural state. For beans, this means fresh beans or dried beans that have only been dried to extend their shelf life. Drying, roasting, freezing, or pasteurization are considered minimal processing, often for safety and preservation, and do not compromise the food's nutritional integrity.

Examples: Fresh beans, dried beans, frozen vegetables, pasteurized milk.

Processed Culinary Ingredients and Processed Foods

Processed culinary ingredients include things extracted from foods, such as oils, fats, sugar, and salt. When these ingredients are added to minimally processed foods, the result is a 'processed food.' Many canned beans fall into this category because they are cooked and combined with added salt or brine for preservation. While processed, these products can still be nutritious.

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)

Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations containing little to no whole foods. They are made with substances extracted from foods, along with additives like flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and preservatives. Products like canned baked beans, which often contain added sugars, flavorings, and modified starches, are typically classified as UPF. These foods are often linked to lower nutritional quality and higher caloric density.

Are Dried Beans Processed Food?

Dried beans, such as kidney, pinto, or black beans, are considered minimally processed food. The process of drying is a traditional preservation method that removes water, making them shelf-stable for long periods. This minimal processing does not involve adding extra ingredients like salt, sugar, or preservatives, allowing them to retain their full nutritional value. Rehydrating and cooking dried beans from scratch is one of the least processed ways to consume them.

Are Canned Beans Processed?

Yes, canned beans are considered processed food, but not necessarily unhealthy. The canning process involves cooking the beans and sealing them in a can with liquid, often including salt, to preserve them through heat treatment. The nutritional profile is comparable to dried beans, but the sodium content can be significantly higher. However, it is possible to buy low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans. Rinsing regular canned beans before use can also reduce their sodium content.

Are Baked Beans Ultra-Processed?

Baked beans, particularly the popular varieties sold in cans, are generally considered ultra-processed food. These products contain a range of ingredients beyond the beans themselves, such as added sugars, high fructose corn syrup, modified cornflour, and flavorings. While they still offer fiber and protein, the addition of these ingredients classifies them as UPF. It is their formulation and additives, not just the canning, that places them in this category.

The Nutritional Value of Beans

Regardless of their processing level, beans are packed with nutrients. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, folate, iron, and potassium. Beans have a low glycemic index and are rich in antioxidants, contributing to lower cholesterol and reduced risk of heart disease. These benefits are present even in minimally processed and moderately processed forms like canned beans. The main nutritional trade-off with more processed versions is the increased sodium and sugar content.

Comparison of Processing Levels: Dried vs. Canned vs. Baked Beans


Feature	Dried Beans	Canned Beans	Canned Baked Beans
Processing Level	Minimally Processed	Processed	Ultra-Processed
Preparation Method	Dehydration for preservation	Cooking, heat treatment, brining	Cooked with sauces, sugar, and additives
Added Ingredients	None	Salt, brine, preservatives	Sugar, high fructose corn syrup, flavorings, modified starch
Sodium Content	Low (if prepared without salt)	Moderate to High (can be reduced by rinsing)	High
Nutritional Density	High, intact nutrients	High, nutrients comparable to fresh	Variable, often high in sugar and salt
Convenience	Low (requires soaking and cooking)	High (pre-cooked and ready-to-use)	Very High (heat and serve)

How to Choose Healthier Bean Options

To navigate the world of processed beans, here are some tips for making healthier choices:

Prioritize minimally processed: Opt for dried beans whenever possible. They are the most nutrient-dense and versatile option, though they require more prep time.
Read ingredient labels: For canned beans, choose products with minimal ingredients, ideally just beans, water, and perhaps a small amount of salt. A short ingredient list is usually a good sign.
Rinse canned beans: To significantly reduce the sodium content, drain the liquid from canned beans and rinse them thoroughly with water.
Limit ultra-processed varieties: Consume ultra-processed options like baked beans in moderation, as they tend to be higher in sugar and salt. Consider making your own baked beans from scratch to control the ingredients.
Use frozen beans: Frozen beans are another minimally processed option that is convenient and preserves nutrients effectively.

Conclusion: Are Beans Processed Food?

The term 'processed food' exists on a spectrum, and the answer to whether beans fall into this category depends entirely on how they are prepared. Dried beans are minimally processed, retaining their full nutritional profile, while canned beans are classified as processed due to the addition of salt and heat treatment. Ultra-processed baked beans contain numerous added ingredients and should be consumed in smaller amounts. By understanding these distinctions and reading product labels, you can confidently include beans in a healthy diet, whether you choose a dried, canned, or homemade variety. The key is to prioritize minimally processed options and be mindful of added ingredients in more heavily processed products.

For more information on nutrition guidelines, consult reputable health organizations like the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all processed food is bad. The term refers to any food altered from its natural state. This includes beneficial actions like freezing and pasteurization. The key is distinguishing between minimally and ultra-processed foods.

Yes, canned black beans are considered processed food. They are cooked and canned with a liquid, often including salt. However, most canned varieties fall into the less heavily processed category and retain significant nutritional value.

To reduce the sodium in canned beans, simply drain the liquid they are packed in and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water before cooking or serving.

Frozen beans are considered minimally processed. They are typically flash-frozen shortly after harvest, which locks in their nutrients and preserves them without adding salt or sugar.

The NOVA system is a framework used by nutrition researchers to categorize foods into four groups based on the type and extent of processing they undergo, from unprocessed to ultra-processed.

Both can be part of a healthy diet. Dried beans are the least processed and most cost-effective but require more preparation. Canned beans are more convenient but may contain added salt, which can be mitigated by rinsing.

Baked beans are classified as ultra-processed because of the industrial formulation that includes multiple additives. These typically involve added sugars, modified starches, and preservatives that go beyond simple salt and liquid.

No, studies show that canned beans offer a comparable nutritional profile to their fresh or dried counterparts. The primary difference is the potential for higher sodium content, which can be managed by rinsing.