Do Dried Beans Have a Lot of Pesticides?

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 72% of dried bean samples tested had no detectable pesticide residues, according to a 2020 report from the European Food Safety Authority. However, glyphosate and other pesticides are sometimes used on conventional beans, which raises concern.

Quick Summary

Conventional dried beans may contain pesticides, particularly glyphosate. Organic varieties have lower levels. Washing, soaking, and cooking beans can help minimize pesticide exposure. This information aims to educate consumers.

Key Points

Conventional vs. Organic: Conventional dried beans are more likely to contain pesticide residues, while organic beans have significantly lower levels due to farming practices.
Glyphosate Concern: Glyphosate is sometimes used on conventional beans as a drying agent before harvest, contributing to residue levels found in some consumer tests.
Not All Beans Are Equal: Many conventional samples still fall within legal limits set by regulatory bodies, though some beans can contain multiple pesticides.
Effective Preparation: Washing, soaking, and parboiling dried beans can significantly reduce surface-level pesticide residues.
Know Your Source: The EWG and similar sources offer guidance on produce with higher pesticide loads.
Discard Soaking and Boiling Water: This removes any contaminants or residues.

Understanding Pesticide Use in Conventional and Organic Bean Farming

Pesticides are utilized to protect crops from insects, weeds, and diseases in modern conventional agriculture. Glyphosate is a common herbicide used on legumes, including conventional dried beans. It is often sprayed as a desiccant shortly before harvest. This practice can lead to higher residue levels in the final product compared to other methods.

Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides. Organic dried beans are a safer option for those wanting to avoid pesticide exposure. Data shows a significant difference in residue detection between conventional and organic crops, with organic produce having far lower rates of quantifiable residue.

Potential Pesticide Concerns in Beans

Research has specifically highlighted glyphosate and other chemicals found in conventional beans. Testing by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the EWG detected glyphosate in many conventional bean samples. In contrast, organic alternatives contained little to no detectable glyphosate. Other studies have found organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid pesticides in conventional bean samples, with some levels exceeding legal limits or acceptable daily intake levels. The presence of these residues raises potential health risk concerns, especially with long-term consumption.

The Role of Washing and Cooking in Reducing Pesticide Exposure

Simple kitchen preparation methods can reduce pesticide residues on dried beans. Washing is the first line of defense for surface-level pesticides. Boiling and other cooking methods can be even more effective due to thermal decomposition.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Reducing Pesticides on Dried Beans

Sorting and Rinsing: Sort through the dried beans, removing debris. Rinse them under running water.
Soaking: Soak the beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. This softens the beans and helps release compounds that contribute to gas. Discard the soaking water and rinse the beans thoroughly again. A baking soda bath (1 tbsp per quart of water) during the soak can help remove residues.
Boiling and Draining: Bring the rinsed beans to a boil for at least 10 minutes, then drain and discard this water. This removes surface residues and deactivates certain natural toxins.
Final Cooking: After the initial boil and rinse, cook the beans as desired, in fresh water, until tender. This multi-stage process maximizes the removal of unwanted residues.

Comparison of Conventional vs. Organic Dried Beans


Feature	Conventional Dried Beans	Organic Dried Beans
Pesticide Use	Uses synthetic pesticides, including glyphosate.	Prohibits synthetic pesticides, using natural pest management.
Residue Levels	May contain detectable pesticide residues, though often within legal limits.	Has a lower chance of containing detectable pesticide residues.
Cost	Generally more affordable and widely available in stores.	Typically higher priced due to stricter farming standards and certification.
Health Considerations	Higher exposure may be a concern for some, due to potential long-term effects.	Reduced risk of exposure to synthetic pesticide residues for consumers.
Farming Impact	Can contribute to environmental issues like soil and water contamination.	Promotes healthier soil, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.

Conclusion

The presence of pesticides in dried beans depends on whether the beans are conventionally or organically grown. Conventionally farmed beans are more likely to contain pesticide residues, including glyphosate, particularly if they are dried using chemical desiccants. For those who want to reduce their exposure to synthetic pesticides, buying certified organic dried beans is the most effective choice. Proper kitchen preparation, including washing, soaking, and the 'parboil and drain' method, can further reduce any remaining residues. Consuming dried beans, whether conventional or organic, remains a healthy dietary choice, and taking simple steps can provide added peace of mind.

Here is a helpful resource on pesticide residues in food from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

How to Choose the Right Beans for You

When purchasing beans, consider priorities. If minimizing pesticide exposure is the top concern, organic is best. For conventional beans, washing and the quick-boil method offer risk reduction. Dried beans are a healthful food, and you can control pesticide exposure by making informed choices at the grocery store and in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic beans are grown without synthetic pesticides, while conventional beans are typically treated with them. This results in lower pesticide residue levels in organic beans.

Yes, soaking beans helps remove some surface-level pesticides. It is a recommended step. Discard the soaking water and rinse the beans thoroughly.

Boiling is effective for removing or destroying many pesticides. A short boil followed by draining the water is a recommended step to reduce residues.

Some conventional beans have tested positive for glyphosate, but the levels are often within legal limits. Choosing organic beans is the most effective strategy to avoid it.

No. Many dried beans, particularly organic ones, have little to no pesticide residue. The presence and level of pesticides vary based on the farming method.

Not necessarily. Both conventional canned and dried beans can originate from crops treated with pesticides. The canning process may reduce some residues due to heat treatment, but it doesn't guarantee a pesticide-free product unless labeled organic.

To minimize pesticide exposure, consider purchasing organic beans. For both conventional and organic beans, proper preparation including rinsing, soaking, and boiling can further reduce any potential residues.