How many calories are in Mexican refried beans?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the USDA, a standard one-cup serving of restaurant-style Mexican refried beans contains approximately 231 calories, although this can vary significantly based on ingredients. While the name 'refried' suggests high fat, the dish is generally pan-fried once, and its calorie count is influenced more by added fats and other ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of refried beans is highly variable and depends on how they are prepared, with restaurant versions often higher due to added fats, while fat-free canned options are the lowest. Factors like added lard, cheese, and oil all impact the final nutritional values. Portion control and ingredient choices are key to managing calorie and sodium intake.

Key Points

Restaurant vs. Canned: Restaurant-style refried beans often contain more calories due to being cooked with lard, while fat-free canned versions are typically the lowest in calories.
Ingredient Impact: The addition of toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado significantly increases the total calorie and fat content.
Fat and Sodium: Traditional refried beans can be high in saturated fat and sodium, which can impact heart health, but vegetarian and low-sodium options are widely available.
Nutrient-Dense: Despite caloric variations, refried beans remain an excellent source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, iron, and magnesium.
Control Your Diet: Preparing refried beans at home gives you complete control over ingredients, allowing for healthier fat and sodium choices.
Weight Management: The high fiber and protein content can help with weight loss by promoting satiety and keeping you full for longer.

Calorie Breakdown by Preparation Method

The calorie content of Mexican refried beans is not a fixed number; it is heavily influenced by how the beans are prepared and what ingredients are used. This section breaks down the typical calorie counts for different versions of this popular dish.

Restaurant-Style Refried Beans

A one-cup serving of refried beans from a Mexican restaurant typically contains around 231 calories. However, the exact number can fluctuate greatly. Many restaurants traditionally use lard—pork fat—which increases the total fat and calorie count significantly. The addition of cheese, sour cream, or other toppings can further increase the caloric intake. Some restaurant chains might offer healthier, vegetarian options, so it is always wise to check nutritional information if available.

Canned Refried Beans

Canned refried beans offer a wide range of nutritional profiles. A standard one-cup serving of traditional, canned refried beans contains approximately 237 calories and 3.2 grams of fat. However, consumers seeking lower-calorie or vegetarian options have alternatives:

Fat-Free Canned Refried Beans: A one-cup serving contains only about 182 calories and is much lower in fat.
Vegetarian Canned Refried Beans: A full can (399 calories) or one cup (369 calories) can have moderate calories and significantly less saturated fat, as plant-based oil is used instead of lard.

Homemade Refried Beans

Cooking refried beans at home provides the most control over the nutritional content. By swapping traditional ingredients, you can drastically reduce the fat and sodium. For instance, using a small amount of olive or canola oil instead of lard can lower the saturated fat. A homemade, healthier recipe can result in a calorie count closer to 148 per half-cup serving. Including extra vegetables and minimal salt can boost flavor without adding calories.

Impact of Added Toppings and Ingredients

Beyond the base recipe, additional ingredients can significantly alter the calorie content of your refried beans. A cup of refried beans with cheese can have up to 400 calories. Meanwhile, adding a large dollop of sour cream or avocado will also raise the total. For a heart-healthy approach, consider low-fat cheese or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro as a garnish instead.

Refried Beans Comparison Table


Preparation Type	Approximate 1-Cup Calories	Total Fat (Approximate)	Saturated Fat (Approximate)	Sodium (Approximate)
Restaurant-Style (with lard)	231	10g	3g	556mg
Canned (Traditional)	237	3.2g	1.2g	753mg
Canned (Fat-Free)	182	<1g	<1g	Varies (often low-sodium)
Homemade (Olive Oil)	214	~5g	<1g	Varies (controlled)
With Cheese	400	17g	6g	756mg

The Health Profile of Refried Beans

Refried beans, when prepared healthily, are more than just a caloric dish; they are packed with beneficial nutrients. They are a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help with weight management by promoting satiety. The fiber also acts as a prebiotic, supporting healthy gut bacteria. Furthermore, beans contain important minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium, which support heart health and blood pressure regulation. However, the health value largely depends on preparation. The high sodium content in many canned and restaurant versions can be a significant drawback, contributing to high blood pressure. Limiting added salt is a major factor in making refried beans a healthy part of your diet. More information on making healthier choices can be found here.

Conclusion

The number of calories in Mexican refried beans is not a straightforward figure, but rather a spectrum based on preparation and ingredients. From the higher-calorie, fat-laden versions found in some restaurants to the lower-calorie, fat-free canned varieties, consumers have a range of options. By understanding the factors that influence the calorie count—primarily the type of fat and added toppings—you can make informed dietary choices. Whether cooking at home with heart-healthy oils or opting for low-sodium canned products, it is possible to enjoy refried beans while managing your caloric and sodium intake. Focusing on balanced ingredients ensures you benefit from the protein, fiber, and minerals this versatile bean dish provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, despite the name, refried beans are not fried twice. The word "refritos" in Spanish, which means 'well-fried,' is often mistranslated. The beans are cooked once, mashed, and then pan-fried.

The calorie difference can be significant. A one-cup serving of traditional canned refried beans may contain around 237 calories, while a fat-free canned version has approximately 182 calories per cup, a difference of about 55 calories.

Vegetarian refried beans are often a healthier choice as they replace lard with a plant-based oil, which significantly reduces the saturated fat content. However, it's still important to check the sodium levels.

Canned refried beans can be high in sodium, with some traditional versions containing over 700mg per serving. This is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit, so opting for low-sodium or reduced-sodium varieties is advisable.

Yes, regardless of preparation, refried beans are a good source of fiber, protein, and minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. These nutrients contribute to digestive health, satiety, and heart function.

Yes, refried beans can be part of a weight-loss diet, especially if you choose low-calorie, fat-free versions. Their high fiber and protein content can help you feel full, preventing overeating. Portion control and mindful toppings are key.

To reduce calories, use heart-healthy oils like olive oil instead of lard. You can also minimize added salt, use water or vegetable broth for mashing, and mix in extra vegetables for added volume and nutrients without extra calories.