Is There Meat in Refried Beans? A Detailed Guide

December 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to numerous food experts, authentic refried bean recipes are often not vegetarian, primarily due to the use of lard for frying. The question, 'Is there meat in refried beans?' is common, especially for those with dietary restrictions, and the answer is not always straightforward. Consumers and diners must be diligent in checking ingredients and asking questions to ensure their dish is truly meat-free.

Quick Summary

Authentic refried beans are frequently prepared with pork lard, making them unsuitable for vegetarians. However, many canned products and restaurant versions now use vegetable oil instead. The key to identifying meat-free refried beans lies in checking labels for 'vegetarian' or specific ingredients, or directly asking the restaurant staff about their cooking fats.

Key Points

Traditional recipes use lard: Many authentic Mexican restaurants and recipes use pork lard (manteca) to cook refried beans, making them non-vegetarian.
Labels are crucial: Canned refried beans often come in both vegetarian and lard-based versions, so checking the label for a 'vegetarian' claim is the most reliable way to confirm.
Ask at restaurants: If you're dining out, always ask the server if the refried beans contain lard or are made with vegetable oil.
Modern versions use oil: Due to consumer demand, many commercial and restaurant refried beans are now made with vegetable oils like canola or sunflower oil.
Other meat ingredients exist: Some preparations may include additional meat products like chorizo or bacon for extra flavor.
Homemade is guaranteed: The safest way to ensure your refried beans are meat-free is to make them yourself from scratch, which is a simple process.

The Traditional Preparation: The Role of Lard

Historically and in many traditional preparations, refried beans, or frijoles refritos, are cooked with lard (manteca), which is rendered pork fat. This ingredient is prized in traditional Mexican cooking for the rich, savory flavor and creamy texture it imparts to the mashed beans. For centuries, lard was a staple cooking fat, and its use in refried beans is a deeply rooted part of many regional Mexican culinary traditions. This is the primary reason why the blanket assumption that all refried beans are vegetarian is incorrect.

Where You'll Find Lard in Refried Beans

Authentic Mexican Restaurants: Many restaurants aiming for traditional, authentic flavor profiles still use lard. This is especially true for smaller, family-run establishments where traditional methods are passed down. It's always best to ask the staff specifically about the type of fat they use to cook their beans.
Homemade Recipes: Traditionalists making refried beans from scratch often choose lard for its superior flavor. Homemade recipes often prioritize taste over modern dietary concerns. Recipes found online or in older cookbooks will frequently call for lard.
Canned Varieties: While more common in the past, some canned refried beans still use lard. It is crucial to read the ingredients list. Lard will be explicitly named, or sometimes listed as 'animal fat'.

The Shift to Vegetarian and Vegan Options

In recent decades, driven by increasing demand from health-conscious consumers, vegetarians, and vegans, the food industry has adapted. Many companies and restaurants now produce refried beans using vegetable-based fats instead of lard. This shift has made it much easier for people to find meat-free options, but it requires careful attention to product labeling.

How to Identify Meat-Free Refried Beans

Look for 'Vegetarian' or 'Vegan' Labels: This is the most reliable method. Manufacturers explicitly state if their product is vegetarian-friendly, often highlighting it on the front of the label. These products will typically use vegetable oil or canola oil.
Check the Ingredients List: If no clear label is present, read the ingredients list. The presence of 'lard,' 'animal fat,' or 'pork' confirms it is not vegetarian. Look for ingredients like 'vegetable oil,' 'canola oil,' or 'sunflower oil' for a plant-based option.
Ask When Dining Out: At restaurants, politely ask the server if the refried beans contain lard or are cooked with any animal products. Many establishments are prepared for this question and can provide a definitive answer or offer a vegetarian alternative.

Common Add-ins That Add Meat

Beyond lard, some refried bean preparations might include other meat products. This is less common in standard restaurant or canned versions but can be found in specialty recipes or regional variations.

Chorizo: Some recipes, particularly for dipping or topping, incorporate Mexican chorizo sausage, adding a spicy, savory meat component.
Bacon or Salt Pork: Similar to chorizo, some chefs might add diced bacon or salt pork to the beans for added flavor and richness.

Comparison Table: Refried Beans with Lard vs. Vegetarian


Feature	Traditional (with Lard)	Modern/Vegetarian	Comment
Primary Fat	Pork Lard (Manteca)	Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil, Olive Oil	The key difference impacting flavor and dietary suitability.
Flavor Profile	Deep, rich, and savory	Lighter, cleaner bean flavor	Some argue traditional flavor is unmatched by vegetarian versions.
Texture	Very creamy and smooth	Creamy, but can sometimes be less silky	Both can achieve a desired texture with mashing.
Suitability	Not for vegetarians or vegans	Suitable for vegetarians and often vegans	Depends on the specific dietary needs of the consumer.
Health Considerations	Higher in saturated fats	Generally lower in saturated fats	Vegetarian options are often a healthier alternative.

How to Make Your Own Vegetarian Refried Beans

Making your own refried beans is the best way to guarantee they are 100% vegetarian or vegan. The process is straightforward, and it gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Ingredients

Canned pinto beans (or other beans like black beans)
Vegetable or canola oil
Onion
Garlic
Spices (cumin, chili powder)
Water or vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Sauté finely diced onion and minced garlic in oil until softened and fragrant.
Add the spices and cook for another minute to bloom the flavors.
Add the drained and rinsed beans and some water or vegetable broth.
Bring to a simmer, then use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the beans to your desired consistency.
Continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the beans reach a thick, creamy consistency. Add more liquid if necessary.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Conclusion

So, is there meat in refried beans? It's not a simple yes or no, but rather, it depends entirely on the preparation. While traditional and authentic versions often contain pork lard for a signature rich flavor, the market has expanded to include many vegetarian and vegan alternatives using vegetable oils. For those with dietary restrictions, the most reliable approach is to diligently check labels on canned goods and to ask specific questions when dining out. For ultimate control, a homemade version is the best solution, allowing you to create a delicious and creamy bean dish with confidence. With a little awareness, everyone can enjoy flavorful refried beans that align with their dietary needs. For further details on vegan versions, see this excellent recipe from Connoisseurus Veg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some refried beans contain meat because they are traditionally made with lard, which is rendered pork fat. This practice imparts a specific rich and savory flavor and creamy texture that is highly valued in authentic Mexican cuisine.

To tell if canned refried beans are vegetarian, you should check the product label. Look for explicit statements like 'Vegetarian' or 'Made with vegetable oil.' Avoid products that list 'lard,' 'animal fat,' or 'pork' in the ingredients.

No, refried beans at Mexican restaurants are not always vegetarian. Many traditional establishments use lard in their recipes. It is essential to ask your server directly whether their refried beans are made with vegetable oil or animal fat.

Vegans can only eat refried beans if they are explicitly labeled as vegan or vegetarian and are confirmed to be made without any animal products, including lard. Since lard is a common ingredient, vegans must be cautious.

Lard is rendered fat from a pig (manteca). In cooking, it is used for frying and imparts a distinctive, rich flavor and a creamy, smooth consistency to the beans. It has long been a staple in traditional Mexican cooking.

No, not all store-bought refried beans are the same. They vary significantly in ingredients, with some using lard and others using vegetable oil. Brands also differ in seasoning and consistency. Always check the ingredients list.

Yes, making vegetarian refried beans at home is very easy. You only need a few simple ingredients like canned beans, oil, onions, garlic, and spices. It is the best way to ensure your beans are completely meat-free.