Nutrition Diet: Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Vegan?

November 9, 2025 •

5 min read

It is a common misconception that all refried beans are vegan, but traditional preparations often include animal-based fats like lard. Answering the question, "Are old El Paso refried beans vegan?" requires a careful look at the specific product version, as the answer varies by formulation.

Quick Summary

Determining if Old El Paso refried beans are vegan depends on the specific product's ingredients. While the 'Traditional' version often contains lard, the 'Vegetarian' and 'Fat Free' varieties are plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.

Key Points

Check the Label: Not all Old El Paso refried beans are vegan; always check the ingredients list for lard or other animal fats.
Choose the Right Variant: The "Vegetarian Refried Beans" and "Fat Free Refried Beans" from Old El Paso are explicitly plant-based and suitable for a vegan diet.
Lard is the Deciding Factor: The presence of lard is the key ingredient that makes traditional refried beans non-vegan.
Regional Variations Exist: Ingredients can differ based on the country, so check local product labels. For instance, some UK and AU versions are suitable for vegetarians by default.
Embrace Nutrient-Rich Options: Choosing plant-based refried beans contributes to a diet higher in fiber and lower in saturated fat.
Look for Certifications: Beyond checking ingredients, look for official vegan certifications or explicit "Suitable for Vegans" labeling.

The Traditional Refried Beans Conundrum

For many, refried beans are a staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a creamy, flavorful side dish or filling for burritos and tacos. However, the path to ensuring your canned beans are vegan is not as straightforward as one might assume. The central issue lies in a single, historically common ingredient: lard. Lard is a type of rendered pig fat, and its inclusion automatically makes a product non-vegan. While many traditional refried bean recipes, particularly in the United States, use lard for flavor and texture, modern food manufacturing practices have led to the creation of both traditional (lard-based) and vegetarian (plant-based) versions to cater to different dietary needs. This is why simply grabbing any can of refried beans from the shelf without checking the label is a gamble for anyone following a strict vegan diet. The good news is that Old El Paso, like many brands, offers alternatives that are safe for vegans. Understanding the difference and how to read the label is the first and most important step towards enjoying your Mexican-inspired meals guilt-free.

Reading the Label: How to Spot a Vegan Option

When at the grocery store, navigating the various Old El Paso refried bean options can be confusing. The key is to ignore assumptions and go straight for the ingredients list. Looking for specific keywords or certifications can save you time and prevent disappointment.

The All-Important Ingredient Check

The presence of lard is the biggest red flag for vegans. This is typically listed plainly in the ingredients. For example, Old El Paso's "Traditional Refried Beans" sold in the US explicitly lists lard and hydrogenated lard in its ingredients, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. The European and Australian versions of the standard refried beans often differ, using sunflower oil instead, and are typically labeled as suitable for vegetarians. This highlights the importance of checking the label in your specific region.

What to look for:

Contains Lard: If the ingredient list mentions lard, hydrogenated lard, or any other animal fat, it is not vegan.
Look for Certifications: Some products carry a certified vegan logo or clearly state "Suitable for Vegans" on the packaging.
Spot "Vegetarian" on the Label: Old El Paso specifically labels its vegan-friendly variety as "Vegetarian Refried Beans". The fat-free option is also a safe bet.

Exploring Old El Paso's Vegan-Friendly Products

For those who want to enjoy Old El Paso's products, several options are available that align with a plant-based lifestyle. Beyond the refried beans, the company offers a variety of vegan-safe bases for your meals.

Old El Paso Vegetarian Refried Beans: This product is explicitly labeled for vegetarian and vegan consumers. Instead of lard, it uses a plant-based fat, and the ingredients are all vegan-friendly.
Old El Paso Fat Free Refried Beans: This version is also made without animal products, making it another excellent choice for vegans looking for a lower-fat option.
Other Vegan-Friendly Old El Paso Products: Many of their tortillas, taco shells, and seasoning mixes are also vegan, though it's always best to check the label for any changes in formulation.

Why Opt for a Plant-Based Diet? Exploring the Nutritional Benefits

Choosing a vegan-friendly refried bean isn't just about avoiding animal products; it's also about embracing a more nutrient-rich diet. Plant-based nutrition has been shown to offer several health benefits, which can be a motivating factor for adopting this lifestyle.

Nutritional advantages include:

Higher Fiber Intake: Legumes like pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help manage blood sugar levels.
Reduced Saturated Fat: Vegan-friendly refried beans, particularly the fat-free and vegetarian versions, typically have less saturated fat compared to their lard-based counterparts.
Rich in Micronutrients: A well-planned vegan diet, rich in beans, pulses, nuts, and seeds, provides a good source of vitamins and minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium.

While a vegan diet offers many benefits, it's crucial to plan carefully to ensure adequate intake of certain nutrients. Key nutrients to monitor and supplement if necessary include vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. For comprehensive guidance, reliable sources like the NHS provide detailed advice on how to build a healthy vegan diet.

A Comparison of Old El Paso Refried Bean Varieties

To help you decide which product is right for you, here is a comparison of different Old El Paso refried bean varieties based on their vegan status, ingredients, and key nutritional information. Note that nutritional values may vary by region and formulation; always check the specific product label.


Feature	Traditional Refried Beans (US)	Vegetarian Refried Beans	Fat Free Refried Beans	UK/AU Refried Beans
Vegan Status	No (Contains lard)	Yes	Yes	Yes (Suitable for Vegetarians)
Key Non-Vegan Ingredient	Lard, Hydrogenated Lard	None	None	None
Protein per Serving	5g	5g	7g	2.9g
Dietary Fiber per Serving	3g	5g	6g	3.0g
Total Fat per Serving	1.5g	1g	0g	0.3g
Specialty Callout	Traditional Flavor	Vegetarian, Good Source of Fiber	Fat Free, Good Source of Fiber	Suitable for Vegetarians
Ingredients Check	Read label carefully; contains animal fat	Look for "Vegetarian" label	Look for "Fat Free" label	Check ingredient list; typically vegan but regional variation exists

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices on Your Vegan Journey

As the world of food expands with more and more dietary options, making informed choices has never been more important. The answer to whether old El Paso refried beans are vegan is not a simple yes or no, but a matter of checking the specific product label. While the traditional versions may contain lard, Old El Paso has made it easy for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy their products by offering clearly labeled "Vegetarian" and "Fat Free" alternatives. Taking a moment to read the ingredients list is a small step that ensures your diet remains consistent with your nutritional and ethical values. The availability of these plant-based options demonstrates the growing demand for and accessibility of vegan-friendly foods, making it easier than ever to enjoy a healthy and delicious plant-based diet. So go ahead, grab that can of vegetarian refried beans and start building your perfect vegan taco night.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Old El Paso refried beans are vegan. The brand’s "Traditional Refried Beans" contain lard and hydrogenated lard, which are animal-based fats. You must check the specific product label to ensure it is vegan.

The Old El Paso "Vegetarian Refried Beans" and "Fat Free Refried Beans" are both vegan-friendly options. They are made without any animal products and are explicitly labeled for vegetarian consumers.

Lard is a type of rendered fat from a pig, and since it is an animal-based product, it is not suitable for a vegan diet. It is traditionally used in some recipes for flavor and texture.

Yes, for Old El Paso's refried beans, the "Vegetarian" label indicates that the product is made without animal fats like lard and is therefore suitable for a vegan diet. This is a deliberate distinction from their "Traditional" version.

Always check the ingredients list. Look for terms like 'lard' or 'hydrogenated lard'. You can also look for a specific 'vegan' certification logo or the phrase 'suitable for vegans' on the packaging.

The standard refried beans sold by Old El Paso in the UK and Australia are generally suitable for vegetarians, which means they are made without lard and are vegan. However, formulations can change, so always double-check the label in your local store.

While many Old El Paso products like certain shells and seasonings are accidentally vegan, relying on clear labels is safest. For refried beans, the distinction between 'Traditional' (non-vegan) and 'Vegetarian' (vegan) is explicit and should be your guide.