Understanding What Beans Are Not Vegetarian in Processed Foods

November 23, 2025 •

4 min read

By their very nature, unprocessed beans are legumes from the earth and are completely plant-based, yet many common bean dishes found in supermarkets or restaurants may not be vegetarian. The seemingly simple question of what beans are not vegetarian becomes complex once animal-derived ingredients are added during processing, such as lard in refried beans or bacon in baked beans.

Quick Summary

Processed bean products often contain hidden animal-derived ingredients that make them unsuitable for vegetarians. Common examples include traditional refried beans cooked with lard and some canned baked beans with pork or bacon. Consumers must carefully inspect product labels to determine if a bean dish is truly vegetarian.

Key Points

Lard in Refried Beans: Traditional and many authentic refried beans are cooked with lard (pork fat), making them non-vegetarian.
Pork in Baked Beans: The savory, smoky flavor in many baked bean recipes and cans comes from meat products like bacon or ham, not a plant-based sauce.
Hidden Animal Ingredients: Less obvious animal-derived products, like certain flavorings or broths, can be used in processed and restaurant bean dishes.
Label Reading is Essential: To be certain a product is vegetarian, consumers must carefully read ingredient labels and look for specific 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' certifications.
Restaurant Vigilance: When dining out, always inquire with the server about the preparation methods for bean dishes, especially refried beans and baked beans.
Agricultural Considerations: While not affecting the final food product directly, some organic beans are grown using animal-based fertilizers like manure, a potential consideration for strict vegans.

The Surprising Truth About Processed Beans

For those who follow a vegetarian diet, beans are a cornerstone of nutrition, providing a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential minerals. However, the assumption that all bean-based dishes are vegetarian is a common and often surprising mistake. The core issue lies not with the bean itself, but with the additional ingredients used in preparation and processing, especially in commercial products. Ingredients such as animal fats, meat, and dairy can transform a plant-based food into a non-vegetarian one.

Refried Beans: A Common Culinary Trap

One of the most frequent offenders is refried beans, a popular dish in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisines. Traditionally, refried beans are prepared by mashing cooked beans, often pinto, and frying them in lard (pork fat). Many authentic recipes and restaurant versions still adhere to this preparation method. While canned versions labeled "vegetarian" often use vegetable oil instead, it is crucial to check the ingredient list for any type of animal fat. Some food producers, like La Preferida, explicitly market both authentic (with lard) and vegetarian (with soybean oil) versions.

How to spot non-vegetarian refried beans:

Check the label for keywords like "lard," "bacon drippings," or "animal fat."
In restaurants, always ask the server if the beans are cooked with lard or other animal products.
Look for products explicitly labeled "vegetarian" or "vegan" to be certain.

Baked Beans and the Bacon Problem

Traditional baked beans are another unsuspecting item for many vegetarians. While some recipes feature a purely vegetarian sauce, many classic versions and commercial brands include pork ingredients for flavor. The smoky, savory taste many associate with baked beans often comes from chunks of bacon, bacon fat, or cured pork. Even some canned baked beans that are not explicitly vegetarian may contain non-vegetarian flavorings. In the past, there have even been controversies, such as with Heinz in the UK, where a dairy product was added to a supposedly vegetarian recipe, highlighting the need for vigilant label checking.

Decoding the baked bean label:

Scan for "pork," "bacon," or "cured ham" in the ingredients.
Be wary of vague ingredient descriptions like "natural flavorings" unless certified vegetarian or vegan.
Opt for brands that clearly state "vegetarian" on the can.

Cross-Contamination and Other Hidden Ingredients

Beyond the obvious additions like meat and lard, the risk of cross-contamination can also be a concern, particularly when dining out. For example, some restaurants might use animal-based broth to cook beans or rice, which can render them unsuitable for vegetarians. Furthermore, some processed foods may use unexpected animal-derived components, like gelatin, that can make their way into certain bean recipes or sauces. It’s important for consumers to be aware of these potential pitfalls.

The Role of Animal-Based Fertilizers

While not directly ingested, some strict vegetarians and vegans may also consider the production process. Animal-based organic fertilizers, such as manure, bone meal, and fish emulsion, are commonly used in farming, including for beans. This is a consideration for those who adhere to a vegan philosophy that extends to all aspects of a product's lifecycle, though it generally does not impact the food itself in the way processed ingredients do. For most vegetarians, this step in the agricultural process is not a concern, as it does not involve the direct consumption of animal products. The use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers has been shown to improve bean crop yields and resilience.

Comparison Table: Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian Bean Products


Product Type	Vegetarian Option	Non-Vegetarian Common Ingredients	How to Identify
Refried Beans	Canned products labeled "vegetarian" or prepared with vegetable oil.	Lard, bacon drippings, animal fat.	Check for "lard" or fat source on label; inquire at restaurants.
Baked Beans	Canned products labeled "vegetarian" or homemade without meat.	Pork, bacon, smoked ham, animal-derived flavorings.	Look for "vegetarian" certification or absence of meat on label.
Plain Canned Beans	Most plain canned beans (e.g., black, kidney, pinto) with simple ingredients like water and salt.	Some brands may use animal-based flavorings or broth.	Read the ingredient list carefully for additives.
Restaurant Dishes	Dishes clearly stated as vegetarian or vegan on the menu.	Lard in refried beans; animal broth in cooking beans.	Ask the chef or server directly about preparation methods.

Conclusion: Read Labels and Ask Questions

In conclusion, while all raw beans are naturally vegetarian, the processing and preparation methods are the determining factor for whether a final product is suitable for a vegetarian diet. Refried beans with lard and baked beans with pork are two of the most common examples of beans that are not vegetarian. To ensure you are consuming a truly vegetarian product, always read the ingredient label on canned goods, look for certifications, and don't hesitate to ask questions at restaurants. Awareness of these hidden ingredients is key to maintaining your dietary choices. For more on the nutritional benefits of plant-based foods like beans, check out this article on the UCLA Health website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while raw beans are naturally vegetarian, processed versions like refried and baked beans can contain animal-based ingredients such as lard or pork, making them non-vegetarian.

Traditional refried beans are often cooked with lard, which is pork fat. This is the most common reason they are not vegetarian.

Not always. Many classic baked bean recipes and canned versions contain pork, bacon, or other animal fats for flavor. It's important to check the label for a "vegetarian" designation.

It is best to ask your server directly. Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, but traditional recipes use lard, so it's essential to confirm the preparation method.

Always read the ingredient list and look for clear labeling. Specifically, check for words like 'lard,' 'pork,' 'bacon,' or 'ham.' Many vegetarian products will be labeled explicitly as such.

Yes. In some cases, especially in restaurants, beans may be cooked with animal-based broths or in equipment that also handles meat, leading to cross-contamination.

For most vegetarians, no, as this is an agricultural practice and not a food ingredient. However, some stricter vegans may choose to avoid products cultivated with animal-based fertilizers like manure, although this does not make the food itself non-vegetarian.