What Are the Best Store Bought Black Beans? A Comprehensive Guide

According to an America's Test Kitchen tasting, some of the most reliable store-bought black bean brands, particularly Goya, consistently deliver the best texture and rich flavor. Discovering what to look for when shopping can elevate your dishes, ensuring you get the best store bought black beans for any meal.

Quick Summary

This guide compares popular store-bought black bean brands, covering both canned and dried selections. It examines flavor profiles, textures, value, and suitability for different recipes, from salads to chilis.

Key Points

• Goya is a Top Pick: Goya canned black beans are consistently rated highly for flavor and texture in taste tests.

• Heirloom Beans Offer Rich Flavor: For superior, complex flavor and texture, consider heirloom dried black beans from brands like Rancho Gordo.

• Canned is for Convenience: If you need a fast, ready-to-use ingredient, canned black beans from reliable brands like Goya or Bush's are the best choice.

• Dried Beans are Cost-Effective: Cooking with dried black beans from brands like Goya is more budget-friendly and gives you full control over ingredients.

• Check Sodium for Health: Health-conscious consumers should opt for low-sodium canned beans like those from Eden Organic or cook dried beans to control salt intake.

Navigating Your Black Bean Options: Canned vs. Dried

When it comes to purchasing black beans from a store, your two primary options are canned or dried. Both have their unique advantages and disadvantages, making the 'best' choice dependent on your cooking goals. Canned beans are the ultimate convenience food, pre-cooked and ready to use after a simple rinse. They are ideal for quick meals and situations where time is of the essence. However, they often contain added sodium and can sometimes have a softer, mushier texture than beans cooked from scratch. Dried beans, on the other hand, offer superior control over flavor, texture, and sodium content. They require more preparation time, including sorting, rinsing, and cooking, but reward you with a richer, earthier flavor and a firmer, more intact bean that holds up well in soups, stews, and salads.

Top-Rated Canned Black Beans

Choosing a high-quality canned black bean is about finding the right balance of flavor, firmness, and price. Some brands stand out consistently for their quality.

Goya: The Reliable Pantry Staple

For many home cooks, Goya is the top contender for the best store bought black beans. Consumer Reports and other reviews have frequently noted Goya's robust flavor and satisfying, uniform texture. They are readily available in most grocery stores and offer a classic, consistent bean that works well in most dishes, from Cuban rice and beans to simple tacos. The brand also offers organic varieties for those who prefer them.

La Preferita: A Solid Performer

Another brand that has received high marks in taste tests is La Preferita. Like Goya, it offers a well-seasoned and appropriately textured canned bean that serves as an excellent base for many recipes. If you see it on the shelf, it is a worthy alternative to Goya and a step up from many generic store brands.

Bush's: The Good All-Rounder

Bush's is another widely available and popular option. While some may find their flavor profile a bit more subdued than Goya, they are a consistently good choice for a wide variety of recipes. Bush's also offers a variety of seasoned and unseasoned versions, including a low-sodium option for health-conscious consumers.

Eden Organic: The Healthy Choice

For those looking for a no-salt-added canned black bean, Eden Organic is a standout option. Made with organic beans and containing no preservatives or salt, they are perfect for people who want complete control over their dish's seasoning. The beans hold their shape well and have a clean, pure flavor.

Brands to Approach with Caution

While convenient, not all canned beans are created equal. Reviews suggest that some brands, like Iberia, may have a tougher, chewier skin and overly firm texture compared to top picks. For best results, it's often worth paying a little more for a top-rated brand.

The Best Dried Black Beans for Flavor and Value

For those with more time, cooking dried beans from scratch offers unparalleled results. Flavor and texture are often superior, and it can be a much more cost-effective option in the long run. The most common variety you will find is the black turtle bean, but others exist for true bean connoisseurs.

Goya Dried Black Beans: The Best Budget Pick

Just as with their canned products, Goya's dried black beans are highly regarded. An America's Test Kitchen tasting found they were 'buttery' and cooked perfectly and consistently into a rich, creamy texture with a meaty flavor, outperforming more expensive heirloom varieties in some tests. Their affordability makes them an excellent choice for everyday cooking.

Heirloom Brands: The Premium, Flavor-Forward Option

For a truly special eating experience, some cooks seek out heirloom beans. Brands like Rancho Gordo specialize in rare, flavor-packed varieties that can elevate a simple meal. While more expensive and sometimes finicky to cook, the nuanced flavors are worth the extra effort for dedicated foodies. A good place to start exploring is the Rancho Gordo website, where they offer beans with rich broths and distinctive textures that are hard to find elsewhere.

Baer's Best: The Organic, Locally Grown Choice

Baer's Best offers fresh-harvested, locally grown organic dried black turtle beans. Their beans are noted for holding up well in soups, chilis, and stir-fries, making them a high-quality alternative to national brands. Buying from a smaller, dedicated grower can often result in fresher beans that cook more evenly.

Comparison Table: Canned vs. Dried Black Beans

Attribute	Goya Canned Black Beans	Goya Dried Black Beans	Rancho Gordo Heirloom Beans
Ease of Use	Highest (ready to serve)	Requires prep and cooking	Requires prep and careful cooking
Flavor Profile	Consistently good, classic bean flavor	Richer, earthier, and more buttery	Unique, complex, and nuanced flavors
Texture	Uniform, but can be softer	Creamy and firm, cooks consistently	Often richer, but can be finicky
Sodium Control	Lower sodium varieties available	Full control, can be cooked without salt	Full control, can be cooked without salt
Best For	Fast meals, quick side dishes	Everyday cooking, stews, chilis	Special occasions, gourmet dishes

Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice

Choosing the best store bought black beans ultimately depends on your needs. For unparalleled convenience without sacrificing too much quality, canned Goya black beans are a consistently top-rated choice. If you're health-conscious and want a no-salt option, Eden Organic is an excellent pick. For those who prioritize flavor, texture, and have more time to cook, dried beans are the clear winner. The affordable and consistently great Goya dried black beans are perfect for daily use, while heirloom brands like Rancho Gordo are worth exploring for special occasions. By understanding the differences, you can select the perfect beans for your culinary creations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy canned or dried black beans?

For convenience and speed, canned black beans are best. For superior flavor, texture, and control over sodium, dried beans are the better option, but they require more cooking time and effort.

What is the best way to cook dried black beans?

Rinse and sort the beans, then cook with water and seasonings in a slow cooker, pressure cooker (like an Instant Pot), or on the stovetop. Pressure cookers drastically reduce the cooking time required.

How can I improve the flavor of canned black beans?

Sauté them with aromatics like onion and garlic, add spices such as cumin and oregano, and finish with a splash of lime juice and fresh cilantro. Many simple recipes exist to elevate their flavor.

Are black turtle beans the same as black beans?

Yes, black turtle beans are the most common and widely available variety of black beans in grocery stores, sold in both dried and canned forms.

Should I rinse canned black beans?

Yes, it is best to rinse canned black beans to remove excess sodium and starchy liquid. Rinsing can also help improve their texture and flavor.

How do heirloom black beans differ from standard beans?

Heirloom black beans, like those from Rancho Gordo, are prized for their unique, often richer and more complex flavor profiles. They can sometimes be more challenging to cook consistently but offer a gourmet experience.

What are the best store bought black beans for salads?

For salads, both canned and dried black beans can work well. Goya or Bush's canned beans provide convenience, while properly cooked dried beans offer a firmer texture that won't get mushy. Just be sure to rinse canned beans well before adding them.