What are the ingredients in Del Monte green beans?

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

For many of its standard and reduced-sodium varieties, the list of what are the ingredients in Del Monte green beans is impressively short and simple: just green beans, water, and sea salt. This commitment to minimal, natural ingredients is a cornerstone of the brand's canned vegetable products, ensuring the flavor of the fresh vegetable remains the star.

Quick Summary

Del Monte's canned green beans typically contain only green beans, water, and sea salt. Specialty products like Southern Style variants may have added seasonings. All are non-GMO and packed in non-BPA-lined cans.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Standard Del Monte canned green beans contain only green beans, water, and a dash of sea salt.
No Salt Added: The 'No Salt Added' variety has an even shorter list of ingredients, comprising just green beans and water.
Specialty Flavors: Some variants, like the Southern Style blend, include extra seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Non-GMO: Del Monte's green beans are made with Non-GMO ingredients, a promise the company highlights on its packaging and website.
Non-BPA Cans: The company has transitioned to non-BPA lined cans across its vegetable product lines, including green beans.
No Preservatives: Standard and No Salt Added Del Monte green beans are packed without artificial preservatives, relying on the canning process for shelf stability.
Nutrient Retention: Canned green beans retain many of their nutritional benefits, including fiber and several vitamins and minerals, comparable to fresh produce once cooked.

Del Monte Green Beans: The Core Ingredients

For most consumers, the classic can of Del Monte green beans contains a very straightforward list of ingredients. These are selected for their quality and processed swiftly to lock in flavor. The main components for standard cuts and fancy cuts are simply the following:

Green Beans
Water
Sea Salt

Del Monte's Blue Lake variety of green beans, grown in the U.S., is a common choice for its flavor and texture. The beans are picked at the peak of freshness and packed within hours of harvest to preserve their taste and nutrients. The water is used as the canning liquid to cover the beans, and a light touch of sea salt is added for flavor.

The 'No Salt Added' Option

For consumers monitoring their sodium intake, Del Monte offers a line of green beans with no salt added. This product variant simplifies the ingredient list even further, containing only two items:

Green Beans
Water

This option allows individuals complete control over the amount of seasoning added, making it a versatile and healthy base for many recipes. The canning process still ensures the beans are safe and shelf-stable without the need for salt as a preservative.

Specialty and Flavored Varieties

While the basic ingredients are minimal, Del Monte also offers specialty flavors for those who want more complexity. For example, their Southern Style Whole Green Beans include additional seasonings for a more robust flavor profile:

Green Beans
Water
Sea Salt
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Natural Flavors
Black Pepper

This variety demonstrates how Del Monte caters to different taste preferences by adding a few natural ingredients, while still maintaining the fundamental quality of the beans.

Del Monte's Canning and Quality Commitment

Del Monte's process focuses on maximizing quality and safety with minimal intervention. The green beans are quickly processed with heat and sealed in airtight containers, which is the primary method of preservation.

Non-GMO Ingredients

Del Monte has affirmed that its green beans, along with many other products, are non-GMO. This commitment ensures that the raw ingredients are not genetically engineered, which is a priority for many health-conscious consumers. The company even pursued USDA non-GMO certification for its corn products, further underscoring its stance.

Non-BPA Packaging

Another key aspect of Del Monte's commitment to quality is its packaging. The company has made a significant effort to transition to non-BPA lined cans for its fruit, vegetable, and tomato products. This was done to address consumer concerns regarding BPA (Bisphenol A), a chemical previously used in some can linings. By switching to non-BPA alternatives, Del Monte ensures its products are contained in safer materials.

Are Del Monte Green Beans Preservative-Free?

Yes, the standard canned green beans are packed without artificial preservatives. The preservation is achieved through the heat-processing and sealing method, not chemical additives. The sea salt, while sometimes mistakenly considered a preservative in this context, primarily acts as a flavor enhancer.

Green Beans vs. Flavored Green Beans: A Comparison


Feature	Standard Cut	Southern Style	No Salt Added
Core Ingredients	Green Beans, Water, Sea Salt	Green Beans, Water, Sea Salt	Green Beans, Water
Flavoring	Simple, clean green bean flavor	Rich, savory flavors from added spices	None, allowing for custom seasoning
Sodium Level	Contains sea salt; higher sodium	Contains sea salt; higher sodium	Low-sodium (not sodium-free)
Canning Liquid	Water with sea salt	Water with sea salt and seasonings	Plain water
Best For	Side dishes, casseroles	Flavorful standalone sides	Recipes where sodium control is crucial

Nutritional Considerations

While canned, Del Monte green beans still offer a number of nutritional benefits. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, fiber, and iron. The canning process can result in some loss of heat-sensitive vitamins like C, but most other nutrients remain intact. For more nutritional details, consumers can visit the Del Monte website: https://www.delmonte.com/our-story/quality.

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients in Del Monte green beans are remarkably simple, reflecting a commitment to minimal processing and quality. Standard varieties contain only green beans, water, and sea salt, while the 'No Salt Added' version removes the salt entirely. The company has also evolved its practices to meet modern consumer demands, using non-GMO ingredients and non-BPA-lined cans. Whether you prefer a basic, low-sodium option or a pre-seasoned specialty blend, Del Monte offers a straightforward, pantry-friendly option for adding vegetables to your meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The liquid in canned Del Monte green beans is typically water and, in the standard version, sea salt. The 'No Salt Added' variant contains only water.

No, Del Monte states that its canned green beans are packed without artificial preservatives. The preservation is achieved through the high-heat canning process and airtight sealing.

Yes, according to the company, the green beans used in Del Monte products have always been non-GMO. This is often noted on the product labels.

No, Del Monte has been transitioning away from BPA and has converted its branded vegetable cans, including green beans, to non-BPA linings.

The main difference is the style of the cut. Fancy cut green beans are sliced into more delicate, smaller pieces, while regular cut beans are larger. The ingredients remain the same.

For those concerned about sodium intake, the sea salt in standard Del Monte green beans contributes to the overall sodium content. Del Monte offers a 'No Salt Added' version for those who need to control their sodium. A balanced diet is key, and excessive sodium can contribute to health issues.

Del Monte most frequently uses the Blue Lake variety of green bean, a type known for its reliable flavor and texture. This is indicated on many of their product labels.

Canned green beans can retain many of the nutrients found in fresh ones, especially fiber and minerals. While some heat-sensitive vitamins are reduced during canning, they remain a nutritious vegetable option, particularly when compared after cooking.