What Beans Are Not Vegan? A Guide to Hidden Animal Ingredients

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While all beans are vegan in their natural, unprocessed form, a surprising number of prepared bean products contain animal-derived ingredients. Knowing what beans are not vegan is crucial for anyone following a strict plant-based diet, as common culprits like lard and bacon can be sneakily added to baked beans and refried beans during processing.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which processed bean dishes, like traditional baked and refried beans, are not vegan due to animal-derived additives such as lard, pork, and certain flavorings. It provides tips for identifying non-vegan products and choosing suitable plant-based alternatives.

Key Points

Hidden Ingredients: Animal products like lard (pork fat) and bacon are often added to traditional recipes for refried beans and baked beans, making them non-vegan.
'Vegetarian' is Not 'Vegan': Do not rely on 'vegetarian' labels alone, as these products can still contain dairy, eggs, or other animal derivatives; always check for explicit 'vegan' labeling.
Label Scrutiny: Careful inspection of ingredient lists is necessary for processed bean products to spot non-vegan items, which can be disguised as 'natural flavors' or 'flavorings'.
DIY is Best: For full control, prepare bean dishes from scratch at home using plant-based alternatives to achieve smoky or creamy textures without animal products.
Safe Bets: Plain dried and canned beans like black beans, pinto beans (not refried), and chickpeas are almost always vegan in their basic form, but a quick check is a good habit.
Restaurant Awareness: When dining out, always inquire about ingredients, especially for dishes like refried beans, as restaurant preparations often follow traditional, non-vegan recipes.

Decoding Non-Vegan Bean Products

Many consumers, especially those new to a plant-based diet, are surprised to learn that some bean dishes are not vegan. The confusion arises because the beans themselves are legumes, which are inherently vegan. The issue lies with the other ingredients, processing methods, and traditional recipes that incorporate animal products. Understanding these variations is the key to navigating the grocery store aisles and restaurant menus with confidence.

Baked Beans: A Common Culprit

One of the most common examples of non-vegan beans is traditional baked beans. While many brands offer 'vegetarian' versions, these are not always vegan. A deep, smoky flavor is often achieved with the addition of cured bacon, pork fat, or ham. Even some sauces use flavorings or sugar processed with animal products. For instance, some traditional Boston baked bean recipes specifically call for salt pork to develop their classic flavor profile. Some major brands have reformulated their products, but it is always essential to check the ingredient list, as formulations can change.

Refried Beans and the Issue of Lard

Refried beans, a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, are another common source of non-vegan ingredients. Traditionally, refried beans are made with lard (pig fat), which gives them a creamy texture and rich flavor. This practice is common in many traditional recipes and restaurants. While some restaurants and canned brands have switched to vegetable oil or offer a 'vegetarian' option, it is not safe to assume all refried beans are vegan. The best practice when dining out is to ask your server or chef about the ingredients, and when buying canned, look for a 'vegan' or 'certified vegan' label.

Other Processed Bean Dishes

Beyond baked and refried varieties, other processed bean products can contain hidden animal ingredients. Some canned bean soups or chilis might use beef or chicken broth as a base instead of a vegetable stock. Ready-made bean salads or dips could contain dairy-based dressings or flavorings. For the most part, plain canned or dried beans (such as black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas) are safe, but a quick scan of the ingredients list is a best practice for peace of mind.

Comparison of Common Bean Preparations


Bean Product	Inherently Vegan?	Common Non-Vegan Ingredients	How to Ensure Vegan
Plain Dried Beans	Yes	None	Always vegan, just read the package for unusual seasonings.
Plain Canned Beans	Yes	Not typically	Check for added seasonings, but usually safe.
Traditional Baked Beans	No	Bacon, pork, ham, lard, animal-derived flavorings	Look for a "vegan" label or make your own.
Refried Beans	No	Lard (pig fat), sometimes dairy	Ask at restaurants; choose canned options labeled "vegan" or "vegetarian."
Bean Soups/Chilis	Varies	Meat broth (beef, chicken), dairy	Read ingredient labels carefully for meat and dairy products.

The Importance of Label Reading

To avoid accidentally consuming animal products, label reading is essential. Don't be fooled by the word 'vegetarian' on a label, as this can still include dairy or egg products. Instead, look for a clear 'vegan' certification or carefully check the ingredient list for common non-vegan items. Pay special attention to unfamiliar ingredients or vague terms like 'natural flavors' or 'spice extracts'. Some sugars used in processing can also be refined with bone char, though this is a less common concern for most bean products. When in doubt, it is best to choose a brand explicitly marketed as vegan.

Making Your Own Vegan Beans

For complete control over the ingredients, making your own beans from scratch is the most reliable option. A simple search online will provide numerous recipes for delicious, plant-based baked beans, refried beans, and soups. You can achieve smoky flavors with vegan alternatives like smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or vegetarian bacon bits. Homemade versions not only guarantee the dish is vegan but also allow you to control the sodium and sugar content.

Vegan-Friendly Bean Options

Many readily available beans are naturally vegan. These include a variety of dried and canned beans, lentils, and peas that have not been processed with animal products. Stocking your pantry with these basics makes it easy to prepare a wide range of vegan meals.

Common Vegan-Friendly Beans

Black beans
Pinto beans (when not traditionally refried)
Cannellini beans
Kidney beans
Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Lentils
Navy beans (when not traditionally baked)

Conclusion

In their natural state, all beans are vegan. However, the processing of many popular bean dishes, particularly baked and refried beans, often incorporates animal products like lard or bacon for flavor. A diligent approach to label reading is the best way to determine what beans are not vegan and avoid accidentally consuming animal ingredients. For guaranteed results, opting for products with a clear vegan label or making your own bean dishes from scratch is the safest and most reliable strategy for maintaining a plant-based diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all canned beans are vegan. While plain canned beans are almost always vegan, processed products like baked beans or bean soups often contain non-vegan ingredients such as pork, bacon, or meat-based broths. You must always read the ingredient label.

Traditional refried beans are not vegan, as they are typically prepared with lard (pig fat) for richness and flavor. However, many brands now offer vegan or vegetarian versions made with vegetable oil. Always check the packaging or ask at a restaurant.

Lard is rendered pig fat used in traditional cooking for flavor and texture. It is a common ingredient in authentic refried beans and some savory baked bean recipes. Because it is an animal product, it is not vegan.

Some traditional baked bean recipes, particularly Boston baked beans, include salt pork, ham, or bacon to add a smoky, savory depth of flavor. This practice is common in many store-bought varieties as well.

In some cases, yes. Some white sugar is processed using bone char, which is derived from animal bones. While not a common concern for most mainstream bean brands, some strict vegans avoid products with non-organic white sugar.

The safest way is to ask the staff directly about the ingredients used. Specifically inquire whether lard is used in refried beans or if any meat products, broths, or dairy are added to other bean dishes.

No, traditional jelly beans are not vegan. They get their chewy texture from gelatin, which is an animal byproduct. Always check the ingredient list for gelatin or look for brands specifically marked as vegan.