What Beans Are Zero Points on Weight Watchers?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Weight Watchers, beans, peas, and lentils are considered ZeroPoint foods, a category of nutrient-dense powerhouses that don't need to be counted. This means that many common bean varieties are zero points on Weight Watchers, making them a cornerstone of a satisfying and healthy eating strategy.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific types of beans that qualify as ZeroPoint foods on Weight Watchers' plans. Learn how to prepare and incorporate them into your diet to maximize satiety and nutritional benefits. Considerations for canned versus dried beans and how added ingredients affect point values are also covered.

Key Points

Variety of ZeroPoint Beans: Many common legumes like black beans, chickpeas, lentils, and edamame are ZeroPoint foods on Weight Watchers.
Check for Added Ingredients: To keep beans at zero points, ensure canned varieties have no added oils, sugar, or starches, as these add point values.
Smart Cooking Methods: Prepare zero-point beans by boiling or steaming them. If roasting, use minimal or no oil and rely on zero-point seasonings.
DIY Saves Points: Make your own zero-point versions of classic bean dishes, like refried beans, by mashing cooked beans with broth and seasonings instead of using lard.
Rinse Canned Beans: Rinsing canned beans helps reduce excess sodium, making them a healthier choice while maintaining their zero-point status.

What beans are zero points on Weight Watchers?

Weight Watchers includes a wide variety of beans and legumes on its ZeroPoint food list, making them a fantastic and filling addition to any meal plan. These fiber- and protein-rich foods help promote satiety, which can support weight management. However, it is crucial to understand which beans are included and how they should be prepared to maintain their zero-point status. For example, adding oil or sugar will add points, even if the base ingredient is a zero-point food.

The ZeroPoint Beans List

On Weight Watchers, many different beans and legumes fall into the ZeroPoint category. This list typically includes:

Black beans: A versatile option for tacos, soups, and salads.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans): Excellent for making hummus, roasting for a crunchy snack, or adding to salads.
Lentils (all varieties, including brown, green, and red): Quick to cook and perfect for stews, soups, and salads.
Edamame: A great snack or addition to stir-fries.
Kidney beans: A staple in chili and hearty stews.
Pinto beans: Ideal for making fat-free refried beans or adding to burritos.
Navy beans: A classic choice for bean soups and baked beans.
Split peas: The star ingredient in split pea soup.
Fava beans: A nutritious and filling legume.
Great Northern beans: Often used in soups and casseroles.
White beans (Cannellini, Navy): Excellent for creamy soups and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Fresh, Canned, and Dried Beans: Points Considerations

Whether your beans are fresh, canned, or dried, they can be zero points. However, the preparation method is key.

Dried beans: Cooking dried beans at home from scratch is a reliable way to ensure they remain zero points. By controlling the cooking process, you can avoid any extra ingredients with point values.
Canned beans: Canned beans are a convenient zero-point food, but you must check the label carefully. The beans should only be packed in water with a small amount of salt, and free from any added oils, syrups, or food starches. To reduce the sodium, you can rinse and drain them before use.

How Added Ingredients Affect Point Values

While the beans themselves are free, any ingredients added during cooking will count towards your daily point total. Common culprits for adding points include:

Oils and fats: Cooking beans with olive oil, butter, or lard will add points. Use nonstick cooking spray or water to sauté instead.
Sauces and seasonings: Premade sauces often contain sugar or oil, adding points. For instance, traditional baked beans are cooked with sugar or molasses, making them point-heavy. Opt for a zero-point seasoning mix instead.
Fried preparations: Frying beans, like making roasted chickpeas with a lot of oil, will incur points. For crunchy snacks, use a light cooking spray and zero-point seasonings.

Comparison of Zero-Point Beans


Bean Type	Protein (per cooked cup)	Fiber (per cooked cup)	Best Uses	Preparation Tips
Black Beans	~15g	~15g	Tacos, salads, soups, chili	Drain canned, or cook from dry with zero-point seasonings.
Chickpeas	~15g	~13g	Hummus, roasted snacks, curry	Blend with lemon and garlic for 0-point hummus. Use cooking spray for roasting.
Lentils	~18g	~16g	Soups, stews, veggie burgers	Cook with broth and zero-point veggies for a hearty meal.
Edamame	~18g	~8g	Snacks, salads, stir-fries	Steam from frozen. Avoid pre-made, oil-roasted versions.
Kidney Beans	~15g	~13g	Chili, bean salads, rice and beans	Rinse canned beans to remove sodium. Great for bulk recipes.
Pinto Beans	~15g	~15g	Refried beans, burritos, dips	Make fat-free refried beans by mashing cooked beans with broth.
Navy Beans	~15g	~19g	Soups, baked beans, casseroles	Make your own zero-point baked beans with spices and tomato sauce.

Tips for Incorporating Zero-Point Beans

Making the most of zero-point beans is easy with a few simple strategies:

Meal Prep: Cook a large batch of dried beans and freeze them in single-serving portions. This gives you quick, ready-to-use beans for salads, soups, and more.
Boost Volume: Add beans to bulk up recipes and increase satiety without adding points. A handful of beans can make a simple salad or soup much more filling.
Flavor with Zero-Point Items: Use non-starchy vegetables, herbs, spices, and salsas to add flavor without points. Onions, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder are all great options.
Creative Alternatives: Instead of high-point refried beans made with lard, mash cooked pinto beans with broth and seasonings. Use blended beans as a creamy, low-point soup base.

Conclusion

For those on Weight Watchers, beans are a phenomenal ZeroPoint food, providing a rich source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber to aid in weight management. A wide range of beans—from black beans and chickpeas to lentils and edamame—can be enjoyed without counting points, as long as they are prepared without added oils or sugars. Whether you choose convenient canned beans (checking for clean ingredients) or prefer to cook from scratch, incorporating these nutritious legumes into your diet is a smart and satisfying strategy for reaching your wellness goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all beans are zero points. While most plain, whole legumes like black beans, chickpeas, and lentils are ZeroPoint foods, you must check for added ingredients. Beans prepared with oil, sauces, or sugar will have a point value.

Yes, canned beans can be zero points, but you must check the ingredients list. Look for cans containing only beans, water, and salt, with no added fats or sugars. Rinsing the beans can also reduce sodium.

Traditional refried beans, which often contain lard or oil, are not zero points. However, you can make your own zero-point version by mashing cooked pinto beans with broth and seasonings instead of fat.

Plain chickpeas are zero points, but most pre-made hummus is not, as it is made with olive oil, which has a point value. You can create a zero-point hummus by blending cooked chickpeas with lemon juice, garlic, and spices.

Yes, green beans are on the ZeroPoint list, as they are considered a non-starchy vegetable. This is different from the dried, starchy legumes like black beans and chickpeas, but both are zero points when prepared simply.

Some older WW plans had different lists, but under the current program, most beans, peas, and lentils are on the standard ZeroPoint list. Always check the most up-to-date information on the official WW site or app for your specific plan.

Use herbs, spices, and zero-point vegetables to enhance flavor. Sautéing onions and garlic with water or broth, rather than oil, is a great strategy. Add cumin, chili powder, cilantro, or a zero-point salsa for extra taste.