What Kind of Beans Are in 16 Bean Soup? Decoding the Mix

December 13, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that many popular '16 bean soup' mixes actually contain a blend of beans, peas, and lentils, and sometimes even a grain like barley, not just 16 distinct bean varieties? The exact combination often varies by brand, but the result is always a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Quick Summary

A '16 bean soup' mix typically contains a diverse blend of legumes, including different types of beans, peas, and lentils, often with a grain like barley to add to the texture. Specific ingredient lists vary between manufacturers, but common components include pinto, navy, and lima beans, along with split peas and chickpeas.

Key Points

Variety, Not Count: The '16' in the name is a general guide; the mix typically contains a diverse assortment of dried beans, peas, and lentils, not exactly 16 distinct types.
Common Legumes: Popular varieties in the mix include pinto, navy, great northern, kidney, and lima beans, which provide a range of textures and flavors.
Peas and Lentils: Split peas (green and yellow) and lentils are key to thickening the soup and contributing to its creamy consistency and earthy taste.
Nutritional Value: The blend offers a powerhouse of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and various minerals, making it a very healthy and filling meal option.
Customizable Base: The dried mix serves as an excellent starting point for customization with added meat (like ham hocks), vegetables, or herbs to suit individual tastes.
Ingredient Variations: The specific ingredients can vary significantly between brands, so always check the product packaging for the most accurate list.

Common Varieties in Your 16 Bean Soup Mix

While the specific combination can differ between brands like Goya, Kroger, and others, most 16 bean soup mixes share a core selection of legumes. The '16' is often a marketing figure rather than a literal count of different species. These mixes are designed to provide a rich variety of textures, colors, and flavors, which is why they include more than just common beans.

Core Legumes Found in the Mix

Most mixes include a variety of beans such as pinto, navy, great northern, red kidney, small red, black, large and baby lima, pink, and cranberry beans. Additionally, they typically contain other legumes and grains like green and yellow split peas, lentils (red and brown), chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and sometimes barley.

Functions of Different Ingredients

Each type of legume and grain in the mix plays a role:

Beans: Provide the bulk of the soup with various flavors and textures, from creamy (navy) to firm (kidney).
Split Peas & Lentils: Break down during cooking, creating a thick, creamy base.
Chickpeas & Black-Eyed Peas: Maintain their shape and offer a firmer texture.
Barley: If included, adds a chewy texture.

Customizing Your 16 Bean Soup

Enhance your soup mix by adding ingredients like a smoky ham hock, bacon, or sausage for savory depth, or smoked paprika for a vegetarian alternative. A mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery builds flavor, while kale or spinach can boost nutrients. Season with bay leaves, thyme, oregano, or cumin. Add acidity with diced tomatoes or vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor without hindering the softening of the beans.

Comparison of Common 16 Bean Mix Ingredients

This table outlines the typical ingredients found in different major brands, highlighting the variation in what's considered a "16 bean mix."


Ingredient	Goya 16 Bean Soup Mix	Kroger 16 Bean Soup Mix	Best Choice 16 Bean Soup Mix	Rainy Day 16 Bean Mix
Pinto Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Navy/Small White Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Great Northern Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Red/Small Red Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Kidney Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lima Beans (Large & Baby)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Black Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pink Beans	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cranberry Beans	Not typically listed	Yes	Yes	No
Blackeye Peas	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Chickpeas/Garbanzo	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Green Split Peas	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Yellow Split Peas	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lentils	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Barley	Yes	No	No	No
Speckled Lima Beans	No	Yes	Yes	No

Conclusion

While the name "16 bean soup" implies a precise count, the reality is a delicious and varied mix of legumes, peas, and lentils, with the exact varieties depending on the brand. This diverse selection of ingredients is what gives the soup its rich flavor, hearty texture, and high nutritional value. Whether you enjoy the classic combination or add your own twist with extra protein and vegetables, a 16 bean soup mix is an affordable, healthy, and satisfying meal choice for any kitchen. The most important thing is to enjoy the rich, rustic flavor that this wonderful mix of legumes provides. A great example of a recipe using such a mix can be found on Taste of Home's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. The '16' is often a marketing number, and the mix typically contains a blend of beans, peas, and lentils that, together, make up the varied mix. The specific number and varieties depend on the brand.

The most common beans typically include pinto, navy, great northern, black, red kidney, pink, and large and baby lima beans.

Beyond just beans, the mix usually contains legumes like green and yellow split peas, lentils, and chickpeas, which all contribute to the soup's texture and flavor.

Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian or vegan version. Simply use a vegetable broth and omit any meat. You can add smoked paprika or other spices to achieve a similar savory, smoky flavor.

Split peas and lentils cook faster than whole beans. They break down and dissolve into the liquid, which naturally thickens the soup and adds a creamy consistency.

Most recipes recommend soaking the dried beans overnight to soften them, reduce cooking time, and help them cook more evenly. However, a 'quick soak' method is also an option for those short on time.

Yes, the mix is a great base for customization. You can add additional vegetables like carrots and celery, a meaty ham hock, or spices like bay leaves, thyme, and cumin.