Which Beans Are Most Similar to Butter Beans?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that in many parts of the world, butter beans are simply another name for lima beans, particularly the larger, mature, and cream-colored varieties? If you're searching for which beans are most similar to butter beans, you'll discover that lima beans are essentially the same, while other white bean varieties offer excellent textural and flavor substitutes.

Quick Summary

The most similar beans to butter beans are lima beans, which are botanically the same species. Other excellent substitutes include cannellini beans and great northern beans, which provide similar creaminess and texture, making them ideal for soups, stews, and salads.

Key Points

Lima beans and butter beans are the same: The difference in name is primarily regional, with 'butter bean' often referring to the mature, cream-colored lima bean.
Cannellini beans are a top alternative: Their large size, creamy texture, and ability to hold their shape make them an excellent substitute in soups and stews.
Great Northern beans are very similar: Offering a mild flavor and creamy texture, these are a reliable stand-in, especially for casseroles and white chili.
Consider your recipe's needs: Choose your substitute based on whether you need a smooth dip (navy beans) or a firm bean for salads (chickpeas).
Size and maturity matter: For the truest buttery flavor, use the large, mature dried butter beans, as baby limas will have a slightly different texture.
Preparation methods are flexible: Dried beans can be soaked for faster cooking, while canned beans provide convenience and should be rinsed.

Lima Beans Are Identical to Butter Beans

For anyone asking which beans are most similar to butter beans, the most direct and accurate answer is lima beans. This is not a similarity, but rather a regional naming convention. The scientific name for both is Phaseolus lunatus. While the term "butter bean" is more common in the American South and the UK, "lima bean" is more widely used elsewhere.

The confusion arises because of the different forms and maturity stages in which they are sold. Fresh, smaller, and often green versions are typically called baby lima beans, while the larger, mature, dried, and cream-colored ones are more often referred to as butter beans. Despite the name, they are the same legume and can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Large butter beans turn incredibly creamy when cooked, while baby limas are more delicate.

Excellent Alternatives: Cannellini and Great Northern Beans

Beyond the lima bean, several other white beans can serve as suitable substitutes due to their mild flavor and creamy texture. Cannellini and great northern beans are particularly good choices, especially in dishes where the bean needs to hold its shape.

Cannellini Beans

Also known as white kidney beans, cannellini beans are a staple in Italian cooking. They are larger than great northern beans, have a nutty, earthy flavor, and a slightly firmer skin that helps them retain their shape during long cooking times. This makes them an excellent substitute for butter beans in soups, stews, and bean salads where you want a creamy interior with a sturdy bite.

Great Northern Beans

These medium-sized white beans offer a milder flavor and slightly softer texture than cannellini beans. They are larger than navy beans but smaller than cannellini, and hold their shape well, making them a versatile choice for casseroles, soups, and dishes where they will absorb the flavors of other ingredients. Their mild taste and creamy texture make them a very close and reliable alternative.

Other Possible Substitutes

When the primary concern is texture, there are a few other options to consider, though they may differ more significantly in size or flavor profile. For instance, chickpeas can work well in salads where a firm, nutty texture is desired, but they are not as creamy. Similarly, navy beans are excellent for puréed dips and thick soups due to their soft texture, but their smaller size means they won't replicate the visual presence of a large butter bean.

Comparison of Butter Bean and Substitutes


Bean Type	Size	Texture	Flavor	Best For	Cooking Notes
Butter Bean (Lima)	Large & Flat	Creamy & Soft	Buttery & Mild	Stews, Casseroles, Sides	Soaking often required for dried varieties
Cannellini Bean	Large & Kidney-Shaped	Creamy, Firmer Skin	Nutty & Earthy	Salads, Soups, Stews	Holds shape well, ideal for long simmers
Great Northern Bean	Medium & Oval	Creamy, Tender Skin	Mild & Nutty	Casseroles, White Chili, Soups	Versatile, absorbs flavors well
Navy Bean	Small & Oval	Very Soft & Creamy	Mild	Dips, Baked Beans, Puréed Soups	Loses shape easily, good for thickening
Chickpea (Garbanzo)	Round & Medium	Firm	Nutty & Earthy	Salads, Hummus	Best when you want a firmer texture

Considerations for Your Recipe

To choose the best substitute, consider what role the bean plays in your dish. If you need a large, creamy bean for a hearty stew, cannellini or great northern beans are perfect. If you're making a dip and need a smooth, velvety consistency, navy beans or chickpeas are better. For traditional Southern dishes where the distinct buttery flavor is key, there is no real substitute for the real thing—a mature butter bean.

When using dried beans, remember that cooking times will vary depending on the variety, and they may require pre-soaking. Canned beans are a convenient option, but rinsing them is recommended to remove excess sodium. For fresh recipes like succotash, you can use baby lima beans interchangeably.

Conclusion

Understanding which beans are most similar to butter beans reveals that the terms "butter bean" and "lima bean" are often two names for the same species, differentiated by size and maturity. While lima beans are the most direct match, excellent substitutes like cannellini and great northern beans offer similar creamy textures and mild flavors for a variety of dishes. By considering the specific characteristics needed for your recipe, you can confidently choose the right legume to achieve the desired result. Whether you call them butter beans or lima beans, these versatile legumes are a delicious and comforting addition to countless meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, botanically speaking, butter beans and lima beans are the same species, Phaseolus lunatus. The name used often depends on geographical location, with "butter bean" being more common in the Southern U.S. and the UK.

The best substitutes for butter beans in soups and stews are cannellini beans or great northern beans. Both have a creamy texture and hold their shape well during long cooking times, ensuring your dish doesn't become mushy.

Yes, cannellini beans are an excellent substitute for butter beans. They offer a similar creamy texture, though they have a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer skin, making them great for applications like salads and long-simmering dishes.

Great northern beans are medium-sized white beans with a mild, nutty flavor, while butter beans (lima beans) are larger and have a richer, more buttery flavor. Both have creamy textures, but butter beans are softer and less starchy when cooked.

Navy beans can work as a substitute, especially for puréed dips or thick sauces, as they cook down to a very soft, creamy consistency. However, they are smaller than butter beans and will lose their shape more easily in soups and stews.

If you're looking for a firmer texture, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are a good choice. They have a nutty flavor and hold their shape very well in salads and other dishes where you want a sturdy bean.

To prepare dried substitutes like cannellini or great northern beans, it's often best to soak them overnight in water before cooking. This reduces the cooking time and ensures a more even texture. Rinsing canned beans before use is always recommended.