Which canned beans are vegan? A comprehensive guide

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

While all beans are plants, a recent survey found that nearly 60% of consumers are unsure if common canned varieties like refried or baked beans are vegan. The processing of these pantry staples can sometimes introduce animal-derived ingredients, making careful label reading essential for anyone following a plant-based diet.

Quick Summary

This guide details how to identify truly vegan canned beans by checking labels for animal-derived ingredients such as lard or bacon. It covers common pitfalls with refried and baked beans and provides a quick-reference table for common types.

Key Points

Not all canned beans are vegan: While the beans themselves are plant-based, additives like lard or bacon in baked and refried varieties can make them non-vegan.
Read the ingredient list for baked and refried beans: Always check labels for animal fats (lard), meat (bacon), and dairy products used for flavoring.
Look for 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' labels: Many brands offer specifically vegan versions of popular bean dishes, which are clearly labeled.
Choose basic beans for a safe bet: Plain canned beans in water or brine, such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, are almost always vegan.
Look for vegan certification: Official certification logos on packaging are the most reliable indicator of a product being completely free of animal ingredients.

The Core Truth: Natural Beans Are Vegan

In their natural, unprocessed state, all beans are legumes and are inherently vegan. Issues arise during canning and preparation, where ingredients for flavor and texture are added. The base ingredient—the bean itself—is always plant-based. The challenge is in the additives, and understanding what to look for is the key to safe and confident grocery shopping for vegans.

Why You Need to Check the Label

The primary reason for a non-vegan bean product is an additive that provides a smoky or creamy flavor. Lard (pork fat) is a traditional and common ingredient in many refried beans and certain baked beans, especially those marketed as 'original' or 'country-style'. Similarly, some companies add bacon, sugar, or dairy products to their bean recipes, often for flavor or to create a creamy sauce base. Without reading the ingredient list, it is impossible to be sure that a product is 100% plant-based.

Common Canned Bean Types and Their Vegan Status

Inherently Vegan-Friendly Canned Beans

For the most part, canned beans sold in just brine, water, or with minimal seasoning are vegan. These are your safest bets and are incredibly versatile for cooking. Popular types include:

Black beans: A staple in many cuisines, from Mexican to Caribbean. Almost always vegan unless part of a pre-seasoned mix.
Pinto beans: Common in Tex-Mex and Southwestern cooking. Plain canned pinto beans are vegan, but refried versions must be checked.
Kidney beans: A key ingredient in chili and salads. Plain canned kidney beans are consistently vegan-friendly.
Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans): Versatile for hummus, salads, and curries. Always vegan in their basic canned form.
Navy and White beans: Often used in soups and casseroles. Plain versions are vegan, but watch for added bacon in pre-seasoned options.

Canned Beans That Require Careful Inspection

These varieties are notorious for having non-vegan ingredients added during processing. Always read the label before purchasing.

Baked Beans: Traditional recipes often use bacon or pork products for flavoring. Many brands, like Bush's Best, offer a specific 'Vegetarian Baked Beans' version, which is vegan, but their 'Original' or 'Country Style' are not. Heinz beans in the UK are confirmed vegan. Always look for a 'vegan' or 'vegetarian' label.
Refried Beans: A common source of confusion. Many traditional refried bean recipes use lard for a creamy consistency. Brands will explicitly label vegan versions as 'Vegetarian' or 'Vegan' and state 'lard-free' on the can. Always double-check the ingredients list for added fat.

Comparison of Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Canned Beans


Bean Type	Vegan Default?	Common Non-Vegan Additives	Examples of Vegan-Friendly Brands/Versions
Black Beans	Yes	Sometimes pre-seasoned with non-vegan spices or broth	Goya, Kroger, Simple Truth
Pinto Beans	Yes	Refried versions often use lard	Siete Vegan Refried Beans, plain Goya Pinto Beans
Baked Beans	No	Bacon, pork, dairy, animal-derived flavors	Bush's Best Vegetarian, Heinz UK, Amy's Organic Vegan
Refried Beans	No	Lard (pork fat)	La Preferida Fat Free Refried Beans, Siete Vegan Refried Beans
Kidney Beans	Yes	Very rare, usually just water/brine	Goya, Simple Truth
Chickpeas	Yes	Rarely processed with non-vegan ingredients	All major brands are typically vegan for plain chickpeas

How to Ensure Your Canned Beans are Vegan

Look for Certification

Many vegan brands will display an official vegan certification logo on their packaging. This is the quickest and most reliable way to confirm a product is free of all animal-derived ingredients and by-products. Amy's Kitchen, for instance, is a company that highlights its vegan products with clear labeling.

Read the Ingredient List Carefully

For products without an explicit vegan label, especially baked and refried beans, reading the ingredient list is crucial. Scan for words like 'lard,' 'bacon,' 'pork,' 'honey,' 'dairy,' 'casein,' 'whey,' and other animal-derived products. If the product is labeled 'vegetarian' but not 'vegan,' it could still contain dairy or honey, so scrutinize the ingredients list.

Research Specific Brands

Some brands, like Bush's Beans, are transparent about the ingredients in their different varieties on their websites. A quick search can confirm which specific product lines are suitable for a vegan diet. This is especially helpful for established brands that have both vegan and non-vegan options for similar products.

Optional Outbound Link: PETA's Guide to Beans

The Final Word: Stay Vigilant

For most basic canned beans packed in water or brine, you can be confident they are vegan. However, for any pre-seasoned or prepared bean products like baked beans or refried beans, the rule of thumb is to always check the ingredients. The inclusion of animal fats like lard or bacon, as well as dairy, is a common practice in conventional recipes. By paying attention to labels and opting for products clearly marked 'vegan' or 'vegetarian and lard-free,' you can easily ensure your pantry staples align with your plant-based values.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all canned beans are vegan by default. While plain beans are plant-based, products like refried beans and baked beans often contain non-vegan ingredients such as lard or bacon.

Lard is rendered pork fat. It is sometimes added to traditional refried bean recipes and other seasoned bean products to provide a creamy texture and savory flavor.

No, 'vegetarian' beans are not always vegan. A vegetarian label ensures no meat is present, but the product could still contain dairy or other animal by-products like honey. For example, some vegetarian baked beans might contain dairy.

To ensure refried beans are vegan, check the label for certifications or read the ingredients list to confirm it is 'lard-free' and doesn't contain any dairy products.

Many brands offer vegan options. Siete and Amy's Kitchen produce specifically vegan products. Bush's Best sells a 'Vegetarian Baked Beans' version which is vegan. Always verify the specific product's label.

Yes, Heinz baked beans sold in the UK are confirmed vegan. However, recipes and ingredients can vary by country, so it is always wise to double-check the local label.

The safest canned beans for vegans are simple, unseasoned varieties packed in water or brine. This includes types like black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans from major brands.