Quick Answer
There are approximately 110 calories in 1/2 cup of Ranch Style Beans. Ranch Style Beans are a type of canned baked beans product made by ConAgra Foods. A serving of 1/2 cup contains around 110 calories, depending on the variety.
Calculating Calories in Ranch Style Beans
To determine the calories in 1/2 cup of Ranch Style Beans, we need to examine the nutrition facts label on the can. Different varieties of Ranch Style Beans may have slightly different calorie amounts per serving.
According to the nutrition label on a can of Ranch Style Beans Original Recipe, a 1/2 cup serving contains 110 calories. This is for beans packed in tomato sauce. Other varieties like Ranch Style Beans Southwestern Style have around 100 calories per 1/2 cup.
So for most types of Ranch Style Beans, we can estimate 110 calories per serving of 1/2 cup. This calorie count is for beans drained of packing liquid. If the liquid is consumed as part of the 1/2 cup serving, the calorie count may be slightly higher.
Nutrients in Ranch Style Beans
In addition to calories, Ranch Style Beans provide a number of beneficial nutrients:
Protein
A serving of Ranch Style Beans contains around 7-8g of plant-based protein. This makes beans a filling, protein-rich food.
Fiber
Ranch Style Beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, with around 5-7g per serving. This fiber can improve digestive health.
Iron
Ranch Style Beans are packed with iron, delivering 15-20% of the recommended daily intake in just 1/2 cup. Iron carries oxygen through the blood.
Potassium
With 200-300mg of potassium per serving, Ranch Style Beans help regulate fluid levels in the body.
Folate
Ranch Style Beans provide a sizeable dose of folate, a B vitamin that helps make red blood cells and DNA. 1/2 cup contains 15-25% of the RDI.
So in addition to being a low-calorie food, Ranch Style Beans offer major nutrition in vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.
Ranch Style Beans Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts label on Ranch Style Beans provides exact nutritional information per serving. Here are the key nutrition facts for a 1/2 cup serving of Ranch Style Beans Original Recipe:
| Calories | 110 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbs | 22g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Total Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 7g |
As you can see, Ranch Style Beans are low in fat and sugar. The 110 calories come mainly from the carbohydrates and protein. The high fiber makes them a slowly digested, filling food.
Ranch Style Beans as Part of a Healthy Diet
At just 110 calories per serving, Ranch Style Beans can be part of a healthy, calorie-conscious diet. Here are some tips for enjoying them:
Protein Source
Use Ranch Style Beans as your protein food at meals to stay satisfied on fewer calories than meat. Pair them with rice or quinoa.
Salads and Bowls
Throw Ranch Style Beans on leafy green salads for an extra shot of fiber and plant protein. They also make great additions to grain bowls.
Veggie Burgers and Tacos
Mash Ranch Style Beans and mix with veggies and whole grains for healthy veggie burger patties. You can also use bean mixtures as the filling for tacos.
Dips and Spreads
Puree Ranch Style Beans with salsa for a fiber-full dip, or puree them with tahini as a sandwich spread.
Chilis and Soups
Ranch Style Beans add protein, fiber and nutrients to hearty chilis and soups. Use them as a base for vegan and vegetarian versions.
So in addition to enjoying Ranch Style Beans on their own, you can incorporate them into many healthy recipes. Taking advantage of their highly nutritional profile will boost your intake of protein, iron, potassium and folate.
Comparisons to Other Canned Bean Products
Ranch Style Beans have a similar nutrition profile and calorie count as other popular canned bean products. Here’s how they compare to a few other options:
Bush’s Baked Beans
Bush’s Baked Beans have about 140-150 calories per 1/2 cup serving. They offer comparable amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals as Ranch Style Beans.
Van Camp’s Pork and Beans
Van Camp’s Pork and Beans have around 180 calories in 1/2 cup, a bit higher than Ranch Style Beans. They contain less fiber due to the addition of pork.
Refried Beans
Refried beans range from around 120-180 calories per 1/2 cup serving. They offer less fiber than other bean styles since they’ve been mashed.
Kidney Beans
Canned kidney beans contain 110-120 calories per 1/2 cup serving. They have a similar nutrition profile to other canned bean varieties.
So Ranch Style Beans are very comparable to other popular canned bean products in their calorie density and nutritional value. All provide a healthy dose of plant-based protein and fiber.
Tips for Preparing Ranch Style Beans
Here are some preparation tips for enjoying Ranch Style Beans:
Drain and Rinse
Drain the bean liquid from the can and give them a quick rinse to remove excess sodium and create a base for recipes.
Season
Spice up Ranch Style Beans’ mild flavor with seasonings like cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic and chili powder.
Saut?? and Simmer
Saut??ing rinsed beans with aromatics like onion and garlic boosts flavor. Simmering them in tomato sauce makes a tasty bean dish.
Puree
Puree beans with liquid to make smooth dips, spreads and fillings. Add tahini, avocado or salsa for extra flavor.
Bake
Baked beans are easy – combine drained beans with your favorite spices, sauce and a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup.
With simple preparations like seasoning, saut??ing, simmering, pureeing and baking, you can turn canned Ranch Style Beans into an easy, hearty meal component.
Storing and Reheating Ranch Style Beans
Like other canned goods, Ranch Style Beans have a long shelf life, but here are some storage guidelines:
Pantry Storage
An unopened can of Ranch Style Beans can be stored for 2-5 years in a cool, dry pantry. Check the ‘best by’ date on the can.
Refrigerator after Opening
Once opened, transfer beans to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze drained, cooked beans in airtight bags or containers for 4-6 months.
Reheating
Reheat Ranch Style Beans on the stovetop, in the microwave or oven. Add a little water to prevent them from drying out.
Proper storage helps Ranch Style Beans retain their quality and texture after opening. And they reheat beautifully in any cooking method.
Price and Availability of Ranch Style Beans
Ranch Style Beans are one of the most budget-friendly canned bean options. Here’s what to expect in terms of cost and where to find them:
Price Range
Ranch Style Beans typically cost between $0.50 – $3.00 per 15-16oz can, depending on the variety. Generics are at the lower end while specialty flavors cost more.
Grocery Stores
You can find Ranch Style Beans in the canned vegetable or bean aisle at most major supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and more.
Online
Ranch Style Beans can be purchased online from Walmart, Amazon, and direct from the brand’s website. You can buy individual cans or packs.
Bulk Shopping
For the best deal on pantry stocking, look for Ranch Style Beans at club stores like Costco and Sam’s Club, where multi-packs are sold.
The affordability and wide availability of Ranch Style Beans make them an accessible addition to the pantry for anyone looking to buy healthy canned beans on a budget.
Types of Ranch Style Beans
While Original Recipe is the classic version, ConAgra Foods offers Ranch Style Beans in a few different styles:
Original Recipe
The original variety features small white beans in a tomato sauce. It has a mild flavor that takes well to added seasonings.
Chili Ready
This version contains beans in a spicy chili sauce for a convenient, flavorful option ready to heat and eat.
Southwestern Style
Ranch Style Southwestern Style Beans include a blend of beans and corn in an authentic Tex-Mex sauce.
Smokehouse Influence
For a smoky BBQ twist, this variety features beans smoked with natural wood chips in a rich sauce.
Hot and Spicy
Beans in a zesty hot sauce give this version some serious kick. It’s perfect for spicy food fans.
The different varieties allow you to easily switch up the flavor profile to match the cuisine you’re cooking.
Benefits of Canned Beans vs. Dry Beans
Canned beans like Ranch Style offer some advantages over uncooked dry bean varieties:
Convenience
Canned beans are pre-cooked and ready to eat – no soaking or boiling required. Just open the can and use.
Texture
The canning process softens beans to the perfect tender texture for salads, dips, etc. Dry beans take skill to cook properly.
Year-Round Availability
Unlike fresh beans, canned versions are available in grocery stores year-round and have a long shelf life.
Affordability
Pound for pound, canned beans tend to cost significantly less than dry packaged beans.
Nutrition
Studies show canned beans retain their nutritional values, including fiber and protein content.
For ease, taste and wallet-friendly nutrition, Ranch Style Beans and other canned bean products can play a valuable role in a healthy diet. Their many benefits make them a pantry staple.
Conclusion
Ranch Style Beans offer a tasty and nutritious canned bean option with around 110 calories per standard 1/2 cup serving. They provide ample protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, with options in different styles and flavors. Ranch Style Beans make it easy and affordable to enjoy the many benefits beans provide as part of a balanced diet. Keep a few cans on hand to whip up nutritious bean dishes, dips and spreads anytime!
