When it comes to canned beans, knowing how they translate to dry beans can be confusing. Canned beans are pre-cooked and packed in liquid, while dry beans need to be soaked and cooked before eating. The conversion depends on the type and size of the beans. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide quick answers to common questions about bean yields and portions, as well as more detailed explanations and conversion charts.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about canned bean conversions:
- One 15-16 ounce can of beans generally equals 1 1⁄2-2 cups of cooked beans or 3⁄4-1 cup of dry beans.
- One 15-ounce can typically holds about 1 3⁄4 cups of drained beans.
- Different types of beans vary in size, so conversions are estimates.
- Canned bean sizes include:
- Standard 15-16 ounce
- Large 19-ounce
- Small 8-ounce
- Bean varieties like chickpeas, kidney beans and black beans translate closer to 1 cup dried.
- Smaller beans like navy, great northern and cannellini yield around 3⁄4 cup dried.
Keep reading for more detailed answers on how cans translate to dried beans by variety, size and volume.
Bean Varieties and Sizes
Not all beans are created equal when it comes to size and yield. Here’s a breakdown of common bean types and how they convert from canned to dry:
Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked chickpeas = 1 cup dried chickpeas
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 1⁄4 to 2 1⁄2 cups cooked chickpeas = 1 1⁄4 cup dried chickpeas
Kidney Beans
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked kidney beans = 1 cup dried kidney beans
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups cooked kidney beans = 1 1⁄4 cup dried kidney beans
Black Beans
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked black beans = 1 cup dried black beans
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups cooked black beans = 1 1⁄4 cup dried black beans
Pinto Beans
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked pinto beans = 3⁄4 to 1 cup dried pinto beans
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups cooked pinto beans = 1 to 1 1⁄4 cups dried pinto beans
Navy Beans
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked navy beans = 3⁄4 cup dried navy beans
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups cooked navy beans = 1 cup dried navy beans
Great Northern Beans
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked great northern beans = 3⁄4 cup dried great northern beans
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups cooked great northern beans = 1 cup dried great northern beans
Cannellini Beans
- 1 (15-16 ounce) can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked cannellini beans = 3⁄4 cup dried cannellini beans
- 1 (19 ounce) can = 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups cooked cannellini beans = 1 cup dried cannellini beans
As you can see, larger beans like chickpeas, kidney and black beans generally yield about 1 cup dried for a standard 15-16 ounce can. Smaller beans like navy, great northern and cannellini convert closer to 3⁄4 cup dried per average sized can.
Canned Bean Sizes
Canned beans are available in a range of sizes, which affects dried conversions:
- Standard (15-16 ounce): The most common size can, yields around 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups cooked beans or 3⁄4 to 1 cup dried beans.
- Large (19 ounce): Contains over 2 cups of cooked beans or around 1 1⁄4 cups dried beans.
- Small (8 ounce): Holds 1 cup or less of cooked beans, equivalent to 1⁄2 cup or less of dried beans.
- Family or bulk sizes (40+ ounce): Much larger cans designed for meal prep or big batches. Hold roughly 4 cups of cooked beans or 2 to 2 1⁄2 cups dried beans.
While standard 15-16 ounce cans are the norm for most recipes, pay attention to can size for accuracy in conversions.
Volume Conversions
In addition to weights in ounces, canned beans are labeled with volume in cups. Here are some typical volumes:
- 15-16 ounce can = 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups drained beans
- 19 ounce can = Around 2 cups drained beans
- 8 ounce can = 1 cup or less drained beans
Keep in mind that cup measurements can vary based on the size of the beans. Chickpeas, for example, take up more space than smaller navy beans in the same weight can.
Conversion Charts
For easy reference, here are some charts that summarize how different canned bean sizes convert to dried beans by volume and weight:
Volume Conversions
| Canned | Drained Beans | Dried Beans |
|---|---|---|
| 15-16 ounce | 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups | 3⁄4 to 1 cup |
| 19 ounce | 2 to 2 1⁄4 cups | 1 to 1 1⁄4 cups |
| 8 ounce | 1 cup or less | 1⁄2 cup or less |
Weight Conversions
| Canned | Drained Beans | Dried Beans |
|---|---|---|
| 15-16 ounces | 13-16 ounces | 8-12 ounces |
| 19 ounces | 17-19 ounces | 10-14 ounces |
| 8 ounces | 5-8 ounces | 3-6 ounces |
Tips for Converting Canned Beans
Here are some useful tips for working with canned bean conversions:
- Look at the bean variety and can size – larger beans and bigger cans yield more dried beans.
- Focus on drained or cooked cup measurements for volume.
- Weight ounces include liquid, so drained weights will be lower.
- Use conversion ranges or estimations rather than exact equivalents.
- Adjust recipes as needed based on bean variety and your own taste preferences.
- When in doubt, drain and measure canned beans to determine portions.
Cooking Considerations
Keep in mind that canned and dried beans have some key differences when cooking:
- Canned beans are pre-cooked and ready to eat – only heating or incorporating into recipes is needed.
- Dried beans must be soaked, simmered, and cooked before using in recipes.
- Canned beans have a softer texture than dried beans.
- Flavor profiles change slightly between canned and dried beans.
- Nutrition content varies somewhat between canned and dried (but both provide fiber, plant protein, and other benefits).
Consider the preparation time, texture, and flavor you want to achieve when deciding between canned or dried beans. Tracking conversions can help adapt recipes and bean amounts accordingly.
Sample Substitutions
When making conversions, here are some examples of how you could substitute canned for dried beans:
- Recipe calls for 2 cups dried chickpeas.
Use 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed. - Recipe calls for 1 1⁄2 cups dried black beans.
Use 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed. - Recipe calls for 3⁄4 cup dried cannellini beans.
Use 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.
You may need to adjust cooking time and liquid when replacing dried for canned. Taste and adjust seasonings since flavor profiles differ slightly.
When to Use Canned vs. Dried
Here are some tips on when to use canned or dried beans:
- Use canned beans for convenience and quick cooking when time is limited.
- Choose dried beans for superior texture in dishes like baked beans or soups.
- Get creative with a bean mixture – try 1 cup dried beans + 1 can for more variety.
- Opt for dried when wanting to control sodium or seasonings.
- Pick canned to save prep and cooking time.
In most cases, canned and dried beans can be used interchangeably with proper conversions. Focus on what works best for the recipe and your cooking style.
Conclusion
Converting between canned and dried beans requires a general understanding of bean varieties, can sizes and measurement conversions. Focus on the drained, cooked volume of beans rather than the total weight. Standard cans contain 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 cups beans and convert to 3⁄4 to 1 cup dried beans on average. Use the provided charts, tips and substitution examples to adapt recipes and bean amounts as needed. With the proper techniques, you can easily substitute canned and dried beans in your favorite dishes.