Quick Answer
No, 2 standard 15 oz cans of green beans does not equal 4 cups. Most 15 oz cans contain around 1 3/4 cups of drained green beans. So 2 cans would contain around 3 1/2 cups drained.
Calculating Cups in Canned Beans
To determine how many cups are in a can of green beans, we need to know:
- The size of the can (usually 15 oz or 28 oz)
- If we’re measuring drained or undrained beans
Standard sizes for canned green beans are 15 oz and 28 oz. Here is approximately how many cups are in each:
| Can Size | Cups Drained | Cups Undrained |
|---|---|---|
| 15 oz | 1 3/4 cups | 2 1/4 cups |
| 28 oz | 3 1/2 cups | 4 1/2 cups |
As you can see, a 15 oz can contains around 1 3/4 cups drained beans or 2 1/4 cups undrained.
A 28 oz can contains around 3 1/2 cups drained or 4 1/2 cups undrained.
So for the original question, 2 standard 15 oz cans would contain:
- Drained: 2 x 1 3/4 cups = 3 1/2 cups
- Undrained: 2 x 2 1/4 cups = 4 1/2 cups
Since the question asked about “2 cans of green beans” without specifying drained or undrained, we can assume it means drained. So the total would be 3 1/2 cups, not 4 cups.
Variables that Change Cup Amount
There are a few things that can affect the actual cup yield of a can of green beans:
- Bean size and shape – Smaller, rounder beans may pack more densely into a can.
- Degree of processing – More processed/mashed beans may condense more than whole beans.
- Accuracy of canning – Slight under- or over-filling of cans will change volumes.
- “Heap vs level” cups – Measuring with heaped cups yields more than leveled.
These factors mean the cup amounts listed on cans are approximations. But differences should only be around 1/4 cup plus or minus.
Typical Green Bean Sizes and Shapes
Green beans come in a range of sizes and shapes. Some common varieties include:
- French/haricots verts – slim, 3-6 inches long
- Regular green beans – 4-8 inches long, more oval shaped
- Wax beans – similar shape as regular, yellow instead of green
- Romano – wide, flat pods around 5 inches long
The slender French beans may pack more densely into a can than shorter, plumper beans like Romanos. But the difference is minor and doesn’t drastically change the per-can cup yield.
Degree of Processing
Canned green beans can be whole or cut. Cut green beans are often diced or “french cut” into shorter strips.
Slightly mashed or pureed beans are also available. These contain beans processed into smaller pieces or a bean paste.
Finely processed beans may condense down more than whole beans. But again, the difference in volume would be in the 1/4 cup range.
Accuracy of Canning
During commercial canning, bean cans are filled by volume. Specialized equipment controls portions to maintain consistent yields per can.
But there is some natural variation in any food production process. Some cans may end up slightly over-filled, while others are under.
Differences from the stated volume are generally negligible. Canning is regulated for safety and quality. Major deviations in bean amounts would be quickly detected and corrected.
Heap vs Level Cups
The other factor is how the cup measurements are done:
- Heap – Beans are scooped so they mound over the top of the cup. This may yield around 1.25x a level cup amount.
- Level – Beans are poured into a cup and leveled off with a knife or other straight edge. This matches the stated cup amounts on cans.
Cup measures on canned beans are typically for level cups unless otherwise noted.
So heaped cups could make 2 cans appear closer to 4 cups. But leveled amounts will be in the 3 1/2 cup range.
Converting Between Ounces, Cups and Cans of Green Beans
To summarize the standard conversions:
- 15 oz can = approx 1 3/4 cups drained beans
- 28 oz can = approx 3 1/2 cups drained beans
- 16 oz (1 lb) beans = approx 3 cups
- 1 cup beans = approx 5 oz drained weight
So:
- 2 x 15 oz cans = 3 1/2 cups drained
- 1 x 28 oz can = 3 1/2 cups drained
- 16 oz dried beans = 3 cups rehydrated
You can use these handy conversions to plan recipes and substitute canned for dried or vice versa.
Canning causes some loss of nutrients, so freshly cooked dried beans are healthier. But the convenience of canned makes them popular for quick meals.
Nutrition Comparison of Canned vs Dried Beans
Here is how the nutrition compares for a 1 cup serving of canned versus dried prepared green beans:
| Nutrient | Canned Green Beans | Cooked Dried Green Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 34 | 62 |
| Protein | 2 g | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g | 8 g |
| Iron | 6% DV | 15% DV |
| Potassium | 8% DV | 15% DV |
As shown, dried beans contain more fiber, protein, iron and potassium. Canning causes some nutrient loss, especially water-solubles like vitamin C and B vitamins.
But canned beans still provide benefits like fiber, plant protein, antioxidants and phytochemicals. For ease, canned makes a healthy pantry staple.
Tips for Using Canned Green Beans
Canned green beans are a versatile ingredient. Here are some tips and recipe ideas:
Rinsing
– For salt-sensitive diets, rinse beans to remove around 40% of the sodium.
Incorporate into Salads
– Toss green beans with mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, chopped hardboiled egg, and your favorite vinaigrette.
Pair with Garlic and Dill
– Saute canned beans with minced garlic and dill for delicious side.
Add to Soups and Stews
– Throw some green beans into soups and stews for added nutrition.
Put on Skewers
– Skewer canned beans with meat, veggies, and pineapple chunks for colorful kabobs.
Make Green Bean Casserole
– The classic Thanksgiving side made easy with canned beans!
Purée for Dips
– Blend canned beans with Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs for a cool dip.
Toss with Pasta
– For quick pasta salad, mix chilled canned beans with cooked pasta, chopped tomatoes, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper.
So don’t let cans of beans languish in the back of your pantry! Use them often in healthy, delicious meals.
Conclusion
To answer the original question – no, 2 standard 15 oz cans of green beans does not equal 4 cups. Because each 15 oz can contains around 1 3/4 cups drained beans, 2 cans would be approximately 3 1/2 cups.
Factors like bean size, processing, and how you measure can slightly change the totals. But the standard estimate is that a 15 oz can has 1 3/4 cups drained beans. While convenient canned beans are more processed, they still offer decent nutrition. Put these versatile beans to use in soups, salads, casseroles and more for an easy addition to any meal.
