The Most Popular Type of Bean, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:52
In a small town known for its love of wholesome meals, a heated debate emerged at the local cafe about which type of bean was best for their signature dish. This sparked an interest in creating a method to settle the discussion once and for all, leading to the idea of ranking each type based on popular opinion. Now, you have the power to help decide. By casting your vote on our site, you contribute to a real-time ranking that reflects current preferences and trends in bean choices. This list not only serves as a fun way to engage with others who share your passion but also helps newcomers identify the top picks in the bean world.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Bean?

  1. 1
    67
    votes
    Kidney Beans
    Tiia Monto · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Kidney beans are the most popular type of bean in the United States. They are used in a variety of dishes, from chili to salads. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
    Kidney beans are a variety of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) known for their distinct kidney shape and deep reddish-brown color. They are widely consumed around the world and are particularly popular in many Latin American, Caribbean, and Indian dishes. These beans have a meaty texture and a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. Kidney beans are highly nutritious, providing a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
    • Shape: Kidney-shaped
    • Color: Deep reddish-brown
    • Scientific Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
    • Calories: Around 127 calories per 1/2 cup (cooked)
    • Protein: Around 7.6 grams per 1/2 cup (cooked)
  2. 2
    28
    votes
    Black Beans
    Takeaway · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Black Beans

    Chipotle Mexican Grill
    Black beans are another popular type of bean. They are commonly used in Latin American cuisine and are often served as a side dish or in soups and stews. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
    Black beans is a vegetarian protein option offered at Chipotle. It is a staple ingredient in many of their dishes. The black beans used at Chipotle are cooked with onion, garlic, cumin, and other spices to give them a flavorful and savory taste.
    • Protein Content: 7 grams per 4-ounce serving
    • Calories: 120 calories per 4-ounce serving
    • Fat: 1 gram per 4-ounce serving
    • Dietary Fiber: 8 grams per 4-ounce serving
    • Sodium: 240 milligrams per 4-ounce serving
    Black Beans in other rankings
  3. 3
    17
    votes
    Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They are often used in dishes like refried beans, burritos, and enchiladas. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
    Pinto beans are a type of dry bean that is popular in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. They are medium-sized beans with a mottled light beige and reddish-brown coloration. Pinto beans have a creamy texture when cooked and a mild, earthy flavor. They are often used in dishes such as refried beans, chili, and stews.
    • Size: Medium
    • Color: Mottled light beige and reddish-brown
    • Texture: Creamy
    • Flavor: Mild and earthy
    • Cuisine: Mexican and Southwestern
  4. 4
    19
    votes
    Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a popular type of bean in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. They are often used in dishes like hummus, falafel, and salads. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
    Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that belong to the Fabaceae family. They are widely popular around the world for their nutty flavor, versatile nature, and numerous health benefits. Chickpeas have been cultivated for thousands of years and originated in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions.
    • Appearance: Small, round, cream-colored
    • Flavor: Nutty, creamy
    • Texture: Soft yet slightly firm
    • Nutrition: High in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
    • Culinary Uses: Commonly used in various cuisines, especially in hummus, falafel, curries, and salads
  5. 5
    16
    votes
    Native to North America
    Navy beans are a small white bean that is often used in soups and stews. They are also used in baked beans and chili. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
    Navy beans, also known as haricot beans, are a small white bean variety that originated in North America. They have a distinct oval shape and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Navy beans are popular for their versatility in various dishes and their ability to absorb flavors well. They are often used in soups, stews, salads, and baked bean recipes.
    • Size: Small
    • Color: White
    • Shape: Oval
    • Flavor: Mild, slightly nutty
    • Versatility: Ideal for various recipes
  6. 6
    8
    votes
    Lima beans are a large flat bean that is often used in soups and stews. They are also used in casseroles and salads. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
    Lima beans, also known as butter beans, are a type of legume that belongs to the Phaseolus genus. These beans are named after the city of Lima in Peru, where they are believed to have originated. Lima beans are creamy in texture and have a delicate, buttery flavor. They are commonly used in various cuisines around the world and are rich in nutrients.
    • Scientific Name: Phaseolus lunatus
    • Family: Fabaceae
    • Origin: Believed to have originated in Lima, Peru
    • Texture: Creamy
    • Flavor: Buttery
  7. 7
    6
    votes

    Cannellini Beans

    Italian farmers
    Cannellini beans are a white bean that is often used in Italian cuisine. They are used in dishes like minestrone soup and pasta e fagioli. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
    Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are large creamy white beans with a slightly nutty flavor. They originated in Italy and are a popular type of bean used in various cuisines worldwide.
    • Size: Large
    • Color: Creamy white
    • Flavor: Slightly nutty
    • Origin: Italy
    • Usage: Used in various cuisines
  8. 8
    4
    votes
    Adzuki beans are a small red bean that is often used in Japanese cuisine. They are used in sweet dishes like red bean paste and in savory dishes like soup and stew. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
    Adzuki beans, also known as azuki beans or red beans, are a type of small, reddish-brown beans commonly used in Asian cuisine. These beans have a sweet, nutty flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. Adzuki beans are a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes in Japan, China, and Korea. They are highly versatile and can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, steaming, and simmering. Adzuki beans are commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as soups, stews, bean pastes, and desserts.
    • Size: Small
    • Color: Reddish-brown
    • Flavor: Sweet, nutty
    • Texture: Smooth, creamy
    • Cuisine: Asian
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Mung beans are a small green bean that is often used in Indian cuisine. They are used in dishes like dal and sprouted bean salads. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
    Mung beans, also known as green gram, are a type of legume that belong to the Fabaceae family. These small, green beans are native to India and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are highly nutritious and used in various culinary dishes across many cuisines.
    • Color: Green
    • Shape: Oval
    • Size: Small
    • Flavor: Mild, nutty
    • Texture: Soft, tender
  10. 10
    2
    votes
    Soybeans are a versatile bean that is used in a variety of dishes, from tofu to soy milk. They are also used in many processed foods as a source of protein. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
    Soybeans are a highly versatile and popular agricultural product that is widely grown and consumed around the world. They are a type of legume belonging to the Fabaceae family and are native to East Asia.
    • Nutritional Value: Soybeans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and contain all essential amino acids. They are also rich in dietary fiber, vitamins (such as folate and vitamin K), and minerals (including iron, calcium, and magnesium).
    • Versatility: Soybeans can be processed into a variety of products such as soy milk, tofu, soy sauce, tempeh, miso, and edamame (young soybeans). They serve as a key ingredient in many vegetarian and vegan dishes.
    • Crop Yield: Soybeans have a relatively high crop yield per unit of land compared to other crops, making them an efficient option for agricultural production.
    • Biodiesel Production: Soybeans are the main feedstock for biodiesel production. They contain high levels of oil which can be extracted and converted into biodiesel fuel.
    • Animal Feed: Soybean meal, a byproduct of soybean oil extraction, is widely used as a protein-rich animal feed, particularly in the poultry and livestock industries.

Missing your favorite type?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for popular type

  1. To rank the popularity of different types of beans, the following factors could be considered
  2. Consumption
    The amount of a particular type of bean that is consumed in a given period of time can be a good indicator of its popularity.
  3. Availability
    The availability of different types of beans in different regions can affect their popularity.
  4. Nutritional value
    The health benefits associated with different types of beans could influence their popularity.
  5. Versatility
    The versatility of different types of beans in the kitchen, including their use in various dishes, could impact their popularity among different cultures and regions.
  6. Cultural significance
    The cultural significance of certain types of beans in certain regions or cuisines could also affect their popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of bean. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1901 views
  • 176 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular type of bean

Beans have been a staple in diets around the world for thousands of years. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. With so many varieties of beans available, it's no surprise that they are commonly used in a variety of cuisines, from Mexican refried beans to Italian pasta e fagioli. But which type of bean is the most popular? Let's take a look at the results of our recent StrawPoll and find out!

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