10 Pinto Bean Substitutes (Number 4 Has Same Health Benefits)

Normally found harvested in Mexico and the Southern part of the United States, pinto beans have enough fiber and protein to make any meal a nutritious one. Pinto beans have been seen in chili, vegetable soup, and burritos. 

Sometimes, however, you might not see canned pinto beans at your local supermarket. Trying to find quick pinto bean substitutes can be a struggle if you don’t know where to look.

These 10 Substitutes for Pinto Beans Are Perfect if You’re Looking to Shake Things Up When It’s Cooking Time

10 Best Substitutes for Pinto Beans

Navy Beans

Navy beans got their moniker from being a beloved food staple with the U.S. Navy since the 1800s.

While it originated with the U.S. Navy, navy beans have become a highly requested bean in countries such as Brazil and India.

Much like other pinto bean substitutes, navy beans are filled with protein and fiber, but they’re also crammed with vitamin B1, which helps grow certain cells in your body.

Navy beans can also aid in lowering blood sugar levels. As a pinto bean substitute, these kinds of beans, which have a distinct taste, are perfect for serving with Boston baked beans and stew.

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Lentils

Originally found in dishes in India, a vast majority of lentils and green lentils are being produced in Canada today.

For people with diabetes, lentil is one of the few substitutes for pinto beans they can feel safe eating with its sweet taste.

Lentils come packed with phenols, which are often found in certain medical treatments. Phenols help make lentils perfect for lowering the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Unfortunately, lentil is considered allergic in certain regions of Spain because it’s used more as weaning food. These canned beans are often best served alongside other vegetables and rice and can be found in various pre-made foods.

Black Beans

Whether it’s served in Brazilian meals or found in Cajun dishes, black beans, which are often called black turtle beans, are one of the most common types of beans in the world.

One thing black beans is best known for is its high levels of iron, which can help build strong bones.

Because of its immense popularity, there are endless recipes involving black beans and their creamy taste that are simply divine for any time of day.

Some of the most popular recipes include black beans and rice, refried black beans, and black bean soup. Substitute pinto beans with black beans today.

White Kidney Beans

Mainly found in Central and South America, cannellini beans, which are also called white kidney beans, are best known for their creamy texture and mild flavor.

They’re also known for providing some great health benefits. These beans come equipped with molybdenum, which aids in removing toxins from the body.

Another great benefit from these is its ability to slow down the appearance of wrinkles on the face.

White kidney beans can be used in various savory dishes, such as bean and vegetable soup, beef and bean casserole, and pasta and bean salad.

Black-Eyed Peas

Originated in West Africa, these peas are best known for being a major part of the Hoppin’ John dish.

Normally served in the South, Hoppin’ John is eaten on New Year’s Day as a way to bring luck.

For pregnant women, these peas can help prevent various birth defects in newborns thanks to folate. They’re also vital in helping increase eyesight with its vitamin A intake.

Aside from the Hoppin’ John dish, these peas are also perfect for black-eyed pea soup, black-eyed peas and collard greens curry, and black-eyed pea salad. These peas which can also be used in bean dips, have a slightly different taste than pinto beans.

Anasazi Beans

The history of Anasazi beans go all the way back to 130 CE. Created by the Ancestral Puebloans, this bean didn’t become commonplace until the 1980s.

With 7,000 years of history, the Anasazi bean is one of the oldest beans in the world.

One key benefit of Anasazi beans involves their digestibility. Most beans can lead to flatulence, but the low carbohydrates found in Anasazi beans can cause any sort of accidental incidents in public.

Some noticeable recipes involving Anasazi beans include Anasazi beans and ham, Anasazi Bean soup, and Anasazi bean stew with turkey sausage. 

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Lima Beans

Lima beans, which are also known as butter beans and double beans in certain regions, were discovered in Central and South America around 2000 B.C.

One great health benefit for lima beans, which is seen in many Mexican dishes, is the lack of swelling.

Most foods come equipped with a heavy amount of sodium, which can lead to swelling in certain body parts.

With the low amount of sodium found in lima beans, which has a creamy flavor, you wouldn’t have to worry about any sudden changes.

Some of the best recipes to include lima beans are Brunswick stew, creamed lima beans, and Kentucky burgoo stew.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas, which were originally named chiche pease, are a popular addition to Middle Eastern dishes and Italian cuisines.

This form of bean with a mild flavor can be found grown mostly in India.

Most people, however, know chickpeas for their heavy inclusion in hummus. Aside from chickpeas, hummus also features tahini, lemon, and spices.

Some other popular recipes featuring these dried peas include slow-cooker chickpea tagine, air-fryer chickpea fritters, and garden chickpea salad.

Vegans get attached to this pinto beans substitute because of their plant-based protein. This form of protein will also help you feel full without having to resort to using meat.

Cowpeas

Cowpeas are one of Africa’s biggest exports; 90% of cowpeas produced worldwide come from the country. Unlike most beans, cowpeas thrive by growing in dry conditions.

For people trying to get sleep, these dried beans with a delicate flavor work like a charm with its inclusion of tryptophan.

Through this amino acid, you’ll be able to feel calm after your meal. Some popular cowpea recipes include Middle Eastern bean salad, Southwestern cowpea salad, and Nigerian red beans.

Aside from placing it in meals, this pinto beans substitute can also be turned into paste. In Africa, koki mixes cowpea paste and various spices. As a pinto bean substitute, cowpeas are the way to go.

Soybeans

Mostly harvested in Asia, soybeans were seen all over North America and Europe during World War II as a replacement for various foods.

Through the power of soybeans, you’ll be able to have better blood circulation in your body.

Some great recipes including soybeans are lentil and soybean salad, soybean curry, and kimchi and soybean sprout soup.

Soybeans, which have a smooth texture, can do much more than make salads better, though.

They can also add texture to meals as a substitute for olive oil as soybean oil. Soybeans can also be turned into a delicious drink as soymilk. With various uses, soybeans are one of the most versatile substitutes for pinto beans.

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Adzuki Beans

While Adzuki beans are normally red, they often come in various colors depending on the region. In East Asia, this common bean is normally sweetened with sugar before consuming it.

For those wanting to live longer, these beans have a low serving of methionine. This amino acid can expand your livespan if taken in small doses.

Some great recipes with Adzuki beans include curried Adzuki bean salad, Adzuki bean brownies, and Adzuki bean & beet palya.

Adzuku beans can also be boiled to drink at any time. In Japan, this bean can be used in sweet dishes like ice cream.

Roman Beans

Roman beans, which are also known as Cranberry beans and borlotti beans, are often found in dishes in Italy, Turkey, and Portugal.

In Italy, two forms of roman beans were harvested exclusively in the region: saluggia beans and crimson.

Complications like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease can cause a major impact on one’s life.

Roman beans come equipped with a great amount of folate, which can diminish the risk of these life-changing complications happening. Some great recipes with roman beans include cranberry bean pasta fagioli, minestrone soup, and grilled stuffed cubanelle peppers. 

Many Pinto Bean Substitutes For You

With any of these 10 great substitutes for pinto beans, you won’t have an issue making your next meal a memorable one without a pinto bean in sight.

While pinto beans are still one of the best around, it’s always nice to have a pinto beans substitute in case someone you know isn’t too fond of pinto beans.

Replace pinto beans and try out these other beans everywhere from Mexican dishes to Italian dishes. You won’t regret making the switch.