Kidney beans are native to the Americas, specifically Central and South America with a long history of cultivation dating back thousands of years. Besides being a staple ingredient in many cuisines used mostly in chili, stews, soups, salads, and rice dishes, they are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
The inclusion of kidney beans in a well-balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being and that’s why it is so important to be aware of good kidney bean substitutes from our Top 10 Kidney Beans section below.
Top 10 Kidney Bean Substitutes Quick Summary
| ✓ | Similar taste, widely available, versatile to use in chili, soups & Mexican food |
| ✗ | Slightly milder flavor |
| ✓ | Creamy texture, and mild flavor, work well in soups, stews, salads, and Italian dishes. |
| ✗ | Lighter in color, might not look visually as nice. |
| ✓ | Earthy flavor, rich in fiber, versatile in soups, and stews. rice dishes and Latin American cuisine. |
| ✗ | Different color & texture. |
| ✓ | Mild flavor, and creamy texture, suitable for soups, stews, baked beans, and casseroles. |
| ✗ | Smaller in size, may not hold their shape in some recipes |
| ✓ | Mild flavor, creamy texture, works well in soups, stews, casseroles, & side dishes. |
| ✗ | Harder to find. |
| ✓ | Sweet and nutty flavor popular in Asian cuisine, great for desserts, soups, and sets. |
| ✗ | Smaller in size, requires longer cooking time. |
| ✓ | Creamy texture, mild flavor, versatile in soups, stews, casseroles, and side dishes. |
| ✗ | Have a distinct taste. |
| ✓ | Nutty flavor, high in protein, versatile in salads, stews, curries, and hummus. |
| ✗ | Different textures and tastes. |
| ✓ | Creamy texture, mild flavor, suitable for soups, stews, casseroles and side dishes. |
| ✗ | Have a distinct taste. |
| ✓ | Nutty flavor, high in protein, versatile in salads, stews, stir-fries, and Asian dishes. |
| ✗ | Different textures and tastes, consumed as young green beans. |
Best Substitutes for Kidney Beans
1. PINTO BEANS
Pinto beans are a popular bean variety with a slightly milder flavor compared to red kidney beans. They have a creamy texture and are widely available.
Note: They may not provide the exact flavor profile of red kidney beans, but the difference is minimal.
Substitute for kidney beans in chili & other dishes
Pinto beans work well as a substitute for kidney beans in dishes like chili, refried beans, Mexican rice, and bean salads.
Nutritional Info: Pinto Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Pinto beans have slightly fewer calories (143 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Both beans provide a similar amount of protein, with pinto beans offering 9 grams and kidney beans providing 8.7 grams.
- Fiber: Pinto beans have slightly higher fiber content (15.4 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
2. CANNELLINI
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, have a creamy texture and mild flavor. They are commonly used in Italian cuisine.
Note: Cannellini beans are lighter in color compared to red kidney beans, which may affect the visual appeal of certain dishes.
Substitute for kidney beans in Italian recipes & other dishes
Cannellini beans are great substitutes for kidney beans in recipes like creamy soups, hearty stews, pasta dishes, casseroles, and salads. They’re also an excellent choice for Italian-inspired recipes.
Nutritional Info: Cannellini Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Cannellini beans have slightly fewer calories (136 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Cannellini beans provide slightly less protein (8.5 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Cannellini beans have higher fiber content (7.4 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans offer similar amounts of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
3. BLACK BEANS
Black beans have an earthy flavor and a dense, meaty texture. They are a staple in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.
Note: Black beans have a different color and texture compared to kidney beans, but their flavor profile can still complement many recipes.
Substitute for kidney beans in burritos, rice & salads
Black beans work well as a substitute in Latin American and Caribbean dishes, providing a rich flavor and hearty texture. In particular, they are well suited to dishes like soups, rice, burritos, and salads.
Nutritional Info: Black Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Black beans have slightly fewer calories (132 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Black beans provide slightly less protein (8.9 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Black beans have a slightly higher fiber content (8.7 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
4. NAVY BEANS
Navy beans are small, white beans with a mild flavor and a creamy texture when cooked. They are often used in baked beans and other traditional American dishes.
Note: Navy beans are smaller in size compared to kidney beans, and they may not hold their shape as well in certain dishes.
Substitute for kidney beans in baked beans & other comfort foods
Navy beans are a good alternative for recipes that call for kidney beans, especially in American-style comfort foods like baked beans and hearty stews. They are also well-suited for soups, stews, casseroles, and bean salads.
Nutritional Info: Navy Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Navy beans have slightly more calories (143 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Navy beans offer slightly more protein (8.7 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Navy beans have higher fiber content (10.5 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans offer similar amounts of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
5. GREAT NORTHERN BEANS
Great Northern beans are large, white beans with a mild and nutty flavor. They have a creamy texture and are often used in Mediterranean and American cuisines.
Note: Great Northern beans may be slightly harder to find compared to other beans, but they can often be located in well-stocked grocery stores.
Substitute for kidney beans in baked beans & other comfort foods
Great Northern beans work well as a kidney bean substitute in a range of recipes, particularly in Mediterranean-inspired dishes and comfort foods. In general, these beans can also be used as a substitute in soups, stews, casseroles, and bean-based side dishes.
Nutritional Info: Great Northern Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Great Northern beans have slightly fewer calories (118 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Great Northern beans provide slightly less protein (7.6 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Great Northern beans have slightly higher fiber content (7.6 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
6. ADZUKI BEANS
Adzuki beans are small, reddish-brown beans with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. They are commonly used in Asian cuisine and are often associated with desserts.
Note: Adzuki beans are smaller in size and may require longer cooking time compared to kidney beans.
Substitute for kidney beans in Asian-inspired recipes
Adzuki beans can be a unique substitute for kidney beans in Asian-inspired recipes, particularly in sweet bean pastes, desserts, and savory dishes. Adzuki beans can substitute kidney beans in recipes such as sweet bean paste, soups, stews, and Asian-inspired desserts.
Nutritional Info: Adzuki Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Adzuki beans have slightly fewer calories (128 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Adzuki beans provide slightly less protein (7.5 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Adzuki beans have slightly lower fiber content (6.5 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans offer similar amounts of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
7. LIMA BEANS
Lima beans, also known as butter beans, have a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. They are popular in American and Mediterranean cuisines.
Note: Lima beans have a distinct taste that may differ from red kidney beans, so they may alter the overall flavor profile of certain recipes.
Substitute for kidney beans in Asian-inspired recipes
Lima beans can be used as a substitute for kidney beans in dishes such as soups, stews, casseroles, and bean-based side dishes. They are particularly well-suited for Mediterranean and American-style dishes.
Nutritional Info: Lima Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Lima beans have slightly fewer calories (115 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Lima beans provide slightly less protein (7.8 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Lima beans have higher fiber content (7 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
8. CHICKPEAS (GARBANZO BEANS)
Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, have a nutty flavor and a firm texture. They are widely used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Note: Garbanzo beans have a different texture and taste compared to red kidney beans, which may alter the overall character of certain dishes.
Substitute for kidney beans in Middle Eastern, Indian & Mediterranean recipes
Garbanzo beans work well as a kidney bean substitute, particularly in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean recipes. They provide a unique flavor and texture to various dishes in particular hummus, salads, stews, curries, and grain bowls.
Nutritional Info: Garbanzo Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Garbanzo beans have slightly more calories (138 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Garbanzo beans offer slightly more protein (7.6 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Garbanzo beans have slightly lower fiber content (5.7 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
9. BUTTER BEANS
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, have a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. They are commonly used in American, Caribbean, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Note: Butter beans, similar to lima beans, have a distinct taste that may differ from red kidney beans.
Substitute for kidney beans in Middle Eastern, Indian & Mediterranean recipes
Butter beans work well as a kidney bean substitute, particularly in recipes that call for creamy textures. They are versatile and complement a range of dishes such as soups, stews, casseroles, and bean-based side dishes.
Nutritional Info: Butter Beans vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Butter beans have slightly fewer calories (118 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Butter beans provide slightly less protein (7.8 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Butter beans have a slightly higher fiber content (7 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
10. EDAMAME BEANS
Soybeans, often consumed in their young green form known as edamame, have a nutty flavor and a firm texture. They are commonly used in Asian cuisines.
Note: Soybeans have a different texture and taste compared to red kidney beans, so they may alter the overall character of certain dishes.
Substitute for kidney beans in stir-fries, grain bowls & other recipes
Soybeans can be used as a substitute for kidney beans in dishes such as stir-fries, salads, grain bowls, and Asian-inspired recipes. Soybeans provide a unique flavor and texture when used as a kidney bean substitute and offer a protein-rich alternative.
Nutritional Info: Edamame vs Kidney Beans
- Calories: Soybeans have slightly more calories (147 kcal) compared to kidney beans (127 kcal).
- Protein: Soybeans offer significantly more protein (12.2 grams) compared to kidney beans (8.7 grams).
- Fiber: Soybeans have higher fiber content (6 grams) compared to kidney beans (6.4 grams).
- Other Nutrients: Both beans are good sources of folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, among the various substitutes, pinto beans stand out as a versatile option that closely resembles kidney beans in taste, texture, and nutritional properties, making them the best substitute. They can be used in a wide range of dishes, from chili to Mexican cuisine, providing a satisfying and flavorful alternative to kidney beans.