10 Flavorful Canned Refried Beans You Need

Using the best canned refried beans are a terrific side dish to enjoy with tacos, burritos, pizza, and other dishes. However, making it from scratch could be time-consuming, so ready-made beans can quickly solve these problems without compromising authentic taste and texture.

The delectable refried beans tend to be a chunky mash. Thanks to the balanced seasoning, it helps the bean taste perfectly. Serving refried beans as a dip, and their deliciousness will amaze you like you are enjoying it at a five-star Mexican restaurant.

But in reality, picking the right product might be an overwhelming task because there are various versions and brands available on the market. Therefore, with the best options as I am about to suggest here, you can save time and pick the favorite item easier.

What Are Refried Beans?

Refried beans are a traditional side dish from Mexico that is made from cooked and mashed beans for a while. Typically, to make flavorful and tasty dishes, they tend to add more extra ingredients like chili, salt, seasoning, vegetables,…

This cuisine is ubiquitous in various Latin American countries. By boiling beans before mashing them into a chunky paste, they will have an appetizing consistency. Then by draining all the remaining water, the baking or frying process will help refried beans not runny.

Even though they are named “refried,” they are only fried once.

Are Refried Beans Good For Health?

You might be wondering if canned refried beans are completely safe. If any canned food generally includes preservatives or non-organic ingredients, it will bring to your mind doubts about cholesterol and calories.

However, how safe they are depends on how the ingredients are combined. Here are some several merit factors which make them the best and safe for people.

High In Protein

Refried beans are an amazing protein (average 12 or 13g protein in one can). As you know, protein is an essential nutrient that builds muscle tissue. Also, it is satiating so that it will keep you from craving other foods.

Healthy Vitamin Source

Beyond providing protein for the body, refried beans are also a grand source to supplement many vital and essential vitamins. Each serving comprises a considerable amount of vitamin K, vitamin B6, niacin, choline, folate,…

Decent Mineral Source

Refried beans can provide many minerals to every diet; and phosphorus and magnesium are two examples. Furthermore, they provide a substantial portion of plant-based iron, which takes responsibility for transferring oxygen from the lung across the body.

Comprise Healthy Fatty Acids

Typically, the human body cannot make or create fatty acids, so you ought to take it from food. Canned refried beans will provide these vital components like omega 3, which can lower blood pressure.

Contain Huge Amount Of Dietary Fiber

These beans are high in dietary fiber, which can slow down the digestion of carbohydrates, which decreases their influence on your blood sugar. Normally, each serving will provide around 50% of dietary fiber, which you need to add every day.

Low In Cholesterol And Saturated Fat

There are a small number of these components that will inhale into the body. This means it will decrease fat content that is floating into the bloodstream.

Best Brands Of Canned Refried Bean

If you are not sure which ideal canned refried bean brands are, please consider these names as they are top manufacturers in the prepared food industry. 

ROSARITA

Rosarita has been a well-known brand for over 70 years. The company always makes sure its customers receive the best-quality products, from the traditional to restaurant-style versions. Their 3 main product lines are refried beans, enchilada sauce, and ingredient beans.  

AMY’S

Amy’s is a family-owned business that manufactures non-GMO and organic ready-made foods. 

Starting from the iconic vegetable pot pie recipe, today Amy’s menu is more diverse with several convenient and tasty items, including refried beans. With more than 250 products, Amy’s ensures to deliver hearty and vegetarian meals to Americans. 

ORTEGA

Ortega’s products are truly good friends for those who are madly in love with traditional Mexican recipes. With ready-made taco sauce, seasonings, beans, salsa, and more, their products offer tasty meals packed with nutritions.

Which Are The Best Canned Refried Beans To Buy?

You should opt for products from Rosarita or Taco Bell brands because of their high quality and rich essential nutrients. In case you want to decrease cholesterol or saturated fat quality, you should take a look at Old El Paso and Natural Value.

Besides these products, there are other suitable choices that you can choose from. In this section, I have narrowed down the 10 top choices. All you need to do now is read their information and pick one that suits your requirements. 

• Best Overall: ROSARITA 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  “Authentic Mexican taste, provide huge amount of nutrients for the body, plus give decent creamy consistency.”
• Best Budget: TACO BELL 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  “Ready to serve with several minutes in the microwave or stovetop, no preservatives or harmful chemicals, combines any dishes to give scrumptious meals for families.”
• Best Organic: AMY’S ORGANIC 15.4-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  “Organic ingredients, no preservatives or additives, and generate the delectable flavor with better consistency.”
• Best With Low Sodium: LA PREFERIDA 15-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  “Creamy texture can combine with various dishes, great addition for Mexican meals, offer a huge amount of fiber and protein; low sodium.”
• Best For Tacos: OLD EL PASO 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  “Mexican style entrees with perfect consistency, mix and match with various topping foods well, also delicious flavor should be in any pantries.”
• Best Fat-Free: ORTEGA 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  “Provide a huge dose of protein and fiber, also tremendous healthy minerals, low in fat and no cholesterol.”
• Best With Black Beans: BUSH’S BEST 15.5-Ounce Canned Refried Bean
  ” Low in fat, gluten-free, cholesterol-free; no preservatives added; good source of plant-based protein and fiber.”
• Best Gluten-Free: GOYA 16-Ounce Canned Fried Bean
  “Authentic Mexican taste, awesome diet compatibility, and terrific solutions for any rancheros dishes.”
• Best With Spicy Taste: Old El Paso Spicy Canned Refried Beans
  “No preservatives and no fat; low calories; suitable for vegan or vegetarian diets; provide a tasty dish with extra heat.”
• Best With Non-BPA Can Lining: NATURAL VALUE 16-Ounce Canned Fried Bean
  ”Quality product sourcing, no cholesterol or any preservatives, cans are made with non-BPA material.”

Canned Refried Beans Comparison Table 2023

The best canned refried beans will bring you an authentic Mexican sensation. Take a look at this review to find the best one and upgrade the meal to the next level.

The Best Canned Refried Beans Reviews in 2023

These canned refried bean products provide adequate nutrients from each serving. However, they still have drawbacks to consider. Keep reading and gain more information about them. 

1. ROSARITA 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean

(Best Overall)

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Let’s start with the best overall product  from Rosarita. This 16-ounce canned refried bean will bring you the flavor of true Mexican heritage that you can hardly forget. 

Made from clandestine family recipes, this versatile product comprises bean pieces complemented with creamy and smooth refried beans, generating a chunky consistency which can combine well with rice, chips, and more.

The only drawback to this item is that it contains lard, which vegan or vegetarian could not use it. However, don’t miss this fabulous product, which tastes so much better when it is warmed and served hot. Plus, the hearty serving in a can is satisfying and indulgent.

Key Features:

• Zero trans-fat
• 100 calories per serving
• Give a large amount of fiber
• The authentic flavor of traditional Mexican food
• Heat it in a saucepan with over medium degree or place it into the microwave for one or one-half minutes

Product Specifications:

Brand	ROSARITA
Pack Size	One can
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	100 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	540mg (23%)
Main Ingredients	Cooked Beans, Lard (less than 2%), Water, Salt, Onion Powder, Distilled Vinegar, Chili Pepper, Spices, Garlic Powder, And Natural Flavor.
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Set medium heat and heat the beans until hot (do not forget to stir it occasionally) Microwave: Use a covered and microwave-safe dish to heat it. It would take 1.5 minutes to heat (at high).

Let enjoy this video and see how can make delicious dish with this Rosarita:

2. TACO BELL 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean

(Best Budget)

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Would you like to enjoy a tempting dish with families in your comfort home? The Taco Bell 16-Ounce Canned Refried Beans will be a proper selection that you can consider. No need to wait too long and you can enjoy it at any time, any day of the week.

This healthy product can serve the whole family and is an accompaniment that can comprise enchiladas and various dishes. Plus, they can eat right out of the can; whether you desire to get more flavorful for the meals, adding extra herbs, spices will be great.

The 12-pack gives essential nutrients and a grand fiber source, which is a terrific way to control diabetes and preserve a healthy blood level. Furthermore, just warm up in master minutes (stovetop or microwave is a fabulous tool to heat the bean); scrumptious meals are ready for you.

Key Features:

• Ideal for burritos and bean dips
• Made with pink beans and pinto beans
• No MSG, saturated fat, or any preservatives
• Ultimate 7-layer dip recipes are found on the can

Product Specifications:

Brand	TACO BELL
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	130 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	580mg (25%)
Main Ingredients	Cooked Pinto Beans, Contain Less Than 2% of Salt, Water, Dried Pink Beans, Soybean Oil, Soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Cook beans over medium-low heat until hot, stir occasionally Microwave: Heat beans in a microwaveable bowl for 2 to 3 minutes or until hot at high setting. Stir tham after each minute.

3. AMY’S ORGANIC 15.4-Ounce Canned Refried Bean

(Best Organic)

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Perhaps, health is the most concerning issue for everyone, so you should read all the ingredients in the can. Typically, additives, preservatives, or some unexpected components are often used in canned products.

Good news, it is not going to be a matter when you pick Amy’s Organic 15.4-Ounce Canned Refried Bean. Amy’s refried beans are a superb Traditional-Mexican-style dish and certified organic, which can serve for whole families well.

This Amy’s refried beans are superbly seasoned and have a delectable and flavorful taste. Moreover, adding a small amount of onion and garlic produces nutritional values, ultimately enhancing the overall flavor.

Key Features:

• Containers are recyclable
• Low in sodium also available
• Organic vegetarian traditional refried beans
• No bioengineered ingredients, no GMO’s, gluten-free
• Certificated organic by QAI (Quality Assurance International)

Product Specifications:

Brand	AMY’S ORGANIC
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	160 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	450mg (20%)
Main Ingredients	Organic Pinto Beans, Organic Onions, Filtered Water, Sea Salt, Organic High Oleic Safflower, Organic Garlic, and Sunflower Oil, Organic Spices
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Use a saucepan to heat beans Microwave: Heat them in a microwave-safe bowl for 2 minutes. Let them sit for 1 more minute. Stir beans before serving

4. LA PREFERIDA 15-Ounce Canned Refried Bean

(Best Mixture)

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Another organic product in this review is La Preferida 15-Ounce Canned Refried Bean. These refried beans don’t contain any pungent spices such as cumin, garlic, or onion, making it better for those who do not like too-flavorful refried beans.

Try this creamy refried bean by simply warming it up in the stovetop or microwave (around 2 minutes); you can serve an authentic Mexican meal right away.

These beans can add more herbs or spices without any extra seasoning or lard, whatever you like with all your creativity. So you can use it as a filling for burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. Also, with a creamy consistency, it is perfect for dips and soup.

Key Features:

• Creamy and irresistible rich taste
• Does not include any animal products
• Free from preservatives and artificial colors
• The container is made from BPA-free can lining

Product Specifications:

Brand	LA PREFERIDA
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	110 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	230mg (10%)
Main Ingredients	Organic Pinto Beans, Water, Salt
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Cook refried bean over medium-low heat. Microwave: Heat them for 2 minutes (at high setting) in a covered dish.

5. OLD EL PASO 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean

(Best For Tacos)

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The Old El Paso 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean recipe is pretty awesome. Deliciously tasty, creamy, and healthy, it is irresistible. Therefore, it is not surprising that this brand is a preferred choice in myriad families where tacos or burritos are usually on the menu.

This product might contain adequate spice to enrich its natural flavor without being challenging. Furthermore, preparation is also simple and doesn’t consume too much time.

Besides that, the Old El Paso refried bean always gives the top-quality components for your families’ meals. It will make excellent sides and dips and also combine with an array of topping foods.

Nevertheless, low-fat options with noticeable merits can decrease a person’s low-density cholesterol and reduce the harmful things to attack their heart and other health complications.

Key Features:

• Enhanced Mexican-style meals at home
• Terrific combination of beans and right amount of spices
• Heat speedily in the stovetop or microwave to serve (2-3 minutes)
• Can use in dips, topping on burritos, nachos, tacos, quesadillas well

Product Specifications:

Brand	OLD EL PASO
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	110 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	440mg (19%)
Main Ingredients	Cooked Pinto Beans, Contains 2% Or Less Of Lard, Water, Salt, Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Pepper, Spice
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Heat them on a saucepan over low heat. Stirring required.  Microwave: It would take around 1.5 minutes to heat until hot

Come and see how this Old El Paso refried beans stand out in crowd:

6. ORTEGA 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean

(Best for Heat-and-Serve)

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This top-quality  refried bean comes from a well-known brand – the Ortega, which is always the family’s first choice.

The highly nutritious ingredient generates special and unique flavor, making it flawless for supplementing Mexican-style cuisines. They are especially perfect when a filling of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

It’s texture is perfect and not too dense, so it flows out of the can effortlessly once it is poured into another container. Warm up in a saucepan or place it in the microwave (around 2 to 3 minutes), you are ready to go.

This product contains no trans-fat or cholesterol and low in carbohydrate (21g), which makes it suitable and superb for use by people worried about their health and weight.

Key Features:

• Traditional Mexican flavor
• Easy to combine with various Mexican meals
• Fat-free, no preservatives cause harmful when using
• WIC (the special supplemental nutrition program of women, infants, and children) approved

Product Specifications:

Brand	ORTEGA
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	120 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	570mg (24%)
Main Ingredients	Cooked Pinto Beans, Salt, Water, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Heat beans over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir them often. Microwave: Microwave them for 2-3 minute at high setting. Stir after 2 minutes.

7. BUSH’S BEST 16-Ounce Canned Refried Black Bean

(Best With Black Beans)

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Another ideal brand to buy is Bush’s Best. This is also the best option if your favorite beans are black beans. 

Its seasoning is incredible with a combination of all high-quality spices. Apart from this, the Bush’s Best refried bean’s consistency is also decent and could be conveniently used as a great filling or topping.

They are amazing when complementing with rice, tacos, dips, etc. It is also low in fat and gluten-free, which is ideal for quality diets.

Key Features:

• Low in fat, gluten-free, cholesterol-free
• No preservatives added
• Good source of plant-based protein and fiber

Product Specifications:

Brand	BUSH’S BEST
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	150 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	410mg (18%)
Main Ingredients	Cooked Black Beans, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Spice, Water, Lard and Hydrogenated Lard, and Vinegar
Heating Instruction	Stove Top:  Heat to simmer until it is hot Microwave: Heat them in 1-2 minutes

8. GOYA 16-Ounce Canned Fried Bean

(Best with Rancheros)

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Huevos rancheros are a common breakfast served at many Mexican families. The Goya 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean is going to be a superb filling for these dishes by mixing refried beans with salsa.

You can layer it with flavorful toppings like shredded lettuce, scrambled egg, or chopped tomato, based on your favorite flavor.

This chunky-smooth refried bean contains fat free and decreased sodium varieties, which can lower blood pressure and minimize cardiovascular system risks.

Additionally, since this product is high in carbohydrates (24g per can), it provides energy and nutrients to the body, including the brain, which works on glucose.

Key Features:

• Authentic Mexican flavor
• Gluten-free, cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free
• Provide a large number of essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, and iron
• Heat it on stovetop for 3-5 minutes or place it into the microwave for 2 minutes

Product Specifications:

Brand	GOYA
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	140 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	510mg (22%)
Main Ingredients	Cooked Pinto Beans, Tomato Paste, Water, Salt, Jalapenos, Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder, Natural Flavor
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Use a medium-sized saucepan to heat it for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir often Microwave: Heat for 2 minutes

9. Old El Paso Spicy Canned Refried Beans

(Best With Spicy Taste)

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Are you planning to purchase a spicy refried bean with a dense and chunky consistency? The product from Old El Peso will be a perfect deal. 

With jalapeno pepper and chili pepper, your refried beans taste more delicious with a little heat kick. So if you are planning to throw a taco party this weekend, I am sure this item is what you need to create an unforgettable dinner. 

Key Features:

• No preservatives and no fat
• Low calories
• Vegan or vegetarian can use it perfectly
• Provide a tasty dish with extra heat

Product Specifications:

Brand	Old El Paso
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	90 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	440mg (19%)
Main Ingredients	Pinto Beans, Jalapeno Pepper, Sugar, Salt, Tomato Paste, Chili Pepper, Acetic Acid (preservative), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, and Water
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Cook over low heat Microwave: Heat in 2 to 3minutes on high setting

10. NATURAL VALUE 16-Ounce Canned Fried Bean

(Best with Non-BPA Can Lining)

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The Natural Value 16-Ounce Canned Fried Bean is a versatile food and plays an essential supplement in burritos, tacos, and other dishes.

One highlight feature is the product having adequate potassium (388mg, 8% in one can), which helps the muscle contractions run smoothly and good for your overall health.

Plus, provide less calories than any brand, which is ideal for people who would like to cut back the calories in their meal and still ensure enough energy for the body.

Having a healthy lifestyle, you should try this product right away, which supplies natural and organic food and is an eco-friendly product (can’s material is completely recyclable).

Key Features:

• Organic ingredients, non-GMO, gluten-free, low fat
• Can lining is not derived from BPA (Bisphenol A)
• Contain no colors, preservatives, or artificial flavors
• High in fiber, protein, and iron, low in added sugar (1g)

Product Specifications:

Brand	NATURAL VALUE
Pack Size	12 cans
Calories/serving (1/2 cup)	100 Cal
Sodium/serving (1/2 cup)	490mg (21%)
Main Ingredients	Organic Pinto Beans, Water, Sea Salt
Heating Instruction	Stove Top: Cook refried beans over medium-low heat until heated through. Microwave: Set at a high setting and microwave them for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Buying Guides

Pick the right product with decent flavor and doesn’t contain any hassle chemicals to harm human’s health; it is always a challenging task. Below I round up some key considerations; just keep in mind before making any decisions.

The Texture

Each of canned refried beans will bring various consistencies, typically creamy, smooth, or chunky, which generate distinctive properties for each product. Moreover, the texture will affect how it is used, or even the recipes need to change to suit them.

It is necessary to check its consistency and think about your preferences once picking an appropriate product.

Ingredients

This is the next important factor; you should consider carefully. Each ingredient will determine both the healthiness and taste, so remember to read the ingredient list in can or pouches.

This means that you need to make sure no hassle chemical or harmful components are contained in the product. Moreover, ensure that you are not allergic to these ingredients.

Expiration Date

When purchasing a food product, you should check out the date primarily. Make sure you don’t get any expired products. Typically, canned refried beans have a long shelf life (around one or two years).

Package Type

Metal usually is the main material that produces reliable canned goods. However, several brands are changing from cans to pouches to save the cost. Moreover, the pouch can reduce the limitations of canned goods well (easier to store, don’t consume too many foods, don’t affect the shape when transported a long distance,..)

Preparation Type

Normally, refried beans need to get heated before serving. Thus this is the fastest and convenient choice when using them. Some products have to cook in a saucepan for around 5 minutes; you can add the specified amount of seasoning or water to cook.

Then you are going to have healthy, nutritious additions to the meals.

Flawless Filling with The Best Canned Refried Beans

Refried beans are quite versatile. Therefore they can be used in various ways or mixed into various main dishes like a crunchy taco. Here are several ways in which you can try to make delectable dishes for your family.

• Tostadas: Place a tostada on a tray, then spread the refried bean over it. Then you can put whatever you want on top of it, such as vegetables, meat, egg, cheese, and cilantro.
• Burritos: Generate flavorful burritos with refried beans. Just put it and other fillings (meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, condiments, eggs…) into the tortilla, then wrap and dig in.
• Tacos: Make tacos more flavorful and appetizing by mixing refried beans. Only a few tablespoons will dramatically upgrade the meal to a next level.
• Layered Taco Dip: This is a familiar dish which many Americans grew up with. Use refried beans with other ingredients and make several delectable layers.
• Chili: A bowl of chili is filled with nutrients, which is good for health. You can enhance its flavor by adding a few refried beans. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream, and get ready to enjoy it.
• Mexican Pizza: Make a new favorite dish in your kitchen, use prepared pizza crust, and cover it with refried beans instead of pizza sauce. Then, place any of your favorite toppings and adjust them to suit with refried beans.

FAQs

The best canned refried beans are a perfect way to savor every amazing Mexican food without consuming too much money or time. Below I gathered several common questions about this staple food. Keep reading!

My Top Pick

The best canned refried beans come with a variety of consistency; you can enjoy hot, creamy, chunky, or mild refried beans in a breeze. I really hope you can find your favorite items from these products.

The ROSARITA 16-Ounce Canned Refried Bean is the winner in this list due to its excellent taste and versatility. It is also worth considering, which can provide much beneficial health when eaten sparingly.

Finally, you and I go through all the finest products are available in the market. Let share this handy review with your families and friends. Do not forget to let me know in this below comment what you love the most. My dear!