Last Updated on May 26, 2024
Stuck between black beans vs. pinto beans? Both are legumes and provide essential nutrients. But they vary in taste, texture, and nutrition levels. Want to know which one fits your meals best? Here we’ve got you all the details!
Black beans vs. Pinto beans
Both beans are high in fiber and protein-rich, making them a great addition to any diet. Black beans have slightly fewer calories and more fiber compared to pinto beans.
Black beans come in several varieties, including Domino, Black Magic, Blackhawk, Condor, and Raven.
Both dried and canned black turtle beans are the most common and readily available in grocery stores. PS. we have another article about the best substitute for black beans.
Black beans have a nutty flavor, while pinto beans are creamier and savory. They are used with Mexican spices like refried beans, dips, black bean soup, burritos, bean burgers, and tortilla soup. Pinto beans work well with Southwestern flavors like chili. Here’s a comparison:
| Nutrient | Black Beans (1 cup cooked) | Pinto Beans (1 cup cooked) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 227 | 245 |
| Protein | 15 g | 15.4 g |
| Fiber | 15 g | 15.4 g |
| Fat | 0.9 g | 1.2 g |
| Carb | 41.4 g | 45g |
What’s The Difference Between Black and Pinto Beans
They are two common beans widely used globally. Although they look similar there are significant differences between them. See the table below to compare them:
| Black Beans | Pinto Beans |
|---|---|
| Dark in color | Light in color |
| Smaller in size | Larger in size |
| Nutty flavor | Creamier flavor |
| Require longer cooking time | Tenderize faster |
| Higher protein content | Lower protein content |
Black beans are smaller and darker. Their flavor is nutty.
Pinto beans are larger and lighter. They have a creamier flavor. Black beans take longer to cook.
They also have more protein. Pinto beans become tender faster. Think about the differences before selecting your recipe. Now, let’s move on to texture.
Texture of Black Beans vs. Pinto Beans
The table shows the differences between black beans and pinto beans.
| Bean Type | Appearance | Texture | Skin Thickness | Cooked Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Beans | Small and oval-shaped | Firm and meaty | Thick | Firmer |
| Pinto Beans | Kidney-shaped | Creamy with a soft texture | Thin | More Tender |
The skin of black beans is thicker and makes them firmer when cooked. Pinto beans have a thinner skin, making them more tender.
Black and pinto beans come in canned beans or dried beans. Canned black beans are softer due to preservatives while canned pinto beans remain creamy.
It’s up to you to decide which type of bean you prefer, depending on your taste or the way you plan to prepare it.
Let’s move on to compare the nutrition of black beans and pinto beans.
Black Beans and Pinto Beans Nutrition Comparison
Let’s explore the nutritional comparison between black and pinto beans. 1 cup of cooked black beans has 227 kcal, 15g protein, 0.9g fat, 40g carbohydrates, 15g fiber, 20% DV iron, 8% DV calcium and 4% DV vitamin C.
Pinto beans also have 245 kcal, 15g protein, 1g fat, 45g carbohydrates, 16g fiber, 20% DV iron, 8% DV calcium, and 2% DV vitamin C.
Both beans contain similar amounts of nutritional content such as high in protein, low in calories, and some vital nutrients like potassium, folate, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, they both provide over 15g of dietary fiber.
Although black beans have fewer calories than pinto beans. Also, they have more iron, making them great for vegetarians and vegans.
Vitamin C content is slightly higher in pinto beans. But both beans offer incredible health benefits.
So, when it comes to the Nutrition Comparison,” both are excellent sources of protein for a healthy meal. Next, we’ll discuss which tastes better.
(Source: Medical News Today and Healthline)
Which tastes better? Black Beans or Pinto Beans
Do you wonder which one is better when it comes to taste? Pinto or black beans? Let’s compare the flavor, texture, and other factors. Here’s a comparison table:
| Factor | Black Beans | Pinto Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Earthy, slightly sweet | Creamy, mild flavor |
| Texture | Firm texture | Softer texture |
| Color | Dark brown/black | Light brown/pink |
Black beans have a slightly earthy taste with a slight sweetness. It goes well with savory dishes like chili or enchiladas. Pinto beans are also creamy and mild. It goes well with spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
In terms of texture, black beans are firmer than pinto beans. The former hold their shape in soups or salads and add chewiness to dishes. The latter becomes mushy under high heat.
Black beans have a dark brown or almost black hue. Pinto beans are lighter, from light brown to pink. It’s subjective which one you prefer. To find out, try different recipes with both types.
Lastly, black beans might be even better than pinto beans. They have more minerals and lower carbs per serving.
Our Easy Black Bean Burger in under 30 mins
Final words
Discussing black beans vs. pinto beans comes down to personal preference. Nutritional differences should be taken into account though. Here are some final insights and a summary of key points.
To help compare the two, here’s a nutrition table per 100 grams:
| Nutrient | Black Beans (100g) | Pinto Beans (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 339 | 347 |
| Carbohydrates | 63.4g | 62.4g |
| Protein | 21g | 21g |
| Fat | 1g | 1g |
| Fiber | 15g | 16g |
As seen, black and pinto beans both contain healthy nutrients like protein, fiber, carbs, etc.
Taste-wise, it’s a personal opinion. Black beans have a sweeter flavor, whereas pinto beans have an earthy one, with a creamier texture. Recipes can be either interchangeably.
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How to cook Black beans and Pinto Beans
Ingredients
- 4 cup black beans or pinto beans
- 10 cup water
Instructions
- Rinse the beans, place beans in a large bowl then covered with water 4 inches above the beans and soaking overnight.
- Drain the water, place the beans in a large heavy-bottomed pot, covered with water 4 inches above the beans, and bring it to a boil.
- Once it's boiling, turn it to simmer. Let it cook for 1.5-2 hours.
- Once cooked, drain off the water and use for your favorite recipe.
Nutrition
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