Early version. Nutrient values from USDA FoodData Central; dietitian review in progress. Not medical advice.

Navy beans vs pinto beans: which is healthier?

They are about equally nutrient-dense: navy beans scores 68/100 and pinto beans 65/100, so pick by your goal. Both can be part of a healthy diet; the table below shows where each one is stronger. Source: USDA FoodData Central.

Navy beans

68/100High nutrient density

140 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 182 g

Pinto beans

65/100High nutrient density

143 kcal per 100 g. 1 cup cooked: 171 g

Which to pick for your goal

  • Fewer caloriesAbout even140 vs 143 kcal per 100 g
  • More proteinAbout even8.2 vs 9 g per 100 g
  • More fiberNavy beans11 vs 9 g per 100 g
  • Less sugarAbout even0.4 vs 0.3 g per 100 g
  • More potassiumPinto beans389 vs 436 mg per 100 g
  • Less saturated fatAbout even<0.1 vs 0.1 g per 100 g

Nutrition side by side

Per 100 g and per typical portion. Bold marks the better value for each row.
NutrientNavy beans, 100 gPinto beans, 100 gNavy beans, 182 gPinto beans, 171 g
Calories140 kcal143 kcal255 kcal245 kcal
Protein8.2 g9 g15 g15 g
Carbohydrates26 g26 g47 g45 g
Sugars0.4 g0.3 g0.7 g0.6 g
Fiber11 g9 g19 g15 g
Fat0.6 g0.7 g1.1 g1.1 g
Saturated fat<0.1 g0.1 g0.2 g0.2 g
Vitamin C0.9 mg0.8 mg1.6 mg1.4 mg
Vitamin A0 µg0 µg0 µg0 µg
Potassium389 mg436 mg708 mg746 mg
Iron2.4 mg2.1 mg4.3 mg3.6 mg
Calcium69 mg46 mg126 mg79 mg
Magnesium53 mg50 mg96 mg86 mg
Sodium0 mg1 mg0 mg1.7 mg

Last updated . Scores use the HowHealthyIs Score method.

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