What Are White Beans?

Beans come in many colors—black, red, green, and even spotted. But we’re here to talk about white beans today. What are white beans? What beans are white? Is there more than just cannellini beans? Read on to find out what makes white beans different, similar, and everything in between (in betw-bean?) Anyhow, let’s get to it, there’s learning to do! 

What is a white bean?

White beans are a group of legumes with white (or white-ish) casings and starchy insides, which include an array of sub-beans (we are looking into trademarking this word, but until then, help us popularize it by using it in everyday conversation as much as possible!). 

What beans are white?

​​There are actually several different types of beans that fall into the category of “white beans.” The first are navy beans (also called pea beans, if you want to further confuse matters), then there’s great northern beans (for all you Twin Peaks fans), cannellini beans (we’ll get to that one a little later), and older lima beans (also called butter beans). All of these beans are considered “white beans.” 

canned white beans

Best Canned White Beans

What are the best canned white beans? We tasted a bunch of the top brands on the market to find the best canned white beans to stock your pantry.

Are white beans and navy beans the same?

Yes, navy beans fall under the umbrella category of white beans, most notably because of their stark white coloring. Navy beans are sometimes confused with other white beans because of their look, but they are smaller and rounder than others. They have a neutral, almost nut-like taste that is quite pleasant and, despite their name, they can be enjoyed on land or on sea!

Are cannellini beans white beans?

Yes, cannellini beans are white beans and are sometimes referred to as “white kidney beans.” Cannellini beans are the largest of the white bean group, and are therefore the most dominant and desirable of the pack come mating season. 


About the Author

Joe Rumrill

Joe Rumrill is a fictional one-eyed spinach-loving sailor created in 1929 by E.C Se- Wait, no, that's not right... Joe Rumrill is a stand up comedian and writer currently based in Los Angeles. His favorite thing about food is a close tie between the taste and the nutrients one gets from it. His least favorite thing about it is the "gritty, dirt-like quality some food has", but he's most likely referring to the time in third grade he was dared to eat playground sand.

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