Small White Beans - The Differences

Most North Americans are familiar with kidney beans, kidney beans, kidney beans, and probably even garbanzo beans.

But many recipes call for “white beans” or “baby white beans” and that can leave you wondering exactly which type of bean to use.

What are the different types of beans?  There are many types of small white beans, most notably white beans, lima beans, and northern beans. Cannellini beans are larger, but are one of the most popular navy beans on the market. Black-eyed peas are small, but are not entirely white. Lima beans are creamier than white, but can be used just like white beans in many recipes.

This article will explain the differences between each of these white beans and give you some ideas about where each would be best used in different types of cooking.

6 types of white beans

Kidney beans can often be used interchangeably in recipes, depending on what you have in your pantry, but there are differences in texture, size, and flavor that can influence the outcome of your dish.

Let’s look at some of the most popular types of white beans and how you can use them.

1. White beans

If a recipe calls for small white beans, it’s probably referring to white kidney beans.

This particular small white bean goes by many names, including pea white, baby white, Boston, Yankee, or Fagioli.

They are called Navy beans, not because of their color, but because of their presence as a staple used by the US Navy.

They are conspicuously white, with no hint of green or brown.

Navy beans are one of the smallest of the navy beans, about the size of a pea.

Cooked navy beans are one of the softer beans, becoming quite creamy. This makes them ideal for use in soups and, above all, for making bean sauces.

Although they are soft beans that lose their shape more than some of their more robust relatives, they take an average of 1 ½ - 2 hours to cook.

2. Small beans

Baby lima beans are even smaller than navy beans and just as white. However, they are more likely to be known by name, or called butter beans.

They are creamy and buttery when cooked, hence their nickname.

Because of their soft texture, they work well for making sauces or cooked in soup, stew, or even a casserole where you don’t want a tough bean.

To cook the dried tender beans, cook them over low heat for up to 1 hour.

You want to make sure they are well cooked, as they tend to be starchy, but not overcooked to prevent them from going mushy.

3. Red beans

Despite being called “large,” Northern beans are medium-sized, at best.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of these small white beans is that their mild flavor easily absorbs the flavors and seasonings of any dish in which they are prepared.

This makes them very versatile and a good introduction to beans for those hesitant to add them to their diet.

These small white beans hold their shape well, cooking to a nice mushy texture that remains firm.

They are often baked in casseroles or used in dishes like pork and beans because even after being well cooked, they don’t get mushy.

Kidney beans take 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook and work well in soups or stews with lots of fresh herbs and seasonings.

4. White beans (Cannellini)

Cannellini beans are also called white beans because that’s exactly what they are.

They have a slight pinkish tint, a nod to their rich red cousins.

Navy beans are the largest of the white beans, so it’s a stretch to put them in an article about small white beans, but they substitute well for many other types of beans.

They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor. In the case of large beans, they soften when cooked, but retain their firmness and add meatiness to your dish.

After soaking for 6 to 8 hours, white beans should simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours before they are ready to eat.

Cannellini beans are very popular in Italian dishes, especially vegetarian ones, because they are hearty and filling. They are one of the most popular kidney beans to use in a bean salad or other Mediterranean dishes.

5. Black-eyed peas

Black-eyed peas are not entirely white, but have a small black eye on each kernel.

They are small and quite plump, being rounder than the medium oblong or kidney-shaped bean.

They are denser than many other white beans, and they retain their firm texture even after being well cooked.

They will be fully cooked after only 30 minutes to an hour, but overcooking them will not alter their texture much.

They’re perfect for offsetting savory dishes with their earthy flavor, so use them in stews or sauces that have bacon or ham in them.

Black beans are commonly used in Greek cuisine, so like cannellini, you’ll find them in demand in a variety of Mediterranean dishes with lots of tomato and fresh herbs.

6. Lima beans (butter beans)

The regular size lima beans are not as small or as white as the baby versions, but are slightly creamier in color.

Lima beans have more starch than most other white bean varieties, creating an almost potato-like texture on your plate with a buttery flavor.

Lima beans have a tendency to get a bit soft, although they will take up to 1 hour to cook.

To get the most out of them, use them with a thick, creamy sauce to take advantage of their softer texture.

Small White Kidney Beans Comparison Chart

Related questions

Benefits of white beans?

Beans, in general, are well known for their high nutritional value, and white beans are no exception.

Most notably, white beans are a great source of plant-based protein, providing an average of 17 grams of protein per 1-cup serving. For that protein, you’ll get less than a single gram of fat.

Kidney beans are high in carbohydrates, so they don’t fit on a keto diet, but they are also high in fiber, making them great for your gut and digestive system health.

White beans are also loaded with essential vitamins and minerals for health. They are an especially good source of copper, folate, and iron, but they also have a healthy supply of potassium, zinc, calcium, and magnesium.

If you combine all this useful nutrition, you can do a lot of good for your body. Kidney beans are frequently used to control weight, promote protein synthesis, and improve digestion and heart health.

White beans calories?

The calories in white beans depend on the serving size. For a ½ cup serving of baked beans, there will be approximately 125 calories.

You’ll also enjoy 9 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and less than 0.5 grams of fat.

If you eat canned white beans, the nutritional content will be about the same, except you can expect significantly more sodium.

What are brown beans?

In North America, if you find a recipe that calls for brown beans, you can easily use pinto or even kidney beans.

However, there are Swedish brown beans that are about the same size as pinto beans, with a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. They are a solid soft brown color with a small white eye. They are smooth and creamy and perfect for use in beef or chili casseroles.