Just as I stated in my "about this tempeh stuff" thread, I am trying to experiment with different foods that I may have overlooked before, and I also take note of my caloric intake daily to maintain a healthy weight and avoid overeating.

So I was looking at black beans at the grocery store the other day, looking at the different brands and whatnot, and I found that most said the serving size was 1/2 cup, yet the calorie count varied between 70 and 140 calories per serving. How can beans vary so much?

I think other types are the same way, like the pintos and garbanzos. It's a bean, for goodness sake! I looked at the ingredients, and they all contained the same stuff: black beans, salt, dehydrated onions. Of course I bought the 70-calorie can, and they taste great to me! Does anyone know why beans vary so much depending on the canned brand you buy?

I've wondered about this too, actually. I've noticed that when I buy the low-sodium kinds they have a lower calorie count, which is an added plus (less sodium AND less calories! Heck yeah!), but I'm not sure why that is. I hope someone can enlighten us, that's a good question.

beans vary as much as other foods do. saying all beans should have the same nutritional value is like saying potatoes and carrots should be the same, or broccoli and cauliflower. plus, different beans are better for different recipes.

hmmmm, very interesting...

I thought I made it clear that I was comparing 1/2 c. black beans to 1/2 c. black beans, just a different company's label on the can.

Thoughts, anyone?

ah, my apologies. when you said "different brand" i thought you meant "different beans".

that IS odd. perhaps you should try calling the manufacturers to find out what the difference is!

Kreeli, I'm sorry if that sounded snotty. I logged back on after I wrote it because I think it came out wrong. :)

Bean lovers check this out!
:lick:

http://www.americanbean.org/index.htm

Thank you, Freemouse. I emailed them the big question this morning (October 15) and am waiting for a response. I'll let everyone know. The suspense is killing me. lol

Okay. I'm not keeping the secret from anyone; I just haven't heard back from the so-called bean experts yet. Perhaps I stumped them!

Which brand is the 70 calorie one? I'm a bean addict, and I figure if I can have my beans and eat them too then glory hallelujah!

I adore beans, the spicier the better, too! But they don't adore me if you know what I mean! Any ideas on how to make them less bothersome? Enzymes maybe? Unless it's an allergy I have, which I hope not...And I am speaking mainly of already prepared ones if you please, no-one will eat a lot of them in my house...
Thanks so much in advance if you can help...
:lick: Mmmmmm, Bean Burritos! :lick:

The 70-calorie brand is by S & W Fine Foods. Some stores have that brand and some don't. They don't have a website or phone number on the can, but they're based out of San Francisco, if that helps.

Joyful-Eyes, maybe you could open a can, drain the beans, and then put them in a colander and also rinse them, and then after that heat them. I've heard that rinsing helps for some reason. I honestly have no clue why! ;)

Well, you know, some strains of the same types of foods are just different. Like, how some varieties of wheat are much higher in protein than others (ie, semolina). Or how sometimes you'll get a really big Granny Smith apple and sometimes they're smaller and sweeter. It's just a natural variation in the plant. Some have more protein, some more carbs, some have a higher water content...

I've never been a bean eater, but I'm looking to increase variety in my diet...which type of bean do you think is the healthest? I've heard that refried beans are not that great for you, but I don't know which ones are the best?

Cap'n, I think all beans are good for you to a degree. :P I personally prefer black beans and garbanzos, though I can't really vouch for any of the particular health benefits of a specific type of bean, I do however know that almost all beans are high in fiber, protein and low in fat, so just eat the ones you find the tastiest? You can't really go wrong there!

I don't think the bean people are going to respond to my calorie question. Oh, well. I'll assume the ones that I buy really are 70 calories a serving until told otherwise!