What is the difference between Navy Beans and Great Northern Beans? Can you substitute one for the other in a recipe? I am here to answer all your bean questions! Texture, flavor, cooking uses, and a little historical context for true legume geeks like me!
In my kitchen comparison “Navy beans vs Great Northern beans,” I made a batch of both beans from dried beans to use in a soup and used a can of each kind of bean in a White Bean Salad to compare texture and flavor. I also got the kids involved in a taste test.
I have structured this post in order of most relevance to the average (not bean-obsessed) home cook, starting with general information about culinary applications and nutrition facts. For my fellow legum lovers, I have followed with more history and cultural context about each bean. Concluding with the taste test judged by my 8-year-old daughter!! [feast_advanced_jump_to]
Navy and great northern beans may share a similar flavor, but their distinct textures make them suitable for different cooking applications. With their thick skins and creamy texture, Navy beans are perfect for hearty and thick dishes like Boston beans, pork and beans, and navy bean soup.
They can withstand long cooking times without losing shape, making them ideal for slow-cooked stews and soups. Navy beans also work well in casseroles and bakes, adding substance and flavor to oven-baked dishes. When mashed or pureed, navy beans create a creamy consistency, making them an excellent base for hearty dips and spreads.
On the other hand, great northern beans have a thin skin and tender texture that makes them ideal for delicate dishes. They retain their shape and offer a subtle, delicate flavor, making them perfect for minestrone soup and chicken chili. Additionally, they work well in cassoulets and lighter baked dishes, where their texture and taste can shine without dominating the overall dish.
In summary, the choice between navy beans and great northern beans should consider the specific texture required for the dish. Navy beans excel in hearty and prolonged cooking, while great northern beans shine in delicate and shorter cooking applications.
However, both beans offer versatility and can be used interchangeably in various recipes, depending on personal preference and availability—many people with not notice the subtle differences.
If you check your cupboards and discover you don’t have either legume, have no fear. You can use several suitable substitutes to ensure your dish turns out just as delicious.
For great northerns, you can opt for pinto beans, chickpeas, or lima beans. These alternatives offer a similar tender texture and mild taste that work well in delicate dishes. On the other hand, if navy beans are unavailable, you can easily use any white or colored bean, such as white kidney beans or black beans. In a pinch, lentils can also step in as a viable replacement. With these versatile alternatives, you can confidently navigate any recipe and enjoy a satisfying and flavorsome meal.
One of the world’s favorite beans is the Yankee bean. It’s also known as the Navy bean here and the pea bean or haricot in Britain. Whatever the name, these small, white beans are baked (for pork and beans) and boiled (for bean soup).
Health Benefits of Navy Beans and Great Northern Beans:
Are navy beans good for you? Are great northern beans good for you? In short, YES! But let’s break it down. I have cited some studies about the benefits of eating these beans. See the complete list of references at the bottom of the post.
Navy and great northern beans are nutritional powerhouses, offering a rich blend of carbohydrates and fiber. A single serving of navy beans provides approximately 140 kcal, with 26 grams of complex carbohydrates. Most of these carbohydrates are starch, making navy beans an excellent source of quick and sustained energy. In addition, navy beans offer an impressive 10.2 grams of dietary fiber per serving. This significant fiber content plays a crucial role in various aspects of health, such as stabilizing blood sugar levels, promoting feelings of fullness, and supporting a healthy digestive system (3).
On the other hand, great northern beans pack an even greater nutritional punch. With around 208 kCal per serving, they provide 37.3 grams of complex carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are primarily derived from starch, providing the body with a reliable energy source. Furthermore, great northern beans offer 12.3 grams of dietary fiber per serving. This high fiber content provides numerous health benefits, including blood sugar regulation, enhanced satiety, and improved digestive function. (3).
Less than 10% of people in the United States get their recommended daily amount of fiber, 25 grams of fiber for women and 38 for men (1). Both navy beans and great northern beans excel as sources of fiber, making them valuable additions to any diet.
Their nutrient-rich profiles make them a smart choice for supporting energy levels, managing blood sugar, and maintaining a healthy digestive system. Incorporating these beans into various dishes can be a delicious and nutritious way to enhance overall health.
White beans are a good source of protein. Each cup of great northern beans provides 14.5 grams of protein, and navy beans have 15 grams for the same amount. For this reason, many vegans and vegetarians use northern beans or other legumes to boost their protein intake.
While both Navy Beans and Great Northern beans are good sources of protein, they are not complete sources of protein- they do not have all nine essential amino acids your body needs. By pairing white beans with grains like rice, barley, corn, and wheat- which have complementary proteins- you can ensure you get all the essential amino acids in your diet. (4)
Great northern beans are legumes. Nutrition researchers have studied legumes for years because they are nutrient-rich, easily grown, and commonly consumed worldwide. Research suggests that increasing your intake of legumes, including beans and lentils certain health benefits, including significantly lower risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. (5)
(looking for a quick look comparison of been or other food myfooddata.com is an easy free online tool. Learn about the lentils and their health benefits, too!)
Navy beans, also known as pea beans, have a fascinating historical context dating back to the early 1800s. They gained their name from extensive use as a staple food in the United States Navy during the 19th century. US Navy ships relied on these beans as a primary source of sustenance due to their excellent nutritional profile and ability to be stored for long periods without spoilage. As a result, navy beans became a crucial food item for sailors during their long voyages, earning them the moniker “navy beans.”
Throughout history, Great Northern Beans have held a significant role as a staple food among Native American tribes. Over time, European settlers embraced these beans and carried them along during their migration across the continent. Presently, Great Northern Beans are cultivated in various regions worldwide, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Other types of white beans
Butter beans (baby lima beans) and Cannellini Beans are two more common types of white beans.
If your recipe calls for white beans, you can often use Cannellini Bean as an excellent substitute for Navy or Great beans. They are slightly larger, have a meaty texture, and have thicker skin. With nutty and early flavor work well in soups and cold salads.
Butter beans are a good size bigger than the other types of white beans- making them a more pronounced and less common substitution. While butter beans are less common, I am really falling in love with their buttery texture and robust flavor- don’t be afraid to try these as a substitute.
The USDA provides the following nutrition information for 1 cup serving of each bean thoroughly cooked (boiled) without salt. (1) (NOTE that if you are cooking them, you are likely going to be adding some salt for flavor- so if you are following a low-sodium diet, make adjustments to your recipes accordingly)
- Calories 140 kCal
- Fat .62 g
- Protein 8.23 g
- Carbohydrates 26 g
- Fiber 10.5
- Sodium 0mg
- Calcium 69 mg
- Iron 2.36 mg
- Magnesium 53 mg
- Potassium 389 mg
- Calories 208 kCal
- Fat .8 g
- Protein 14.74 g
- Carbohydrates 37.33 g
- Fiber 12.39
- Sodium 3.54 mg
- Calcium 120.36 mg
- Iron 3.77 mg
- Magnesium 88.5 mg
- Potassium 692.07 mg
Seinfeld: Yankee bean
FAQ
What is another name for navy beans?
What bean is closest to navy bean?
Are lima beans and navy beans the same?
What were navy beans originally called?
What is a navy bean?
† Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. The navy bean, haricot bean, pearl haricot bean, Boston bean, white pea bean, or pea bean is a variety of the common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris) native to the Americas, where it was first domesticated.
What type of beans should one eat?
The most healthy beans are chickpeas, lentils, peas, kidney beans, black beans, soybeans, pinto beans, and navy beans. They contain a lot of fiber and proteins.
Are navy beans white?
However, navy beans aren’t navy in color at all! They’re actually small, pea-sized white beans that are closely related to other types of white beans, like cannelloni and great northern beans. Due to their size and shape, white navy beans are also often called pea beans. Other common names include Boson beans, Yankee beans, and haricot beans.
What do navy beans look like?
They’re strikingly white without any hint of green or brown. Navy beans are one of the smallest of the white beans at about the same size as a pea. Cooked Navy beans are one of the softer beans, turning quite creamy. This makes them ideal for use in soups and especially making bean dips.