Canned beans are perfect for many dishes, because it's easy to cook and store them.
Meanwhile, they aren't always healthy - at least, they aren't as healthy as regular beans, and that's not the only one of its cons.
Let's start with the best sides.
It's convenient to use them
Canned beans are ready to use right out of the can, so they save you time and effort in the kitchen.
They can be stored almost forever
They have a long shelf life, meaning they can stay good for a while in your pantry, so you can stock up without worrying about them spoiling.
There are so many of them
Canned beans come in various types, such as black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, offering versatility in your cooking.
You can eat them quickly
You can use canned beans to whip up quick and easy meals like soups, stews, and salads.
They have disadvantages as well - so let's talk about them.
Sodium content might be too high
Canned beans often contain added salt, which can be unhealthy if you're watching your salt intake. You can rinse them to reduce the sodium.
Not everyone likes the texture
Some people find that the texture of canned beans is slightly softer than freshly cooked beans, which can affect the overall dish.
They are more expensive than regular ones
While convenient, canned beans can be more expensive than dried beans, especially when buying in bulk.
They can harm the environment
The canning process and packaging can have a higher environmental footprint compared to buying dried beans in bulk.
Conclusion
It's completely fine to eat canned beans from time to time, but it's generally better just to buy beans and cook them by yourself.