Refried beans are a staple in many households, known for their versatility and rich flavor. Choosing the best brand can enhance any meal, from tacos to hearty stews. Some brands stand out for their authentic taste and high-quality ingredients, making them favorites among consumers. To explore which brands can elevate your culinary creations, read on below.
Illustration of refried beans
Best brands of refried beans in 2025
Old El Paso
Old El Paso is a renowned brand that has been a staple in Mexican-inspired cuisine for over 80 years, offering high-quality refried beans that are low in fat, contain 0g trans fat, and are a good source of fiber. Their Traditional Refried Beans, made with cooked pinto beans and real spices, provide 12% of the daily value for dietary fiber and only 90 calories per 1/2 cup serving. These beans are versatile and can be easily heated in the microwave or on the stovetop, making them a convenient addition to tacos, burritos, and nachos. Old El Paso's commitment to flavor and convenience has made their refried beans a favorite for family gatherings and everyday meals. With a moderate processing concern and a low environmental impact due to the use of beans, Old El Paso stands out as a reliable choice.
Rosarita
Rosarita is highly regarded as one of the best producers of refried beans, particularly for its Traditional Refried Beans, which are praised for their silky texture and good flavor, thanks to the use of lard. These beans contain 100 calories, 2.5g of fat, 1g of saturated fat, 15g of carbohydrates, 5g of fiber, and 5g of protein per 1/2 cup serving, making them a lower-calorie and lower-carbohydrate option. They also contain 31% of the daily recommended sodium intake. In a 2024 taste test, Rosarita's Traditional Refried Beans were ranked as the best overall due to their texture and flavor. The product has low processing concerns and few artificial ingredients, appealing to consumers seeking quality and taste in refried beans.
La Preferida
La Preferida is renowned as one of the best producers of refried beans, offering a top-selling brand for decades with a smooth and creamy texture that rivals homemade quality. Their refried beans are made with simple ingredients: pinto beans, water, lard, and salt, and do not contain artificial or industrial ingredients. Each serving contains about 31% of the daily recommended sodium intake and is a good source of naturally occurring iron. The brand is praised for its authentic taste, similar to that found in traditional Mexican cuisine. Despite not being certified organic, La Preferida refried beans have a low environmental impact due to the use of beans, which have the lowest carbon footprint of any protein source. For more details, visit their Authentic Refried Beans product page.
Amy's Organic
Amy's Organic is renowned for producing high-quality refried beans, offering a Light in Sodium version that contains at least 50% less sodium than their regular refried beans, with only 210mg of sodium per serving. These beans are made from organic pinto beans, filtered water, organic onions, and other organic ingredients, ensuring a vegan and vegetarian-friendly product. With about 3.5 servings per 15.4 oz can, each serving provides 160 calories, 6g of dietary fiber, and 8g of protein. Amy's Organic refried beans are USDA Organic, non-GMO, and kosher certified, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. The beans are ready-to-serve and can be heated via microwave, stovetop, or oven.
Bush's Best
Bush's Best, a brand under Bush Brothers and Company, is renowned for its high-quality refried beans, which are seasoned and mashed to perfection. The company, producing approximately 80 percent of the canned baked beans in the U.S., also offers a variety of other canned beans, including refried pinto beans that add flavor to Latin-inspired dishes. With a history dating back to 1933, Bush Brothers has expanded its product line to include various types of beans, contributing to its significant market share and annual sales exceeding $400 million. The success of their refried beans can be attributed to the use of high-quality ingredients and innovative marketing strategies, such as the recent rebranding as "That Beautiful Bean Co." to appeal to younger consumers. This approach has helped maintain consumer interest, especially during the pandemic when canned bean sales increased by 5.9%.
Ortega
Ortega is a renowned brand in the production of high-quality refried beans, with a history dating back to the late 1800s when Emilio Ortega founded the Ortega Chile Packaging Company. Their refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, offering 3.5 servings per container, with each serving providing 7 grams of protein, 5 grams of dietary fiber, and 20% of the daily value for dietary fiber. The beans are also a good source of naturally occurring iron and contain 42% of the daily recommended sodium intake. Ortega's commitment to quality is evident in their traditional recipe, which includes cooked pinto beans, lard, salt, distilled vinegar, and spices. The product has been praised for its minimal processing concerns and low environmental impact due to the use of beans, a protein source with a low carbon footprint.
Siete
Siete is a notable brand for refried beans, particularly for those seeking vegan options. Their Vegan Refried Pinto Beans, available in 16-ounce cans, are made with organic pinto beans, avocado oil, and seasonings like paprika and onion powder, ensuring a flavor profile that is both vegan and organic-ish. Each serving contains 100 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 1 gram of saturated fat. Found at retailers like Walmart for $2.48 per can, Siete's refried beans offer a convenient and health-conscious alternative. Despite being described as having a somewhat boring flavor, they remain a popular choice for their nutritional benefits and vegan compatibility. For more information, check out the Siete Refried Pinto Beans.
Goya
Goya Foods, Inc. is a leading producer of refried beans, known for their high-quality and nutrient-dense products. In 2020, Goya experienced a significant surge in sales, with a 400% increase in various canned beans, including kidney beans and black beans. Their organic traditional refried beans are a staple in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor. Goya's products dominate the market, with beans holding over 45% of the global revenue in the canned legumes sector in 2019. The company's commitment to using less sugar and salt in their products aligns with consumer preferences for healthier options.
Pacific Foods
Pacific Foods is renowned for its high-quality refried beans, leveraging premium ingredients and strict quality standards to ensure a consistent and delicious product. The company's refried beans, often made from pinto or pink beans, must meet stringent criteria such as containing no less than 10 percent and no more than 33-1/3 percent of the pink bean type, and having a sodium content of 36 mg to 140 mg per serving. Pacific Foods' commitment to using U.S. No. 2 Grade beans and adhering to federal inspection standards enhances the product's reliability and taste. Their refried beans are characterized by a smooth paste with visible bean pieces and a mild spicy seasoned flavor, which has solidified their strong market presence in the canned beans sector. For more details about their refried bean offerings, visit their website.
Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's is often praised for its high-quality refried beans, particularly for their fat-free version which manages to maintain a creamy texture without any added fat. These beans are dense and can be watered down for burrito-making, offering a great base for a basic bean and cheese burrito. While they may not contain fat, they still deliver a surprising creaminess. However, some reviews suggest that Trader Joe's refried beans with jalapeno peppers may lack the expected flavor from the jalapenos, making traditional refried beans a better option for customization. Despite this, Trader Joe's refried beans are highly regarded for their taste and texture.
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