Black-eyed peas substitutes
Black-eyed peas substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cowpeas
Same amount as the black-eyed peas
The closest substitute as they're from the same family, with similar size and texture.
The best substitutes for black-eyed peas are cowpeas, lima beans, navy beans, or pinto beans, depending on the recipe and texture you want.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Hoppin' John
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of black-eyed peas | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CowpeasHoppin' John | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Lima beanssoups | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Navy beansbaked beans | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Pinto beansrefried beans | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Great Northern beanscasseroles | Same amountWorks | Works |
Cowpeas
identical taste and texture
The closest substitute as they're from the same family, with similar size and texture.
- Best for
- Hoppin' John, soups, stews, salads, traditional Southern dishes
Nearly identical in taste and texture, good for authentic flavor.
Lima beans
similar taste and texture
Creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in most black-eyed pea recipes.
- Best for
- soups, stews, casseroles, when you want creaminess
Slightly larger but similar creamy texture and mild flavor.
Navy beans
similar taste and texture
Pinto beans
different taste, similar texture
Creamy texture when cooked, with a slightly earthy flavor.
- Best for
- refried beans, chili, soups, when you want earthy flavor
Slightly different color but similar texture when cooked.
Great Northern beans
similar taste and texture
Mild-flavored white beans with a creamy texture.
- Best for
- casseroles, soups, baked dishes, when you want mild flavor
Similar size and creamy texture, very mild flavor.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the best substitute for black-eyed peas in Hoppin' John?
Cowpeas are the best substitute for Hoppin' John as they're from the same family and have nearly identical taste and texture. Lima beans or navy beans also work well.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried black-eyed peas?
Yes, canned beans work well and are much faster. Use 1 can (15 oz) for every ½ cup dried beans. Rinse and drain before using.
Why are black-eyed peas called 'cowpeas'?
Black-eyed peas are actually a type of cowpea, which is why cowpeas are the best substitute. The name comes from their traditional use as cattle feed.
How long do black-eyed peas take to cook?
Dried black-eyed peas typically take 45-60 minutes to cook after soaking, or 1-2 hours without soaking. They cook faster than most other beans.
Tips for substituting black-eyed peas
5 tips- Soak dried beans overnight for best texture and faster cooking
- Black-eyed peas cook faster than most beans, usually 45-60 minutes
- Add salt only after beans are tender to prevent tough skins
- For traditional Southern flavor, cook with ham hock or smoked turkey
- Black-eyed peas are good for New Year's good luck traditions