Out of Canned black-eyed pea, one case
Canned black-eyed pea substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Canned cowpeas
Same amount as the canned black-eyed pea
The best canned substitutes for black-eyed peas are canned cowpeas, lima beans, navy beans, or great northern beans. Use 1:1 ratio and rinse well before using.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- authentic flavor
One casethe full black-eyed peas card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of canned black-eyed pea | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canned cowpeasauthentic flavor | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Canned lima beanssoups and stews | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Canned navy beansbaked beans | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Canned great Northern beanscasseroles | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Canned cannellini beansItalian-inspired dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Canned pinto beansMexican-inspired dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Canned cowpeas
identical taste and texture
The closest substitute as they're from the same family. Look for canned cowpeas in specialty stores or online.
- Best for
- authentic flavor, when you want identical taste, traditional recipes, Hoppin' John
Canned cowpeas are the best substitute for canned black-eyed peas. They have nearly identical taste and texture, making them good for maintaining authentic flavor.
Canned lima beans
similar taste and texture
Creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in most recipes calling for canned black-eyed peas.
- Best for
- soups and stews, when you want creamier texture, casseroles, salads
Canned lima beans provide a creamy texture similar to black-eyed peas. They're widely available and work well in most recipes.
Canned navy beans
similar taste and texture
Canned great Northern beans
similar taste and texture
Mild-flavored white beans with creamy texture that blend well in most recipes.
- Best for
- casseroles, soups, dips, when you want very mild flavor
Canned Great Northern beans are excellent for recipes where you want a very mild bean flavor. They're creamy and blend well with other ingredients.
Canned cannellini beans
different taste, similar texture
Italian white beans with creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor that works well in many recipes.
- Best for
- Italian-inspired dishes, when you want slightly nutty flavor, soups, salads
Canned cannellini beans add a subtle nutty flavor while providing creamy texture. They're good for Mediterranean-inspired recipes.
Canned pinto beans
different taste, similar texture
Creamy texture when cooked, with a slightly earthy flavor that works well in many recipes.
- Best for
- Mexican-inspired dishes, chili, soups, when you want earthy flavor
Canned pinto beans work well as a substitute, though they have a slightly different color and earthy flavor. They're widely available and affordable.
How canned black-eyed pea compares
Canned beans offer convenience and consistency, making them popular for quick meals and recipes. When substituting canned black-eyed peas, consider both the flavor and texture to maintain the dish's character.
Tips for substituting canned black-eyed pea
6 tips- Always rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and starch
- For best flavor, choose low-sodium or no-salt-added canned beans
- Canned beans are already cooked, so they only need to be heated through
- If using canned beans in recipes that call for dried, use 1 can (15 oz) for every ½ cup dried beans
- Canned beans work great for quick meals and last longer than cooked dried beans
- For better texture, drain and rinse canned beans, then pat dry with paper towels
Notes on canned black-eyed pea
- For a completely different approach, try using canned chickpeas for a Mediterranean twist
- For a more colorful option, mix different colored canned beans like red kidney beans and white beans
- For a lower-sodium option, look for no-salt-added canned beans and add your own seasonings
- For a fresher taste, try using frozen black-eyed peas or other beans instead of canned
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best canned substitute for black-eyed peas?
Canned cowpeas are the best substitute for black-eyed peas as they're from the same family. If unavailable, try canned lima beans, navy beans, or great northern beans.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried black-eyed peas?
Yes, canned beans work great as a substitute for dried black-eyed peas. Use 1 can (15 oz) for every ½ cup dried beans. Rinse and drain before using.
Do I need to cook canned beans before using them?
Canned beans are already cooked, so you only need to heat them through. Rinse and drain them first, then add to your recipe and heat as needed.
How long do canned beans last in the refrigerator?
Once opened, canned beans last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container with the liquid for best results.
Can I freeze leftover canned beans?
Yes, you can freeze leftover canned beans for up to 6 months. Drain and rinse them first, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags.