Butter beans substitutes
Butter beans substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lima beans
Same amount as the butter beans
Similar bean with different size.
The best substitutes for butter beans are lima beans, cannellini beans, or navy beans, depending on the use.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- cooking
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of butter beans | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lima beanscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Cannellini beanscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Navy beanscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Great Northern beanscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Chickpeascooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | White kidney beanscooking | Same amountWorks | Works |
Lima beans
similar taste and texture
Similar bean with different size.
- Best for
- cooking, salads, soups, stews
Different size, similar flavor.
Cannellini beans
similar taste and texture
Similar bean with different size.
- Best for
- cooking, salads, soups, stews
Different size, similar flavor.
Navy beans
similar taste and texture
Great Northern beans
similar taste and texture
Similar bean with different size.
- Best for
- cooking, salads, soups, stews
Different size, similar flavor.
Chickpeas
different taste, similar texture
Similar legume with different source.
- Best for
- cooking, salads, soups, stews
Different source, similar texture.
White kidney beans
similar taste and texture
Similar bean with different size.
- Best for
- cooking, salads, soups, stews
Different size, similar flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use lima beans instead of butter beans?
Yes, lima beans are a good substitute for butter beans. They have a similar flavor and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between butter beans and lima beans?
Butter beans are larger and have a creamier texture, while lima beans are smaller and have a firmer texture. Both are white beans but have different sizes.
Can I use cannellini beans instead of butter beans?
Yes, cannellini beans can work as a substitute, though they have a different size. They provide similar flavor and can be used in most recipes.
Why are butter beans so popular in Southern cooking?
Butter beans are popular because they add mild, buttery flavor and are a key ingredient in many traditional Southern dishes like succotash.
Tips for substituting butter beans
6 tips- Butter beans add mild, buttery flavor to dishes
- Butter beans can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Butter beans pairs well with vegetables, herbs, and spices
- Butter beans works well in soups and stews
- Butter beans can be used to make succotash and cassoulet
- Store butter beans in a cool, dry place