Navy bean substitutes
Navy bean substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Great Northern beans
Same amount as the navy bean
Larger white beans with similar mild flavor and creamy texture. Close substitute for navy beans.
The best substitutes for navy beans are great northern beans, cannellini beans, or white kidney beans.
- The tweak —
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
- Best for —
- soups
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of navy bean |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Northern beanssoups | Same amount |
| 2 | Cannellini beansItalian dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | White kidney beanssoups | Same amount |
| 4 | Lima beanssoups | Same amount |
| 5 | Pinto beansMexican dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | ChickpeasMediterranean dishes | Same amount |
Great Northern beans
mild, slightly nutty
Larger white beans with similar mild flavor and creamy texture. Close substitute for navy beans.
- Best for
- soups, stews, baked beans, casseroles, salads, chili
- Texture
- creamy, firm
- Prep
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Slightly larger than navy beans but very similar in flavor and texture. Cook time may be slightly longer.
Cannellini beans
mild, nutty
Italian white kidney beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Excellent substitute for navy beans.
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, stews, pasta dishes, salads, dips
- Texture
- creamy, firm
- Prep
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Slightly larger and more kidney-shaped than navy beans but very similar in flavor and texture.
White kidney beans
mild, slightly sweet
Large white beans with mild flavor and creamy texture. Good substitute with slightly different shape.
- Best for
- soups, stews, casseroles, when you need white beans, baked beans
- Texture
- creamy, firm
- Prep
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Larger than navy beans but similar flavor. May need slightly longer cooking time.
Lima beans
mild, buttery
Large, flat white beans with mild, buttery flavor. Good substitute when you need white beans.
- Best for
- soups, stews, casseroles, when you need white beans, baked beans
- Texture
- creamy, slightly mealy
- Prep
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Larger and flatter than navy beans but similar mild flavor. May have slightly different texture.
Pinto beans
mild, earthy
Beige beans with mild flavor and creamy texture. Good substitute with slightly different color.
- Best for
- Mexican dishes, soups, stews, chili, refried beans, when color doesn't matter
- Texture
- creamy, firm
- Prep
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Slightly different color (beige instead of white) but similar flavor and texture. Very versatile bean.
Chickpeas
nutty, slightly sweet
Round, beige beans with nutty flavor and firm texture. Good protein substitute with different flavor profile.
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, soups, stews, salads, when you want different flavor, hummus
- Texture
- firm, slightly grainy
- Prep
- Soak overnight or use quick-soak method. Cook until tender, about 1-1.5 hours.
Different flavor and texture than navy beans but good protein substitute. More nutty and firm.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between navy beans and great northern beans?
Navy beans are smaller and more oval-shaped, while great northern beans are larger and more kidney-shaped. They have very similar flavor and texture, making them excellent substitutes for each other.
Do I need to soak navy beans before cooking?
Yes, soaking navy beans overnight (or using the quick-soak method) helps reduce cooking time and makes them more digestible. Soaking also helps them cook more evenly.
How long do navy beans take to cook?
Soaked navy beans typically take 1-1.5 hours to cook until tender. Unsoaked beans can take 2-3 hours. Cook until they're tender but not mushy.
Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?
Yes! Canned navy beans are pre-cooked and can be used directly in recipes. Rinse and drain them before using. They're convenient but may have slightly different texture than home-cooked beans.
Tips for substituting navy bean
10 tips- Navy beans are good for baked beans due to their small size and creamy texture
- Soak navy beans overnight for best results, or use the quick-soak method
- Cook navy beans until they're tender but not mushy for best texture
- Navy beans work well in soups, stews, and casseroles
- They pair well with ham, bacon, and other smoky flavors
- Navy beans are high in protein and fiber, making them nutritious
- For baked beans, navy beans are traditional and work best
- They can be used in both savory and sweet applications
- Navy beans are naturally low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates
- Store dried navy beans in an airtight container in a cool, dry place