What's the Best Substitute for Navy Bean?
Whether you're out of Navy Bean or looking for a healthier alternative, finding the right substitute can save your recipe. Small, white beans with mild flavor and creamy texture, commonly used in baked beans, soups, and stews In this guide, we'll explore the best substitutes that work in most recipes and help you achieve similar results.
Quick Answer
The best substitutes for navy beans are great northern beans, cannellini beans, or white kidney beans.
Best Substitutes for Navy Bean
Great Northern Beans
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- soups
- stews
- baked beans
- casseroles
- salads
- chili
Description
Larger white beans with similar mild flavor and creamy texture. Perfect substitute for navy beans.
Slightly larger than navy beans but very similar in flavor and texture. Cook time may be slightly longer.
Cannellini Beans
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- Italian dishes
- soups
- stews
- pasta dishes
- salads
- dips
Description
Italian white kidney beans with mild, nutty flavor and creamy texture. Excellent substitute for navy beans.
Slightly larger and more kidney-shaped than navy beans but very similar in flavor and texture.
White Kidney Beans
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- soups
- stews
- casseroles
- when you need white beans
- baked beans
Description
Large white beans with mild flavor and creamy texture. Good substitute with slightly different shape.
Larger than navy beans but similar flavor. May need slightly longer cooking time.
Lima Beans
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- soups
- stews
- casseroles
- when you need white beans
- baked beans
Description
Large, flat white beans with mild, buttery flavor. Good substitute when you need white beans.
Larger and flatter than navy beans but similar mild flavor. May have slightly different texture.
Pinto Beans
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- Mexican dishes
- soups
- stews
- chili
- refried beans
- when color doesn't matter
Description
Beige beans with mild flavor and creamy texture. Good substitute with slightly different color.
Slightly different color (beige instead of white) but similar flavor and texture. Very versatile bean.
Chickpeas
Ratio
1:1
Best For
- Mediterranean dishes
- soups
- stews
- salads
- when you want different flavor
- hummus
Description
Round, beige beans with nutty flavor and firm texture. Good protein substitute with different flavor profile.
Different flavor and texture than navy beans but good protein substitute. More nutty and firm.
How to Choose the Right Substitute
When choosing a substitute for Navy Bean, consider the recipe's requirements for taste, texture, and cooking method. Think about whether you need something that mimics the original exactly or if a different but complementary flavor would work. Also consider dietary restrictions and availability of ingredients.
Cooking Tips
Navy beans are perfect 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
Always taste and adjust seasonings when using substitutes
Consider the cooking method - some substitutes work better in certain applications