Out of Navy bean, one case
Substitute for navy bean
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Great Northern beans
Same amount as the navy bean
The best substitutes for navy beans are great northern beans (1:1 ratio), cannellini beans (1:1 ratio), and white kidney beans (1:1 ratio). These beans provide similar flavor and texture for most applications.
- Best for —
- soups
One casethe full navy bean card
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
The closest substitute to navy beans with similar size and creamy texture
- Best for
- soups, stews, baked beans, casseroles, salads, chili, all navy bean applications
- Texture
- creamy, firm
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
- Best for
- Italian dishes, soups, stews, pasta dishes, salads, dips, Mediterranean recipes
- Texture
- creamy, firm
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
- Best for
- soups, stews, casseroles, when you need white beans, baked beans, all navy bean applications
- Texture
- creamy, firm
Larger than navy beans but similar flavor. May need slightly longer cooking time. Identical to cannellini beans.
Lima beans
mild, buttery
Large, flat white beans with mild, buttery flavor
- Best for
- soups, stews, casseroles, when you need white beans, baked beans, creamy dishes
- Texture
- creamy, slightly mealy
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
- Best for
- Mexican dishes, soups, stews, chili, refried beans, when color doesn't matter
- Texture
- creamy, firm
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
- Best for
- Mediterranean dishes, soups, stews, salads, when you want different flavor, hummus
- Texture
- firm, slightly grainy
Different flavor and texture than navy beans but good protein substitute. More nutty and firm.
The longer answer
About this case
Navy beans are small, white beans with mild flavor and creamy texture, commonly used in baked beans, soups, and stews. When you need a substitute, there are several excellent alternatives that can work just as well in your recipes.
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
Notes on navy bean
- Minestrone soup with great northern beans
- Pasta e fagioli with cannellini beans
- Boston baked beans with white kidney beans
- White bean and kale soup with lima beans
- Chili with pinto beans
- Mediterranean salad with chickpeas
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for navy beans?
Great northern beans are the best substitute for navy beans. They have very similar size, creamy texture, and mild flavor. Cannellini beans and white kidney beans are also excellent alternatives that work well in most recipes.
Can I use pinto beans instead of navy beans?
Yes, pinto beans work well as a substitute for navy beans, especially when color isn't important in your dish. They have similar texture and flavor, though they're beige instead of white. They're particularly good in Mexican dishes and chili.
Are cannellini beans the same as navy beans?
No, cannellini beans are different from navy beans. Cannellini beans are larger, more kidney-shaped, and have a slightly nutty flavor. However, they work very well as a substitute for navy beans in most recipes.
Do I need to adjust cooking time with different bean substitutes?
Larger beans like cannellini or white kidney beans may need slightly longer cooking time, but the difference is minimal. The key is to cook them until tender but not mushy. Canned beans need less time than dried beans regardless of the variety.
Can I use chickpeas instead of navy beans?
Yes, chickpeas can work as a substitute for navy beans, though they have a different flavor and texture. They're more nutty and firm, but they provide good protein and work well in many recipes, especially Mediterranean dishes.