Plan Your Next Grocery List—14 Popular Beans and Their Differences, Explained

Kidney beans, chickpeas and soybeans are all popular bean types.

You probably remember the old playground rhyme about beans. "Beans, beans, they're good for your heart..."

We've matured since second grade, so we'll leave it at that. But there's at least some truth to it—so many different types of beans are good for your heart.

And the American Heart Association agrees, hailing legumes for their high mineral and fiber content. The organization also points to a lack of saturated fat found in some animal proteins. Consuming beans can lower cholesterol, help you feel fuller longer, prevent overeating and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Beans are technically legumes that fall under the family known as Fabaceae, a plant that produces fruits and seeds inside a pod. Lentils are also legumes, but they don't qualify as beans. Neither do coffee or cocoa beans (those are fruit seeds). But these 14 popular types of beans do!

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14 Popular Types of Beans

Adzuki Beans

These small beans are typically red and cultivated in East Asia. They taste sweet and nutty, making them the go-to choice for red bean paste. You may also hear Adzuki beans called Vigna angularis, azuki bean, aduki bean, red bean or red mung bean.

Black Beans

The black bean is up there with the kidney as one of the most notable types of beans. They're small, shiny and staples in Latin American, Merican and Creole cuisine. Swap them for animal protein for a lower-fat taco.

Black-Eyed Peas

No, not the band responsible for smash hits and bridal-party-entrance song mainstays like "I Gotta Feeling." Black-eyed peas are actually beans. According to the Library of Congress, black-eyed peas were likely first cultivated in ancient Greece and Rome. People in the Southern U.S. consider eating these light-colored peas with dark spots good luck on New Year's Eve or Day.

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Cannellini Beans

Cannellini beans are light-colored kidney beans often used in Italian dishes like minestrone. They're good swaps for navy or Great Northern beans.

Chickpeas

Also known as Garbazano beans, the chickpea has been harvested in Middle Eastern countries for centuries. The light-brown, sort-of-round beans can add proteins and a slightly nutty flavor to salads. They're also used to make hummus.

Fava Beans

Ancient Greeks and Romans harvested fava beans as far back as 6,000 BCE. These beans can be enjoyed raw, fried, roasted or sauteed.

Gigante Beans

As you may be able to tell from the name, these beans are considered "gigantic." They're popular in Greek dishes, notably Gigantes plaki, or a giant plate of baked Gigante beans.

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Great Northern Beans

These large, off-white beans boast a delicate flavor, making them a stellar alternative to a kidney bean. They're popular in North America because of their ability to withstand—and thrive—in colder climates. Use them in soups and stews.

Lima Beans

You may find frozen lima beans in a freezer beside carrots and peas. As their name implies, lima beans are, in fact, beans. They also go by butter bean, sieva bean, double bean, Madagascar bean and wax bean. Lima beans are large, creamy and savory enough to be enjoyed on their own.

Mung Beans

Adzuki beans are called red mung beans. But standard mung beans are green. They are native to India and have been cultivated in China and Southeast Asia for years. They're slightly sweet and popular in stir-fries and salads.

Navy Beans

Black beans are actually black. But navy beans are pearly white. What gives? These legumes got their moniker because they were a staple food for Navy sailors in the 1800s. You'll often find the oval-shaped beans in soups, including Senate bean soup. They have a velvety texture and light, nutty taste.

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Pinto Beans

The Spanish term for these is "frijoles pintos," or "painted bean." That's one way to describe their tan-red-brown-splashed hue. Pinto beans are an essential part of Mexican and Southwestern U.S. cuisine. Find them mashed or baked, served on the side or as part of burritos and tacos.

Red Kidney Beans

Perhaps the most recognizable kidney beans, these dark legumes are literally shaped like a kidney (hence the name). Red kidney beans are perfect additions to chilis and soups.

Soybeans

The soybean (or soybean or soya bean) originated in East Asia. It's used in soy milk and tofu. Mature soybeans have a light green color. Edamame is a type of soybean that farmers harvest when it's still young and a more vibrant shade of green.

Next up, 15 Types of Lettuce and All the Best Ways To Eat Them