Refried Beans vs Whole Pinto Beans
Compared on one consistent basis: per 100 g, from USDA data behind each food page.
Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) vs Beans (Pinto, Canned): nutrition per 100 g
| Per 100 g | Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) | Beans (Pinto, Canned) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 83 kcal | 117 kcal |
| Protein | 5.3 g | 6.7 g |
| Carbohydrate | 13.5 g | 19.6 g |
| Fat | 0.9 g | 1.3 g |
| Fibre | 3.9 g | 7.1 g |
| Allergens | None listed | None listed |
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g
| Nutrient | Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) | Beans (Pinto, Canned) |
|---|---|---|
| Calcium, Ca | 31 mg | 55.23 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.18 mg | 0.25 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.54 mg | 1.28 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 35.3 mg | 27.49 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.36 mg | 0.32 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 94.25 mg | 83.11 mg |
| Potassium, K | 337 mg | 209.6 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 281 mg | 201.6 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.61 mg | 0.62 mg |
Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) is the leaner, lower-calorie choice. Beans (Pinto, Canned) is higher in protein, fibre and carbohydrate. That makes Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) more relevant when you want a lighter, lower-calorie option, and Beans (Pinto, Canned) when you want protein for fullness or recovery.
Full nutrition facts: Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) · Beans (Pinto, Canned)
Bottom line
Per 100 g, Refried Beans (Canned, Vegetarian) provides 83 kcal, 5.3 g protein, 13.5 g carbohydrate and 0.9 g fat; Beans (Pinto, Canned) provides 117 kcal, 6.7 g protein, 19.6 g carbohydrate and 1.3 g fat.
That is a difference of 34 kcal per 100 g, before anything is added in the pan.
Refried beans are pinto beans that have already been cooked, mashed and loosened, so a spoonful holds less bean and more water than the whole version. That is why the calories per 100 g come out lower. Check the tin: the vegetarian ones are made without lard, the rest are not.
In short: for protein per calorie, refried beans. If that is not the deciding factor, pick by the dish, the price and how you plan to cook it.
Want a different pair? Use the food comparison tool to compare any two foods from the same category.
Values are per 100 g from the USDA FoodData Central records behind each food page and are rounded; brands and preparation change the numbers. This comparison is educational, not medical advice.