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Home » All Recipes

Black Beans vs. Pinto Beans

Published: Jan 6, 2023 · Modified: Sep 7, 2023 by Sarah Baumeister · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Two types of beans you see often in mexican cooking, you may be wondering what the difference is between black beans vs. pinto beans. Aside from the color difference, there are some other differences as well. Here's what you need to know about these protein fill pulses, as well as some great ways to incorporate both black and pinto beans into your recipes. 

two bowls of dried beans.

Staples in south american, south western, and mexican cooking, these beans are nutritional powerhouses that are full of protein and fiber. They can be bought already cooked in cans or dried.

Dry beans will stay fresh almost indefinitely as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. 

What are beans? 

handful of pinto beans.
handful of black beans.

Both black and pinto beans come from leguminous (Fabaceae or Leguminosae family) plants. These types of plants are primarily grown for the seeds inside, otherwise called the "pulse." Other plants in this group include soybeans, chickpeas, peanuts, and lentils, among others. 

What's the difference between black beans and pinto beans 

Here are the main differences between the two in regards to taste, texture, and color.

overhead of dry black beans in a green bowl.

Black Beans

  • Size: smaller and more oval shaped
  • Color: rich black color with a white inside
  • Flavor: mild and meaty
  • Texture: firm and sturdy, they keep their shape more than pinto beans
  • Other names: black turtle beans, caviar criollo, and frijoles negros.
overhead of dry pinto beans in a green bowl.

Pinto Beans

  • Size: larger and slightly more round than black beans
  • Color: light brown/tan with spots. They have a painted appearance, hence their name (pinto means painted in spanish). When cooked, pinto beans turn a little pinker.
  • Flavor: Pinto beans have a light, nutty taste. Because of their soft texture, they are more apt to take on the flavors of whatever they are cooked in.
  • Texture: soft and creamy when cooked. 
  • Other names: mottled beans, painted beans, strawberry beans

Black vs. pinto beans nutrition facts 

Pinto beans and black beans have almost the same nutritional content. Both are high in fiber and protein. Here are the nutrition facts per ½ cup serving size of cooked beans for both black and pinto beans. Their nutritional values are almost identical, with pinto beans being very slightly higher in calories.

Black 

  • Calories: 114
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 20 grams
  • Fiber: 7 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams
dry black beans in a orange bowl.

Pinto

  • Calories: 120
  • Protein: 7.5g
  • Fat: .5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 7.5g
  • Sugars:0.3g

Bonus: Pinto beans are a great source of folate, an essential B vitamin. 

dry pinto beans in a green bowl.

Recipes using pinto beans

Pinto beans are softer and soak up the flavor of whatever they are in. They are used most commonly in dishes like refried beans, dips, spreads, on burritos and quesadillas, and in soups. 

  • Instant Pot refried beans
  • ham and bean soup

Recipes using black beans

Black beans are heartier and used most often in soups, chilis, dips, and salads.

  • black bean soup 
  • Instant Pot black beans 
  • chicken enchilada soup
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Hi, I'm Sarah!

I am a wife, mother, and believer. I have been cooking since I can remember and love sharing recipes with all of you. You will find a variety of recipes here from healthy family dinners, to ways to prepare venison, to soups, to baked goods, anything and everything delicious.

About Sarah

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