What's the Difference Between Cannellini and Great Northern Beans? (2024)

Beans are the best—they're delicious, filling and packed with good-for-you nutrients like vitamins, fiber and protein. White beans, such as cannellini and great northern beans, are wonderful in stews, soups, spreads and salads. But the fact that some recipes simply call for white beans, while others specify either cannellini or great northern beans, might have you wondering about the differences between these two beans.

Cannellini and great northern beans are similar but they do have subtle differences in flavor and texture. That said, if it's 30 minutes until dinnertime and you're staring at a can of the "wrong" kind of beans in your pantry, rest assured that you can swap one for another. Here's everything you need to know about the two types of beans, plus tips on using them in white bean recipes.

Taste and Texture of Cannellini vs. Great Northern Beans

Both cannellini beans—also known as white kidney beans—and great northern beans are small- to medium-size white beans that are widely available in the U.S. in cans and dried. Both types of bean also originated and were cultivated in the area that is now South America and are part of the Phaseolus vulgaris species.

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds. "The great northern is a bit more delicate and therefore lends itself towards consuming directly from a bowl, using as an ingredient in baking, or just simply when a lighter texture is desired."

Is There a Nutritional Difference Between Cannellini and Great Northern Beans?

Though cannellini and great northern beans have about the same calories and protein—110 to 118 calories and around 8 grams of protein per half-cup serving—great northern beans provide a bit more fiber than cannellini beans. According to the USDA, great northern beans deliver 7 grams of fiber per serving, while cannellini beans have 5 grams. And like all beans, both cannellini and great northern beans provide antioxidants and key minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium. Adding more of either—or both—of these beans to your meal plan is a great way to contribute to your overall health, as well as the health of the planet.

Can You Substitute Cannellini for Great Northern Beans and Vice Versa?

You can absolutely swap cannellini and great northern beans in recipes. "It comes down to texture, and if you want a firmer-feeling bean in the dish you are preparing," says Hayward. If you have the option of either bean, opt for cannellini if you want a more robust bean, and great northern if you want something a little lighter.

Hayward particularly likes using great northern beans in recipes that show off the variety's ability to "cream up," as he puts it. "Growing up in South Louisiana, I am fortunate to have the best, freshest Gulf seafood in the world," he says. "One of my most favorite dishes is shrimp and white beans—a creamy, thick, delicious shrimp-flavored dish that brings back memories of my mother's home cooking and warm bowls of beans on cold winter nights."

Another of Hayward's favorite ways to use cannellini beans is in a three-bean vegetarian chili. "Three beans—cannellini, red kidney and pinto—along with a few spices, chiles and a can of tomatoes creates a fantastic vegetarian chili that pleases everyone in my family, including the meat eaters."

If you are using canned beans, you can just swap the two, but if you are starting from dried, plan for a slightly longer cooking time with cannellini beans. And since cannellini beans are a type of kidney bean, they contain toxic levels of lectins and need to be cooked properly in order to eliminate them.

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What's the Difference Between Cannellini and Great Northern Beans? (1)

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What's the Difference Between Cannellini and Great Northern Beans? (2024)

FAQs

What's the Difference Between Cannellini and Great Northern Beans? ›

"The difference between the two rests primarily with the heartiness of the cannellini over the northern," explains Vince Hayward, the president of Camellia Brand beans. "Because of the thicker skin, and slightly bolder bean taste, the cannellini lends itself better towards soups and stews," Hayward adds.

Which is better, cannellini beans or great northern beans? ›

Both options are great for almost any white bean recipe, but we like using Cannellinis in a pasta e fagioli, while we prefer Great Northern beans for dishes like shrimp and white bean soup or white beans and ham hock.

What is the closest bean to Great Northern beans? ›

For great northerns, you can opt for pinto beans, chickpeas, or lima beans. These alternatives offer a similar tender texture and mild taste that work well in delicate dishes. On the other hand, if navy beans are unavailable, you can easily use any white or colored bean, such as white kidney beans or black beans.

What are cannellini beans good for? ›

Though they come in several varieties, cannellini beans tend to be the most popular. Due to their high fiber and protein content, they may help support a healthy body weight, muscle mass, and digestion. In particular, they're a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians.

Are navy beans great northern beans and cannellini beans the exact same bean just with different names? ›

While these are all technically white beans, these aren't just different names for the same type of bean. In fact, each of these is actually a distinct varietal.

Can you substitute Great Northern beans for cannellini beans in a recipe? ›

For example, if you're wanting to make a recipe with a meatier texture, use Cannellini Beans or Great Northern Beans. One can be substituted for the other pretty easily. Likewise, if you're using beans to make a creamy dip, Navy Beans can easily be swapped for Baby Lima Beans (aka Butter Beans).

What is the healthiest white bean? ›

All beans are rich in fiber, but the top-ranking variety is the navy bean, allegedly named for its popularity in the U.S. Navy in the early 20th century. These pea-sized, cream-colored beans provide 10 grams of fiber per half-cup serving.

Should you rinse canned cannellini beans? ›

Unless the recipe tells you to keep the canned beans in their liquid, you should drain your can and give the beans a good rinse before using. This will improve the flavor and texture of your finished dish. Open your cans of beans using a can opener. There may be sharp edges from opening the can.

Are cannellini beans a carb or protein? ›

Cannellini beans belong to the complex carbohydrate category. Cannellini beans have a low-calorie count and are high in protein and fibre. Therefore, they contain both carbohydrates and protein.

Which beans are the creamiest? ›

Cranberry beans are known for their creamy texture with a flavor similar to chestnuts. The red specks disappear when these beans are cooked. Cranberry beans are a favorite in northern Italy and Spain. Great Northern Beans are medium-size, oval-shaped beans with thin white skin.

Which is better, great northern beans or navy beans? ›

Navy beans (also called pea beans) star in dishes that require thick, hearty recipes, while great northern beans make the perfect addition to things such as minestrone soup recipes, chicken chili, and — you guessed it — cassoulets.

What are great northern beans used for? ›

Great Northern beans have a delicate, nutty flavor and are popular in soups, stews, and casseroles. They can be mixed with pinto beans or served as a substitute for navy beans and cannellini beans.

Are cannellini beans as healthy as kidney beans? ›

Red kidney beans and white kidney beans — also known as cannellini beans — are used in many dishes. They are a good source of dietary fiber and are considered a vegetable protein. They are low in fat and saturated fat but high in other nutrients, including calcium, iron, zinc, folate and potassium.

What are great northern beans good for? ›

These beans are a good source of iron and folate that aids in the production of red blood cells. Phosphorous and manganese provide support for brain health and are beneficial to the nervous system. One of the most important reasons to add these beans to your diet is to gain the benefits of the protein they provide.

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