Cannellini Beans vs. Northern Beans

Cannellini Beans vs. Northern Beans

Beans taste great with just about anything, which is why you'll find them on the ingredients list of your favorite recipes. The unique flavor and nutritional profile of beans make them a legume you don't want to pass up. There are several varieties to choose from when cooking with beans, and knowing how to use each is the key to a great-tasting recipe. One of the most widely used bean types is white beans. Several varieties of beans fall under the white bean category, and it may be challenging to spot their differences just by looking at them. Two of the most popular types of white beanscannellini beans and Northern beansare often confused with each other. And while they may look similar, they are very different. Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between cannellini beans vs. Great Northern beans and how you can begin using each today.

What Are Cannellini Beans?

Cannellini beans are a type of white bean. They are popular in Southern and Central Italy and can be enjoyed in many ways. While cannellini beans are usually enjoyed cooked, in Tuscany, dried cannellini beans are a popular accompaniment to tuna, pasta and salad. In the United States, cannellini beans are often found in vegetarian dishes and used as a substitute for chicken or fish.

Cannellini Bean Name Variations

Cannellini beans are also known as white kidney beans and fasolia beans. However, they are often mistaken for Great Northern beans due to their similar appearance.

What Are Northern Beans?

White great northern beans on wooden spoon Northern beans, commonly called Great Northern beans, are white beans developed by South American Indian farmers. Famous throughout North America, their subtle, nutty flavor and firm texture make them perfect for adding to soups and stews since they hold their shape better than other beans. In addition to being added to recipes, these beans are also prepared as a savory side dish. Though Great Northern beans carry several unique qualities, they are similar to other types of white beans like cannellini and navy beans. Great Northern beans are sold in most grocery stores in dried and canned varieties.

Cannellini Beans vs. Great Northern Beans

When cooking a recipe that calls for white beans, you might be confused about which variety to use. Generally speaking, cannellini beans and Great Northern beans can be used interchangeably in most recipes. That said, they do have their differences. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the differences between cannellini beans vs. Great Northern beans to decide which best suits your cooking needs.

Appearance

Cannellini beans and Northern beans look very similar, which may leave you second-guessing yourself in the grocery store aisle. Whether you purchase a labeled bag of beans or buy from the bulk bins, there are a few ways to determine which bean is which. While both have a white color, cannellini beans are typically larger and have a traditional kidney bean shape. Conversely, Northern beans are medium-sized beans and a bit firmer than cannellini.

Taste

Like appearance, these two beans also taste similar. Cannellini beans have a slightly nuttier and earthy flavor. Their thick outside shell protects the bean and keeps the inside smooth to create a creamy texture. On the other hand, Great Northern beans have a more grainy texture and delicate flavor. They are less creamy than cannellini beans and typically take on the flavor of the ingredients they are cooked with.

Nutritional Information

It's no secret that cannellini beans and Northern beans are similar in appearance, but how do they compare nutritionally? While both varieties are excellent for you, the nutrition of each does vary. Here's an overview of the nutritional comparisons of cannellini beans vs. Great Northern beans. white beans

Calories

When comparing the calories of these two bean varieties, cannellini beans contain significantly more calories than Northern beans. So if you're following a low-calorie diet, Northern beans are the better option.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are one of the body's primary energy sources, and eating enough healthy carbohydrates daily is an excellent way to ensure that you remain full and energized. When comparing the number of carbs in cannellini beans and Northern beans, cannellini beans contain more carbs in cup serving. While cannellini beans are a great energy source, Northern beans are the better choice for individuals following a low-carb diet.

Protein

Receiving adequate amounts of protein from your food is essential to good health. Proteins found in foods are made up of amino acids. The body uses amino acids in various ways. Better muscle health, bone health and balanced hormone production are a few ways protein works within your body. While red meats and fish are often praised for being high in protein, they're not the only protein sources available. There are several comparable plant-based protein sources, one of which is beans. Both cannellini beans and Northern beans are high-quality sources of protein that can be enjoyed by all types of eatersespecially those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. Both beans contain significant amounts of this nutrient. However, cannellini beans are slightly higher in protein.

Vitamins and Minerals

Beans contain vitamins and minerals vital to a healthy, active lifestyle. When comparing cannellini beans and Northern beans, these two varieties share a similar nutritional makeup. Both beans contain iron, potassium and calcium. Learn more about how these nutrients affect your health and review the information below. white beans stew

Iron

When consumed, food containing significant amounts of iron helps boost many crucial bodily functions. Iron works alongside proteins to carry oxygen from your lungs to all body parts. A diet lacking in iron can result in a red blood cell deficiency in which your body cannot transport oxygen correctly, leaving you feeling exhausted and sick. Both cannellini beans and Northern beans contain more than 10% of the daily recommended iron intake. That said, cannellini beans have significantly more iron and are a better nutrient source.

Potassium

Potassium is one of the most abundant minerals in the bodyand for a good reason! Potassium helps your body regulate fluid and send nerve signals to control muscle contractions. Using positive and negative ions, potassium manages various internal processes, and meeting your daily requirement is essential to all body parts, especially the brain. That said, cannellini beans and Northern beans boast significant amounts of potassium, with cannellini beans carrying slightly more than Northern beans.

Calcium

You may have heard of how meeting your calcium requirements can help you produce strong bones and teeth, but did you know that it also plays a vital role in muscle contraction, nerve functions and blood clotting? Luckily, several whole foods contain calciumincluding beans. So adding beans to your weekly menu can give you the boost needed to meet your calcium requirements and supply you with loads of other nutrients. When compared, northern and cannellini beans contain nearly identical amounts of calcium.

Bean-Based Recipes

Now that you know how these two beans compare, let's look at a couple of ways you can use them in your at-home recipes.

Quinoa Veggie Burgers

Veggie Burger Veggie burgers are the ideal meal for plant-based eaters, and beans are one of the main ingredients. Using Northern beans to make veggie burgers gives this dish a meat-like taste and texture, making it hard to spot the difference from a traditional burger. Follow this Quinoa Veggie Burgers recipe to make an undeniably delicious burger. Made with a base of Organic Quinoa Grain, Great Northern beans and bread crumbs, it's a meat-free meal that's filling and flavorful. Serve this dish up as the main course, or make smaller patties and serve them as sliders.

Italian White Bean Stew

Cannellini beans are a favorite ingredient in homemade stew and soup recipes. Their unique texture and shape hold well when cooked, making them a perfect addition to hot dishes. Try out this Italian White Bean Stew recipe to create a mouthwatering homemade stew that your friends and family will love. It is easy to create and made with good-for-you ingredients like Cannellini Beans, Italian sausage and garlic. Make this stew the next time you feel like creating something new in the kitchen. We're confident that you'll enjoy the result. If you're cooking a recipe that calls for white beans and are unsure which variety to choose, review the information above to determine if cannellini beans or Northern beans are better suited for your dish. While their nutritional profiles vary slightly, these two beans can be used interchangeably in any recipe. From the Bob's Red Mill family to yours, happy cooking! Do you have a preference for cannellini beans vs. Great Northern beans? We'd love to hear what you enjoy about these two ingredients. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We can't wait to hear from you.
Bob's Red Mill
September 16 2022

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