Refried beans are a staple in many Mexican dishes, as well as a popular side dish to many summer barbeque meals. However, will all of the different products out there that can secretly contain gluten, it can be hard to tell what foods are safe and what foods are not. Are refried beans safe for those with celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten, or are they one of those foods that secretly contain gluten?
Refried beans are gluten-free. Refried beans can be found in or added as a side to many different dishes and are suitable for people who have celiac disease or an intolerance to gluten. The best gluten-free and healthy refried beans are Bearitos Organic Low-Fat Refried Beans, Amy’s Vegetarian Low Sodium Refried Beans and La Preferida Organic Refried Beans.
In this article, we’ll discuss the nutritional value of refried beans, as well as other gluten-free alternatives. Let’s dig in!
Contents
Are Refried Beans Healthy?
To many people, the word “refried” can imply that the beans are deep-fried. While this is not the case, some may still wonder whether or not this dish is healthy.
Contrary to some beliefs, refried beans are not deep-fried. Rather, they are cooked pinto beans that are pan-fried in lard and salt. When cooked, the beans soften and form a paste. Seasonings like onion, garlic and/or peppers may then be added for flavor.
Refried beans can be healthy depending upon how they are prepared. Beans of all kinds are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are good for heart and digestive health. They also contain a healthy amount of magnesium, which can help reduce blood pressure levels, as well as iron levels, which supports blood production and immune health.
However, lard – a primary ingredient in refried beans – is high in fat and calories. As a result of that, this dish may not be the best option if you are looking to cut your calories and saturated fat intake.
Some refried beans are made with plant-based oils, like olive oil, which is significantly lower in fat. This would be the better, healthier option.
In just one cup of refried beans, there are:
- Calories: 234
- Protein: 13g
- Total fat: 5g
- Total carbs: 35g
- Total fiber: 10g
- Iron: 20% of your daily intake
- Magnesium: 22% of your daily intake
Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Gluten Free?
Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans
This popular brand of refried beans is gluten-free. However, while it may be good for your taste buds, these refried beans are not good for your health.
These are the ingredients found in Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans:
- Cooked pinto beans
- Water
- Lard
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Spice
- Chili pepper
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 440mg
- Total carbs: 14g
- Total sugars: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Brands Of Refried Beans That Contain Lard
As we discussed, lard is a popular ingredient used in refried beans. It is high in fat and calories, which can lead to many health problems. That is why it is important to know which brands of refried beans contain lard, so you know which brands to stay away from.
Bush’s Best Traditional Refried Beans
Bush’s Best are certainly not the best for your health, as the beans are cooked in lard, loading the product with extra fat and calories.
These are the ingredients found in Bush’s Best Traditional Refried Beans:
- Cooked pinto beans
- Water
- Lard and partially hydrogenated lard
- Salt
- Vinegar
- Spices
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand:
- Calories: 140
- Total fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Total sugars: <1g
- Protein: 7g
La Costena Refried Beans
While this brand may have the right spiciness and flavor, they do not have the right ingredients for your health.
These are the ingredients found in La Costena Refried Beans:
- Water
- Pinto beans
- Soybean oil
- Chicharron
- Salt
- Onions
- Chipotle peppers
- Lard
- Jalapeno
- Spices
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 170
- Total fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: <5mg
- Sodium: 420mg
- Total carbs: 16g
- Total sugars: <1g
- Protein: 8g
Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans
This brand may be rated the number one brand of traditional refried beans, but do not let that fool you. The smooth, creamy taste is not worth the harmful effects some of the ingredients may have on your body.
These are the ingredients found in Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans:
- Cooked beans
- Water
- Lard
- Salt
- Distilled vinegar
- Chili pepper
- Onion powder
- Spices
- Natural flavor
- Garlic powder
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 120
- Total fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Total carbs: 18g
- Total sugars: <1g
- Protein: 6g
Ortega Traditional Refried Beans
This brand may be a popular compliment to any Mexican-style meal, but it is a brand that should be avoided due to its high sodium and fat content.
These are the ingredients found in Ortega Traditional Refried Beans:
- Cooked pinto beans (water, pinto beans)
- Lard
- Salt
- Distilled vinegar
- Spices
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 130
- Total fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total carbs: 21g
- Total sugars: 1g
- Protein: 7g
Healthy And Gluten-Free Refried Bean
As we discussed, refried beans are only as healthy as the ingredients that are put into them. As a result of that, it is important for us to know which brands of refried beans are healthy and also gluten-free.
Bearitos Organic Low-Fat Traditional Refried Beans
These refried beans are all natural, have no hydrogenated oils, and no genetically modified ingredients. They are perfect for the next family taco night.
These are the ingredients found in Bearitos Organic Low-Fat Traditional Refried Beans:
- Water
- Organic pinto beans
- Organic expeller pressed canola oil
- Sea salt
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 360mg
- Total carbs: 18g
- Total sugars: <1g
- Protein: 6g
Amy’s Vegetarian Organic Light in Sodium Refried Beans
Lower in sodium, organic, and vegetarian, these refried beans check off many boxes!
Ingredients:
- Organic pinto beans
- Filtered water
- Organic onions
- Organic high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil
- Organic garlic
- Sea salt
- Organic spices
Nutritional Facts (per 1/2 cup):
- Calories: 160
- Total fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Total carbs: 24g
- Dietary fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Goya Traditional Refried Pinto Beans
We have all heard that commercial, “If it’s Goya, it has to be good.” There is a reason for that, as the beans are cooked in soybean oil rather than in lard.
These naturally flavored refried beans are a great choice for your favorite Mexican dish.
These are the ingredients found in Goya Traditional Refried Pinto Beans:
- Cooked pinto beans
- Water
- Salt
- Soybean oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chili powder (Chili peppers and spices)
- Natural flavor
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 130
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 470mg
- Total carbs: 23g
- Total sugars: 1g
- Total protein: 8g
Ducal Refried Beans
This brand is different from many other refried beans brand because they use black beans instead of pinto beans. They also cook their beans in vegetable oil rather than in lard, making them a healthy, protein-packed choice.
These are the ingredients found in Ducal Refried Beans:
- Water
- Black beans
- Vegetable oil blend (Soybean, cottonseed, and/or sunflower oil)
- Salt
- Onion
- Garlic
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 190
- Total fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Total carbs: 18g
- Total sugars: 1g
- Protein: 7g
La Preferida Organic Refried Beans
This brand is made with only three ingredients, and is free from artificial colors and preservatives. The rich, creamy taste of La Preferida Organic Refried Beans will be the perfect addition to your next Mexican-style meal or in a 7-layer dip!
These are the ingredients found in La Preferida Organic Refried Beans:
- Water
- Organic pinto beans
- Salt
Here is some important nutritional information to note for this brand (per ½ cup serving):
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Total carbs: 18g
- Total sugars: 1g
- Protein: 9g
Final Thoughts
Refried beans are a popular addition to many Mexican-style dishes, as well as in many layered party dips.
While they may be gluten-free, not all refried beans are healthy for you. Some refried beans are cooked in lard, which adds an unhealthy amount of extra fat and calories that can lead to many health problems.
However, the brands of refried beans that are lard-free can be quite healthy for you, as the vitamins and minerals found in the beans can help promote heart and digestive health.
Related Questions
Are Refried Beans Vegan-Friendly?
They can be. Lard is made from 100% animal fat, usually pork, so the refried beans that are cooked in lard are not vegan-friendly. However, the refried beans that are made with plant-based oils rather than lard are vegan-friendly.
Are Refried Beans Keto-Friendly?
Refried beans are not recommended for those following the keto diet. While some refried beans may be high in fat, they are also usually high in calories. When it comes to the keto diet, you want to find the highest quality foods with a low-carb and high-fat count.