Black beans are a pantry staple in many kitchens, especially for those who enjoy healthy, protein-rich meals. From soups to salads, black beans add texture, flavor, and nutritional value. But when you’re cooking or meal planning, one of the most common questions that arise is: How many cups does a can of black beans have?
This article dives deep into this topic, exploring standard can sizes, how to convert can quantities into cups, the importance of draining and rinsing, and how to calculate serving sizes for different dishes. Whether you’re a beginner cook or an experienced chef, this guide will help you use black beans more effectively in your meals.
Understanding the Standard Can Size of Black Beans
When purchasing canned black beans, the most common size you’ll encounter in grocery stores in the United States is the 15.5-ounce can. This size is widely used by major grocery brands such as Del Monte, Bush’s, and Goya, and is the standard for recipes and meal planning.
- 15.5-ounce can of black beans is the most common package size.
- It is also frequently labeled as a “standard can” in many recipe books and cooking websites.
- This size typically serves about 3–4 people depending on the dish.
However, while this is the most popular, you may also find black beans in different sizes, such as:
| Can Size | Approximate Cup Yield (after draining) |
|---|---|
| 14 oz | 1.75 cups |
| 15 oz | 1.875 cups (~1 3/4 cups) |
| 16 oz | 2 cups |
Understanding these labels can save confusion when measuring your ingredients for a recipe.
The Conversion Process: Ounces to Cups
To accurately determine how many cups a can of black beans provides, you need to consider both the weight in ounces and the fact that canned beans contain both liquid (the aquafaba or brine) and solids.
A 15.5 oz can of black beans includes both the beans and the liquid. When drained, the actual amount of beans can vary slightly based on the density and how long they’ve been sitting. On average:
- 15.5 oz can of black beans = ~1.875 cups (or 1 and 3/4 cups) when drained
Note that this is the typical U.S. measurement. If you’re in the U.K. or Canada, you may find similar packages, but the ounce measurements might be converted to metric:
- Approximately 440 grams is equal to 15.5 ounces
- After draining, the beans usually weigh around 250–260 grams (without liquid)
Understanding these conversions is key when following recipes that use ounces or grams as measurements.
Why the Difference Between Weight and Volume Matters
Volume (measured in cups) and weight (measured in ounces or grams) are two different ways of measuring. The beans themselves have varying sizes and water content, which impacts how they settle and how tightly they pack into a measuring cup.
For example:
- Two cans of 15.5 oz each may yield slightly different volumes (by cup measurement) depending on brand or manufacturing technique.
- This slight variation usually doesn’t impact most recipes but becomes vital in baking or canning, where more precise measurements are required.
For daily cooking, especially in casual or comfort settings like chili, soups, or taco fillings, the 1.75–1.875 cup conversion is perfectly adequate.
Draining and Rinsing: How It Affects Cup Measurements
When you open a can of black beans, you’ll notice a thick liquid surrounding the beans. This liquid, called aquafaba, is starchy and often used in vegan recipes as an egg white substitute. However, in most applications, especially savory dishes, draining and rinsing the beans is recommended.
Why?
- Reduces sodium content — Canned beans often contain added salt
- Improves texture and flavor — Removes excess starch and metallic taste
- Gives precise control over liquid in soups or sauces
But here’s the key point:
Draining reduces the total volume in the can by ¼ to ½ a cup.
Let’s take a 15.5 oz can as an example:
- Before draining: ~2 cups of beans and liquid combined
- After draining: ~1 ¾ cups of beans only
So, if your recipe calls specifically for the beans (not the liquid), be sure to drain and rinse them and adjust the total volume accordingly.
Proper Draining & Rinsing Techniques
To make the most of your canned black beans:
- Use a colander or sieve to separate the beans from the liquid
- Rinse with cool water to reduce sodium and starch
- Drain thoroughly for at least a few minutes if using in salsa, burritos, or dry recipes
This not only improves measurement accuracy but also ensures better flavor and digestibility. Some people report less bloating after consuming properly rinsed beans.
When You *Shouldn’t* Drain Black Beans
There are certain recipes where the brine adds to the overall flavor or texture:
- Stews
- Braise sauces
- Beans in tomato sauce or chili
Always check the recipe’s instructions before discarding the aquafaba. In these cases, the liquid contributes to the body of the dish, especially when thickening or blending is involved.
How to Calculate Servings Based on Cup Size
Knowing how many cups are in a can of black beans is only part of the story. You also want to consider how many people the can will serve, or how many cans you might need for a larger group.
In a typical meal:
- A serving size of black beans is around ¾ cup
- This is roughly the USDA and dietary guidelines recommendation, especially in dishes like black bean soup, rice bowls, or fajitas
So, if you know that a 15.5 oz can yields about 1 ¾ cups of drained beans, you can calculate the number of servings per can:
- 1 can = ~2.3 servings
This is helpful when planning dinner for your family or calculating calories and nutrients.
Calculating Based on Guest Count
Here’s a breakdown to help you estimate how many cans of black beans to purchase based on the number of guests:
| Guests | Cups of Black Beans Needed | 15.5 oz Cans Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1.5 cups | 1 can |
| 4 | 3 cups | 2 cans |
| 6 | 4.5 cups | 3 cans |
Keep in mind these assumptions are based on about 3/4 cup per serving. If beans are the main protein in the dish (such as in a vegan black bean burger or tacos), you may want to increase the quantity per person.
Measuring Servings for Specific Recipes
Let’s say you’re making a batch of homemade bean dip:
- Recipe requires 2 cups of mashed black beans
- 15.5 oz can gives ~1.75 cups, so you can either:
- Use one can and blend just over a ¾ cup
- Go with 1 can + a bit of homemade or extra beans to reach 2 full cups
Knowing these conversions can help you avoid under or overestimating.
Substituting and Scaling Recipes
Cooking often requires flexibility. Whether you’re out of canned black beans or preparing a bulk meal, you might need to consider alternatives or adjust quantities. Here’s a guide to help you substitute and scale accurately.
Fresh vs. Canned Black Beans: What’s the Difference?
If you’re not using canned black beans, you should understand the difference between canned and dried beans.
A cup of dried black beans expands significantly when cooked:
- 1 cup dried black beans = ~2 ½ to 3 cups cooked
This means you’d need roughly:
- ½ cup dried beans to make 1 ¾ to 2 cups cooked black beans (equivalent of one can)
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Difference | Canned Black Beans | Dried Black Beans |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Instant (ready to use) | Requires soaking and cooking (~3+ hours) |
| Sodium | Higher in sodium (unless labeled low-sodium) | Low sodium unless added during cooking |
| Storage | Long shelf life | Also shelf-stable when dried |
If you choose to use dried beans instead of canned, plan ahead and make adjustments for hydration and cooking time.
How to Use Refried or Mashed Black Beans Instead
Sometimes recipes call for mashed or refried black beans. In these cases, the texture is different, but volume-wise, you can still follow standard measures:
- 1 can of black beans (drained) = 1 ¾ cups, which equals about 12 oz of refried beans
- The canned refried bean sizes also vary (often 8–16 oz cans)
- If making your own mash, blend 1 can’s worth of beans with oil, spices, and a splash of liquid
Adjust based on desired thickness and salt levels.
Scaling Up or Down
If a recipe calls for 2 cups of black beans and you only have a 15.5 oz can, you have a couple of options:
- Freeze or store half a can for future use
- Add beans from another can and adjust flavors and seasoning accordingly
- Substitute with other similar beans for slight variation (like pinto or kidney, though taste and texture may change)
Tip: Always taste before adding salt when blending flavors from multiple cans, to avoid over-seasoning.
How Many Cups in Other Common Sizes and Brands?
While the 15.5 oz can of black beans is standard, the market does contain a variety of sizes and brands that may alter the cup conversion slightly.
14 oz vs. 15.5 oz vs. 16 oz Cans
Here’s a closer look at common canned sizes of black beans available in supermarkets and online:
| Can Size | Weight in Ounces | Approximate Volume When Drained (Cups) | Serving Size (¾ cup per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Can | 14 oz | 1.75 cups | ~2 servings |
| Standard Can | 15.5 oz | 1.875 cups | ~2.5 servings |
| Family Size Can | 16 oz | 2 cups | ~2.6 servings |
While most brands fall within this range, it’s worth checking the label, especially if you are preparing specialty dishes and require precise measurements.
Brand Variations
Certain brands may offer a slightly different yield within the same ounce weight due to differences in bean density, salt concentration, or even growing region. For example:
- Goya often lists their 15.5 oz cans as “about 3 servings”
- Bush’s cans (15.5 oz) list drained beans as 1.875 cups
- Great Value (Walmart brand) is often listed in metric labels (411 g – which is about 14.5 ounces), with slightly less drained volume than U.S. standard cans
These small differences usually won’t make a big difference, but it’s helpful to be aware if you’re cooking at scale.
Black Beans in Diet, Nutrition, and Culinary Use
Beyond measuring volume, it’s important to understand the role black beans play in your diet and cooking.
Nutrition: What a Cup of Canned Black Beans Provides
A ¾-cup serving of canned black beans (about one serving) typically contains:
- 119 calories
- 7 grams of protein
- 20 grams of carbs
- 6 grams of dietary fiber
- Rich in folate, potassium, and iron
This makes black beans an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, particularly valuable in vegetarian and vegan meals. Also, because of their low fat content and high fiber, they help regulate digestion and blood sugar levels.
Why Black Beans Are a Superstar in Plant-Based Diets
Black beans are rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins — the same compounds that give berries and red wine their health benefits.
They are also:
- Gluten-free
- Low-glycemic food
- Versatile in both fresh and cooked applications
From black bean burgers to black bean and chicken tacos, the beans’ hearty texture and mild flavor make them ideal for a range of recipes.
Conclusion
To answer the original question: how many cups does a can of black beans have, we can confidently say that:
- A standard 15.5 oz can of black beans, when drained and rinsed, yields approximately 1 ¾ to 1.875 cups.
- Smaller (14 oz) and larger (16 oz) cans also exist, offering proportionally less or more beans per can.
- Proper draining and rinsing improves flavor and accuracy when measuring beans by volume.
- Understanding how to convert beans into servings and sizes helps with meal planning, scaling recipes, and even substituting black beans in various dishes.
Whether you’re using black beans to boost nutrition in your family meals or crafting something more experimental like black bean brownies, having a firm understanding of their volume and conversion is invaluable.
Next time you pull that can out of the cupboard, you’ll know exactly how much you’re working with. And that, ultimately, can mean fewer trips to the store, better planning, and more delicious home-cooked meals.
How many cups are in a standard can of black beans?
A standard can of black beans typically contains about 1.5 cups of beans when drained. This measurement refers to the volume of the beans themselves after removing the liquid they are packed in. Most canned black beans are sold in 15-ounce cans, which is a common size used in many household recipes, making it easy to scale dishes up or down.
However, the exact measurement can vary slightly depending on the brand or regional differences in can sizes. For instance, some larger or smaller cans may contain more or less than 1.5 cups once drained. If a recipe specifies a particular volume, it’s always best to measure the beans after draining to ensure accuracy in cooking.
How many ounces is a typical can of black beans?
The most common size for a can of black beans is 15 ounces. This includes both the beans and the liquid in which they are packed. Within that 15-ounce total, the actual weight of the beans once drained typically averages around 9 to 10 ounces. The rest of the weight comes from the liquid, which is usually water or a brine solution.
Cans can also be found in smaller or larger sizes, such as 11 ounces or 19 ounces, but the 15-ounce can remains the standard in most grocery stores and recipes. Knowing the weight and liquid content is important for precise cooking, especially in dishes where the moisture level can affect the outcome.
Do I need to drain black beans before measuring them?
Yes, you should drain black beans before measuring them if the recipe specifies a volume (like cups) rather than weight. Since canned beans are stored in liquid, that liquid adds extra volume and weight, which can interfere with accurate measurements. For the most precise portion, especially in baking or precise cooking, draining the beans before measuring is highly recommended.
Draining also affects the final texture and flavor of a dish. If you’re aiming for a thick soup, salad, or dip, using drained beans will give you better control over the moisture content of your food. Some recipes may even prefer using the liquid, so it’s always a good idea to read the instructions carefully before discarding it.
Can I substitute dried black beans for canned ones in a recipe?
Yes, you can substitute dried black beans for canned ones, but you will need to factor in the time and effort required for preparation. Dried black beans need to be soaked (either overnight or through a quick-soak method) and then simmered until tender before they can be used. The general rule of thumb is that 1 cup of dried black beans equals about 2.5 cups of cooked beans, which approximates the quantity found in two standard cans.
If you’re making the substitution for health or taste reasons, dried beans are often preferred because you can control the cooking process and reduce added sodium. Keep in mind that dried beans also have a longer shelf life and are usually cheaper per serving, making them a cost-effective option for bulk cooking or meal prepping.
How should I store leftover black beans after opening a can?
Once a can of black beans has been opened, it’s best to transfer any unused beans to a separate airtight container before storing them in the refrigerator. Do not leave the beans in the open metal can, as this can impart a metallic taste and may compromise freshness. Stored properly in a sealed container, leftover black beans can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze black beans after opening the can. Simply drain and rinse them, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them for up to 6 months. Adding a small amount of the bean liquid or water can help preserve texture after freezing. Proper storage ensures that you can use black beans later without sacrificing quality.
Are canned black beans healthy, or should I cook them from dry?
Canned black beans are a nutritious and convenient option, offering high levels of protein, fiber, folate, and iron. They retain most of their nutrients due to the canning process, making them a great time-saving alternative to cooking from dry. However, they can be high in sodium, which is absorbed from the packing liquid. Rinsing drained beans can help reduce sodium content by up to 40%.
Cooking black beans from the dry state gives you more control over flavor and sodium levels, and it can be more cost-effective. However, they require soaking and simmering, which can take several hours depending on the method. For those looking for convenience without sacrificing too much nutrition, rinsed canned black beans are a healthy and viable option.
Why does the amount of liquid in black bean cans vary by brand?
The variation in the amount of liquid in black bean cans is primarily due to differences in processing methods and ingredient additives among manufacturers. Some brands use more brine or thickening agents to preserve the beans, which affects the amount of liquid present. This liquid not only helps preserve the beans but also enhances flavor and texture.
The consistency and volume of the cooking liquid can also affect how much liquid is left in the can after cooking. Brands that cook beans more thoroughly may release more starch into the liquid, making it thicker and more abundant. Consumers may choose to use this liquid in soups or sauces for added body, but it’s important to be aware of the variations when measuring beans for precise recipes.