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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #270670
Title: Comparison of nutrient density and nutrient-to-cost between cooked and canned beans

Author
item ZANOVEC, MICHAEL - Louisiana State University
item O'NEIL, CAROL - Louisiana State University
item NICKLAS, THERESA - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Food and Nutrition Sciences
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/4/2011
Publication Date: 4/1/2011
Citation: Zanovec, M., O'Neil, C.E., Nicklas, T.A. 2011. Comparison of nutrient density and nutrient-to-cost between cooked and canned beans. Food and Nutrition Sciences. 2(2):66-73.

Interpretive Summary: Consumption of nutrient rich foods such as beans and peas is recommended because these foods provide key nutrients and relatively little energy. Many consumers are unfamiliar with dried beans or do not have the time to prepare them. The purpose of this study was to compare nutrient density and nutrient-to-cost among dried cooked, canned (liquid and solids), and canned/drained black, garbanzo, kidney, lima, pinto, white beans, and black-eyed peas. Overall, cooked beans were significantly more nutrient dense and provided essential nutritients at a more reasonable cost than canned beans. However, these results also illustrate that canned beans, when drained, can provide a more nutrient dense healthy alternative to canned beans with brine. In conclusion, beans, regardless of type or form, are a nutrient rich food that contributes substantial amounts of key nutrients in the diet. Nutrition educators should encourage consumption of beans as part of an overall healthy diet.

Technical Abstract: Consumption of nutrient rich foods such as beans and peas is recommended because these foods provide key nutrients and relatively little energy. Many consumers are unfamiliar with dried beans or do not have the time to prepare them. The purpose of this study was to compare nutrient density and nutrient-to-cost among dried cooked, canned (liquid and solids), and canned/drained black, garbanzo, kidney, lima, pinto, white beans, and black-eyed peas. Prices were obtained from 60 grocery stores in January 2009. Nutrient content per 100 g was calculated using the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 22, and Nutrition Data System for Research (for canned/drained). Nutrient density scores were estimated using the Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3). Nutrient-to-cost ratio (NTCR) was computed as the NRF 9.3 score (per 100 kcal) divided by the cost per half-cup servings per package (12) or per can (3.5). Compared to canned beans, dried cooked beans were significantly more energy dense, contained more protein, fiber, iron, potassium and magnesium; and less sodium than canned beans (p < 0.05 for all). Canned/drained beans contained more sodium than cooked beans (p < 0.05). NRF9.3 scores were 7.3, 2.8, and 4.8 for cooked, canned, and canned/drained beans, respectively. NTCR for cooked, canned, and canned/drained beans was 63.4, 8.9, and 15.2, respectively. Results highlight the benefits of choosing dried beans and also illustrate that canned beans, when drained, provide a healthy alternative. Beans, regardless of type/form, are a nutrient rich food and should be encouraged as part of an overall healthy diet.