We consider beans one of our favorite pantry staples! As one of the world's oldest cultivated crops, beans (also known as legumes or pulses) are highly prized as an excellent source of protein and fiber. They’re also extremely versatile: from soups and stews, salads to dips, there are so many ways to use this nutrient-packed food.

Thrive Market’s prepared pinto beans are grown, processed, and packed right here in the USA. Our specially selected beans go through a patented cleaning process to removes any debris prior to cooking. Once cooked, the beans are carefully packed in water in BPA-free pouches, allowing them to maintain their shape and texture. But that’s not all, these 10 oz. pouches are shelf stable and will be good to eat for up to two years.

As always, Thrive Market strives to offer the best whole food products, and our beans are no exception. Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors—just natural bean goodness.

A brief history

Pinto beans were first cultivated in Mexico and Peru and remain popular in Latin American countries. They have also become quite ubiquitous in the U.S., particularly in Southwestern Colorado where the city of Dove Creek calls itself the “Pinto Bean Capital of the World.” This is the most popular bean used in chili and refried bean recipes, and tops the list for fiber content, making it particularly great for your gut.

A nutritionist’s dream food

The pinto bean might be small, but it packs in the nutrition department. Here’s why beans like this one should be part of your regular diet:

Rich in Nutrients: Pinto beans have plenty of iron, magnesium, and folate.

Source of Lean Protein: Each serving of pinto beans contains 7 grams of protein, making this a great plant-based protein source.

High in Fiber: The insoluble fiber in beans is an important dietary ingredient that is beneficial to the digestive system.

One small step away from complete

Complete proteins are made up of nine essential amino acids that we need to function. A “complete” or “whole” protein usually comes from meat, dairy, soy, or quinoa. If you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or someone who simply wants to cut back on animal proteins or soy, then beans are the perfect way to do it. Pinto beans, specifically, contain eight of the nine basic amino acids that make up a “complete” protein, but are a little low on methionine. All you have to do is eat some whole grain bread or brown rice to “complete” the protein.

The amazing antioxidant superhero

We hear about antioxidants a lot, but what exactly makes them such a big deal? Antioxidants are a type of phytochemical that fights "free radicals”, or rogue molecules, that disrupt normal cell function in the body. Naturally, our body produces free radicals as a byproduct of cell metabolism, and normally we can handle them. But eating foods that are high in antioxidants can help protect cells when free radicals overpopulate—this sometimes due to environmental factors like pollution. To get to the point, since pinto beans are chock full of antioxidants, they may be useful in detoxifying these free radicals, possibly reducing the risk of cell disruption in the body and allowing you to feel your best self.

Cooking with pinto beans

Most people know pinto beans as a side dish in the form of refried beans. Slowly cooked until the beans become soft and have a creamy texture, this rich and savory dish could easily be served in place of mashed potatoes or as a hummus-like spread. New to cooking pintos? Here are a couple of ideas:

Easy One-Pot Tortilla Soup

Cooking up one-pot meals is one of the easiest, most affordable, and fastest ways to eat well. All you need is one pot and a bunch of flavorful ingredients—let it all simmer while you kick back and relax. Not only will this simple, nutritious meal feed the whole family, but the best part: leftovers! Store them in the freezer and this substantial meal can last all week long.

Mini Tostada Appetizers

Top individual chips with a dollop of pureed black or pinto beans, guacamole, and fiery salsa and serve as a pre-dinner nosh. These tiny appetizers are incredibly easy to make and always go fast. You can also add cheese and stick them under the broiler for a few minutes for a warm appetizer.

Besides these exciting dishes, there are an endless amount of ways to use these beans that even a kitchen novice can tackle. Toss a spoonful onto a green salad to make it more filling, and add other ingredients for extra flavor like onion, corn, and tomato. Also try pureed pinto beans that can take the place of mashed potatoes, or use as a healthy hummus-like dip. Even mashed beans can be mixed with spices and other veggies to make a meatless burger patty. The options are nearly endless.

More about Thrive Market products

At Thrive Market, our mission is to bring you the highest quality organic goods at truly affordable prices. That's why we've gone directly to the source to develop our own line of premium products made from the very best all-natural ingredients at a fraction of the usual price.

Finally, you don't need to choose between cost and quality, taste and health, value and your values. If it has the Thrive Market seal, you can trust that you're getting the highest quality product possible at the lowest price anywhere. Shop our premium, organic, and fair-trade certified virgin coconut oil, spices, nuts and dried fruit, tomato sauces, ghee, and sprouted grains today!