Unpopular opinion: canned beans are better than dry beans for budget meals

I was at a food swap last week and this lady swore dry beans save money long term, but my $1.50 can of black beans fed me for three dinners with rice. Am I missing something with all that soaking and boiling time, or are cans the real MVP?

2 comments

2 Comments

henderson.mila16d ago

Used to be a dry bean loyalist, cheap per pound and all that. But after a few times forgetting to soak them overnight then having no dinner plans, I gave up. Cans are just ready when you are, no planning needed. The time savings alone makes up for the tiny price difference, especially when you factor in not ordering takeout because your beans aren't done. Three dinners from one can with rice is solid math in my book. Pretty sure the swap lady has never been hangry at 6pm staring at a bag of dry beans.

patriciaellis16d ago

Totally feel you on this. I've been in that exact spot more times than I want to admit, staring at a bag of dry beans at 6pm with a growling stomach. The whole soak overnight thing just doesn't fit into my life most weeks, honestly. Canned beans are a lifesaver for people like us who can't plan that far ahead. I keep a few cans in the pantry specifically for those nights when I forgot to think about dinner until I'm already hungry. It's just practical, not lazy.