Prepared by
Last updated
Sources
2 primary
Data
USDA FDC 173735 and 175200

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Key differences

  • They provide similar protein per calorie: 6.7 g per 100 kcal for black beans and 6.3 g for pinto beans.
  • Their energy density is similar: 132 kcal per 100 g for black beans and 143 for pinto beans.
  • They have similar fiber: 8.7 g per 100 g for black beans and 9 g for pinto beans.

Comparison per 100 g and per serving

Values per 100 g (3.5 oz) and per typical serving. USDA descriptions: Black beans, cooked; Pinto beans, cooked.
NutrientBlack beansserving: 150 g (5.5 oz)Pinto beansserving: 150 g (5.5 oz)Difference
Calories132 kcal per 100 g (3.5 oz)198 kcal per serving143 kcal per 100 g (3.5 oz)215 kcal per serving+11 kcal per 100 g (3.5 oz)+17 kcal per serving
Protein8.9 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)13.3 g per serving9 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)13.5 g per serving+0.2 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+0.2 g per serving
Carbohydrates23.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)35.6 g per serving26.2 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)39.3 g per serving+2.5 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+3.8 g per serving
of which sugars0.3 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.5 g per serving0.3 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.5 g per serving0 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0 g per serving
Fiber8.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)13.1 g per serving9 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)13.5 g per serving+0.3 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+0.4 g per serving
Fat0.5 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.8 g per serving0.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)1 g per serving+0.1 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)+0.2 g per serving
of which saturated0.1 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.2 g per serving0.1 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0.2 g per serving0 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)0 g per serving
Water65.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)98.6 g per serving63 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)94.5 g per serving−2.7 g per 100 g (3.5 oz)−4 g per serving
Protein per 100 kcal6.7 g6.3 g−0.4 g
Estimated satiety (1 to 5)5 / 55 / 50

In bold, the value more favorable to satiety when the gap is clear. Difference: Pinto beans minus Black beans. Source: USDA FDC 173735 and 175200.

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 150 g (5.5 oz) of black beans have about 198 kcal and 13.3 g of protein, and 150 g (5.5 oz) of pinto beans about 215 kcal and 13.5 g.

To get 20 g of protein you would need about 226 g of black beans (298 kcal) or about 222 g of pinto beans (317 kcal).

The typical serving is a common amount used for the math, not a recommendation. Ounces are rounded US equivalents; the values come from the database entries cited in the sources.

Which is more filling?

Black beans and pinto beans have the same estimated satiety score: 5 out of 5.

  • Black beans: Low energy density; moderate protein per calorie; a lot of fiber per calorie.
  • Pinto beans: Low energy density; moderate protein per calorie; a lot of fiber per calorie.

The 1 to 5 score is our own estimate: it starts at 1 point, adds points for low energy density, for protein and fiber per 100 kcal, and for the water in solid foods, and subtracts points for drinks with calories. It is useful for comparing foods with each other; it is not a measurement in people.

When to choose each one

Black beans

On the numbers they do not stand out from pinto beans in protein, calories, or fiber, so taste, price, or habit can decide.

Pinto beans

On the numbers they do not stand out from black beans in protein, calories, or fiber, so taste, price, or habit can decide.

On a GLP-1 medication

Black beans. “High in fiber”: a good amount of fiber, which helps keep you regular; it is easier to tolerate when you increase it gradually and drink enough water. “May cause bloating”: it can cause gas or bloating in some people, and on a GLP-1 medication that feeling can be more noticeable.

Pinto beans. “High in fiber”: a good amount of fiber, which helps keep you regular; it is easier to tolerate when you increase it gradually and drink enough water. “May cause bloating”: it can cause gas or bloating in some people, and on a GLP-1 medication that feeling can be more noticeable.

These are general guidelines, not medical advice: everyone tolerates foods differently.

Full food pages

  • Black beans: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.
  • Pinto beans: every nutrient, frequently asked questions, and similar foods.

Other comparisons

See all comparisons

Sources

Sources for the data on this page, with the access date.

  1. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.USDA FoodData Central: Beans, black, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt (FDC ID 173735).accessed .
  2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service.USDA FoodData Central: Beans, pinto, mature seeds, cooked, boiled, without salt (FDC ID 175200).accessed .