Refried beans vs pinto beans

Key differences

• Pinto beans provide more protein per calorie: 6.3 g per 100 kcal, versus 5.5 g for refried beans.
• Refried beans have fewer calories: 90 kcal per 100 g, versus 143 for pinto beans, so the same calories come with more grams of food.
• Pinto beans have more fiber: 9 g per 100 g, versus 3.7 g for refried beans.

Comparison per 100 g and per serving

In bold, the value more favorable to satiety when the gap is clear. Difference: Pinto beans minus Refried beans. Source: USDA FDC 172438 and 175200.

Per typical serving

With typical servings, 100 g (3.5 oz) of refried beans have about 90 kcal and 5 g of protein, and 150 g (5.5 oz) of pinto beans about 215 kcal and 13.5 g.

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?

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

• 5/5Refried beans: Calculation: 1 (base) + 1 (low energy density: 90 kcal/100 g) + 1 (protein: 5.5 g/100 kcal) + 2 (fiber: 4.1 g/100 kcal) + 1 (solid food with 77.8 g of water) = 6; capped at 5.
• 5/5Pinto 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

Refried beans

• If you want to eat more grams for the same calories: 90 kcal per 100 g.
• If you prefer a lighter typical serving: about 90 kcal in 100 g (3.5 oz).

Pinto beans

• If you want more protein per calorie: 6.3 g per 100 kcal.
• If you want to add fiber: 9 g per 100 g.
• If you want more protein in a typical serving: 13.5 g in 150 g (5.5 oz).

On a GLP-1 medication

Refried 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. “Low energy density”: plenty of volume for few calories; make sure it does not push protein foods off your plate. “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

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

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• Black beans vs pinto beans

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