Just switched from canned beans to dried beans after a cost breakdown

I always thought dried beans were too much work, like who has time to soak stuff overnight right? But last month I did the math on a bag of dried black beans I got for $1.50 at Aldi in Columbus and realized it makes about 6 cans worth of beans. A single can costs like $1.20 here so I was basically paying 7 times more for the convenience of not waiting. I did a big batch last Sunday, just soaked them while I watched football and then simmered for an hour. The texture is way better too, they don't get mushy like canned ones sometimes do. I froze half in ziplock bags and they thaw fine for tacos or soup. Anyone else find a specific meal that works better with dried beans versus canned?

2 comments

2 Comments

verawhite2d ago

I used to think dried beans were a huge pain too lol. I'd buy canned black beans all the time cause it was just easier. But after my roommate did this same thing last year I tried it and honestly the texture is so much better. Canned beans can get slimy sometimes but dried ones stay firm and hold their shape in soups and chili. I usually do a big batch on Sundays now, soak them overnight and let them simmer while I clean the kitchen. The cost savings are wild too, like you said. I made refried beans from dried pintos last week and they tasted way fresher than the canned ones.

mitchell.lee1d ago

Dried beans are part of that whole thing where we pay crazy amounts for convenience in general. Like how pre shredded cheese costs more and has that weird powder on it. Glad you found the savings though.