01
Black Beans
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Smaller, softer; classic swap in chili and soups
10.0
vegan kidney beans
substitute.
11 vegan substitutes for kidney beans — top pick Black Beans at 100% function match.
all substitutes on this page are vegan
top substitutes
02
Pinto Beans
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Creamier, milder; closest texture match
10.0
03
Chickpeas
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Firmer, nuttier; holds shape well in salads
10.0
show 8 more substitutes
04
Lentils
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Smaller, faster cooking; great in stews
10.0
05
Refried Beans
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Mash well, slightly different flavor
10.0
06
Lima Beans
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Creamier and milder; works in chili and stews but softens more quickly
10.0
07
Edamame
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Shelled edamame adds green bean firmness; best in salads and grain bowls
10.0
08
Broadbeans (Fava Beans)
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Earthy nutty flavor; peel skins for smoother texture in stews and soups
10.0
09
Cowpeas
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Black-eyed peas hold shape in chili and soups; milder earthier flavor
10.0
10
Pigeon Peas (Red Gram)
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Hold shape well in curries and rice dishes; slightly firmer bite
10.0
11
Soybeans
10.01 cup : 1 cup
Firm and high-protein; use cooked yellow soybeans in chili or bean salads
10.0
pitfalls to avoid
watch out
Black Beans: Smaller and softer; breaks down more in long cooking
watch out
Refried Beans: Already mashed — cannot use whole in salads or chili
watch out
Lima Beans: Creamier and softer; breaks down faster in stews
watch out
Lima Beans: Creamier and softer; breaks down faster in stews
watch out
Broadbeans (Fava Beans): Tough skins — peel for smoother result in stews
watch out
Cowpeas: Milder and earthier than red kidney beans
watch out
Pigeon Peas (Red Gram): Slightly firmer bite; holds shape better
watch out
Soybeans: Firmer and denser; needs longer cooking