The Differences Between Great Northern Beans & Navy Beans

PDF download Download Article
Comparing the nutrition, taste, & appearance of these white beans
PDF download Download Article

You’re standing in the bean aisle of the grocery store looking for white beans. You have navy beans and great northern beans in your hands. They look the same, but are they? Navy beans and Great Northern beans are both types of white beans and are very similar! In this article, we’ll compare these two popular legumes to help you pick the perfect bean for your next meal.

Are navy beans and Great Northern beans the same?

Navy beans and Great Northern beans are both white bean varieties, but they’re not the same bean. The main difference between these beans is their size. Great northern beans are larger and oval-shaped, while navy beans are smaller and kidney-shaped. Both varieties have a similar taste, texture, and nutritional value.

Great Northern Beans Navy Beans
Size
Large Small
Texture
Meaty Buttery
Shape
Oval Kidney
Color
White White
Taste
Subtle, mild Subtle, earthy
Nutrition
Rich in protein + fiber Rich in protein + fiber
Uses
Chili, soup, salad Soup, stews, casseroles
Section 1 of 6:

Great Northern Beans vs. Navy Beans

PDF download Download Article
  1. The leading difference between these types of white beans is their size. Great Northern beans are large and oval, while navy beans are small and kidney-shaped. Both beans have an off-white color. [1]
  2. Great Northern beans have a subtle, mild flavor and meaty consistency, while navy beans have an earthy taste and buttery texture. Both of these beans are smooth and velvety, with a delicate texture. Their mild flavor is almost identical; however, some say that navy beans taste more earthy. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. Both Great Northern and navy beans have very similar nutritional values. Both are full of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them an excellent addition to any diet. [3]
  4. Both types of white beans are most commonly used in chilis, soups, and stews; however, they’re incredibly versatile, thanks to their smooth texture and hardiness. They’re sturdy and hold their shape when soft (unless pressed or pureed), adding bite to a traditional salad or depth to a comforting one-pot meal. They can also be pureed or mashed to thicken purees and soups. [4]
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

What are Great Northern beans?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Great northern beans are native to North America, hence their name! Recipes that call for Great Northern beans are usually warm, hearty, and delicious. The beans are sturdy and hold their shape when soft (unless pressed or pureed). They can add bite to a traditional salad or depth to a comforting one-pot meal. [5] Great Northern beans are also great in plant-based dishes—their creamy consistency is perfect for meat substitutions. [6]
    • Ways to use Great Northern beans:
      • Cook Great Northern beans in chicken broth with onion and bacon for a delicious side dish. [7]
      • Dump a drained can of Great Northern beans into a turkey and spinach soup.
      • Add Great Northern beans to a lemon Tuscan fish dish for flavor and protein.
      • Puree or mash Great Northern beans and mix with rice and/or sweet potato for plant-based meat substitutions.
Section 3 of 6:

What are navy beans?

PDF download Download Article
  1. They have the classic kidney shape and are the smallest of the white bean variety. [8] It’s believed that navy beans got their name because they were a popular food item for the US Navy in the mid-1800s. Also known as white beans, pea beans, and Yankee beans, these beans can be thrown into practically any dish to give it extra fiber, protein, and flavor. However, they’re usually used in pureed dips for a creamy texture or placed in soups and casseroles for an extra bite. [9]
    • Ways to use navy beans: [10]
      • Try our recipe on how to cook a navy bean side dish with garlic, tomatoes, and onion.
      • Combine navy beans, ham hock, chicken stock, and vegetables for a heartwarming soup.
      • Pour navy beans into risotto with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean dish.
      • Mash navy beans with black beans, onion, and seasonings to make a plant-based burger.
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

Are navy or Great Northern beans healthier?

PDF download Download Article
  1. While these beans differ in size and appearance, they both pack a similar nutritional punch! Navy and Great Northern beans are full of protein and fiber. They’re also low in calories but high in vitamins, making them perfect for any diet. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each type of canned beans:
    • Great Northern beans: [11]
      • Protein: 7.03 g
      • Fiber: 6.91 g
      • Iron: 1.38 mg
      • Potassium: 231 mg
      • Calcium: 67 mg
    • Navy beans: [12]
      • Protein: 6.57 g
      • Fiber: 4.3 g
      • Iron: 1.6 mg
      • Potassium: 184 mg
      • Calcium: 64 mg
Section 5 of 6:

Can you use navy beans instead of Great Northern beans?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Most white beans can be substituted for each other. Have a recipe that calls for navy beans but only have Great Northern beans, or vice versa? No problem! Because of their similar tastes and consistencies, most varieties of white beans can be used interchangeably. A bean may have a harder bite or size difference, but it won’t make or break a recipe. [13]
    • Navy beans and Great Northern beans are the most common white bean substitutes, as their primary difference is size.
    • Pinto beans are another great white bean alternative, but they do have a more tender texture.
    • Chickpeas are also a good alternative to navy and Great Northern beans, but they may change a dish's overall taste and bite, thanks to their earthier flavor and gritty consistency.
    2. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

How do you cook navy and Great Northern beans?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Cooking beans is easy and something anyone can do! While you can purchase canned beans and heat them in the microwave, cooking your own dried beans may be more cost-effective. Here’s how:
    • Unsoaked beans in pressure cooker: [14]
      • Rinse 2.5 cups (12.9 oz) of dry beans and place them in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
      • Add 8 cups (1.9 L) of water or stock and any additional seasonings.
      • Cook for at least 25 minutes on high pressure.
    • Soaked beans on stove top: [15]
      • Cover dry beans in cold water (at least 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) above beans) and soak them for at least 8 hours.
      • Drain the beans once they’re done soaking or soft to the touch.
      • Cook them for at least 30 minutes on the stovetop (or per recipe instructions).

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Cook Rice in a Rice Cooker
      How to
      Make Sticky Rice Using Regular Rice
      2 Easy Ways to Make DIY Puffed Rice with or without Oil
      The 8 Best Ways to Fix Soggy Rice at Home
      How to
      Cook Jasmine Rice with a Rice Cooker
      Making Quinoa in a Rice Cooker (Plus Flavoring Ideas)
      How to
      Cook Mung Beans
      How to
      Prevent Rice from Sticking to the Bottom of a Pot
      How to
      Cook Rice in a Slow Cooker
      How to
      Cook Rice in an Indian Style Pressure Cooker
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/GreatNorthernBeansDry.pdf
      2. ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8028600/whats-the-difference-between-cannellini-and-great-northern-beans/
      3. ↑ https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/GreatNorthernBeansDry.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8028600/whats-the-difference-between-cannellini-and-great-northern-beans/
      5. ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8028600/whats-the-difference-between-cannellini-and-great-northern-beans/
      6. ↑ https://fns-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/resource-files/GreatNorthernBeansDry.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.food.com/recipe/ultimate-great-northern-beans-148440
      8. ↑ https://herbivoreskitchen.com/2021/01/white-beans-the-ultimate-guide/
      9. ↑ https://herbivoreskitchen.com/2021/01/white-beans-the-ultimate-guide/
      1. ↑ https://herbivoreskitchen.com/2021/01/white-beans-the-ultimate-guide/
      2. ↑ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/2644294/nutrients
      3. ↑ https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/2644286/nutrients
      4. ↑ https://herbivoreskitchen.com/2021/01/white-beans-the-ultimate-guide/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/aMHFNIZThUY?t=40
      6. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/the-best-pot-of-beans-is-in-your-future

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 181 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement