Versatile, creamy, mild-flavored, nutrient-rich, high-protein, fiber-packed, essential pantry staple
If you’re out of cannellini beans or need an alternative, don’t worry! The best substitutes for cannellini beans offer similar texture, flavor, and nutrition to keep your recipes delicious and satisfying.
Introduction
Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, are a pantry staple in Italian and Mediterranean cooking. Their mild flavor and creamy texture make them perfect for soups, stews, pasta dishes, dips, and casseroles.
If you don’t have them on hand, consider alternatives. You need a different choice for dietary reasons. There are plenty of great substitutes for cannellini beans that work just as well. Whether you need a high-protein alternative, a low-carb option, or a similar mild-tasting bean, this list has you covered.
Some of these replacements work as a 1:1 swap, while others bring unique flavors and textures depending on the dish. If you’re looking for even more bean alternatives, check out the best great northern beans substitutes for additional options.
1. Great Northern Beans – The Best Overall Substitute
Great northern beans are the closest substitute for cannellini beans in both flavor and texture. They are slightly smaller but share the same creamy consistency and mild, nutty taste.
Why They Work
✔ Very similar texture and creaminess
✔ Mild, neutral flavor that blends well with different recipes
✔ High in fiber, protein, and essential minerals
Nutritional Benefits
- High in fiber – Supports digestion and gut health
- Great source of plant-based protein – Keeps you full longer
- Rich in iron and magnesium – Helps with energy production and heart health
Best Uses
- Soups and stews – Minestrone, white bean soup, and chili
- Salads and dips – Ideal for white bean hummus and Mediterranean salads
- Casseroles and pasta dishes – Adds protein and creaminess to baked recipes
For more details, visit Great Northern Beans substitute options.
Navy beans are small, soft, and creamy, making them an excellent substitute for cannellini beans in soups, dips, and purees.
Why They Work
✔ Smooth and easy to mash, ideal for creamy dishes
✔ Mild, slightly sweet taste
✔ High in fiber, protein, and folate
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports digestion – Excellent source of fiber for gut health
- Good for heart health – High potassium content helps regulate blood pressure
- Rich in plant-based protein – Ideal for vegetarian and vegan diets
Best Uses
- Creamy white bean dips – Perfect for hummus alternatives
- Soups and chowders – Thickens the broth in white bean-based soups
- Blended into sauces – Adds texture and nutrition to pasta sauces
If you’re looking for more white bean swaps, check out the best substitutes for navy beans.
3. Butter Beans (Lima Beans) – Best for a Buttery Texture
Butter beans, or lima beans, have a rich, buttery taste. They have a smooth texture. These qualities make them a great alternative for creamy dishes.
Why They Work
✔ Soft, smooth consistency, like cannellini beans
✔ Slightly sweet, buttery flavor
✔ High in fiber, antioxidants, and protein
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports brain health – High in folate, which boosts cognitive function
- Regulates blood sugar – Low glycemic index helps prevent energy crashes
- Rich in iron – Helps prevent anemia and boosts energy levels
Best Uses
- Stews and slow-cooked meals – Thickens broths and adds depth
- Mashed and used as a side dish – Great alternative to mashed potatoes
- White bean dips and spreads – Works well as a hummus substitute
4. Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) – Best High-Protein Substitute
Chickpeas are slightly firmer and nuttier than cannellini beans but work well in soups, salads, and protein-packed meals.
Why They Work
✔ High in plant-based protein and fiber
✔ Holds shape well in hearty dishes
✔ Adds a slightly nutty, rich flavor
Best Uses
- Mediterranean dishes – Hummus, falafel, and roasted chickpeas
- Protein-packed soups and stews – Adds texture and nutrients
- Salads and wraps – Great for high-protein, plant-based meals
If you’re cooking with bold flavors, check out the best guajillo chile substitutes to pair with chickpea-based dishes.
5. Pinto Beans – Best for Hearty Tex-Mex Dishes
Pinto beans are earthy, soft, and easy to mash. These qualities make them an excellent substitute for Tex-Mex dishes. They are also great for Southwestern and comfort food recipes.
Why They Work
✔ Soft, creamy texture similar to cannellini beans
✔ Mild, nutty flavor complements spices and herbs
✔ High in fiber, folate, and plant-based protein
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports heart health – High fiber content helps lower cholesterol
- Boosts energy levels – Good source of iron and folate
- Promotes digestive health – Contains resistant starch for gut health
Best Uses
- Refried beans – A creamy alternative in burritos and Tex-Mex dips
- Thickening soups and stews – Adds creaminess to brothy dishes
- Taco fillings and burrito bowls – Works well with bold, smoky flavors
For a perfect flavor balance, explore the best ancho chile substitutes to pair with pinto bean-based meals.
6. Black Beans – Best for Colorful, Protein-Packed Dishes
Black beans are firm and slightly sweet. They are rich in protein. This makes them a great nutrient-dense substitute for cannellini beans in stews, chili, and vegetarian meals.
Why They Work
✔ Holds shape well in cooking, great for chunky dishes
✔ Rich, earthy flavor complements bold seasonings
✔ High in antioxidants, fiber, and plant protein
Best Uses
- Mexican-inspired soups – Black bean soup, tortilla soup, and chili
- Plant-based dishes – Black bean burgers and grain bowls
- Hearty stews – Adds depth to brothy, slow-cooked meals
7. Adzuki Beans – Best for Asian-Inspired Dishes
Adzuki beans are small, red, and slightly sweet, commonly used in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine.
Why They Work
✔ Firm texture holds up in soups and stews
✔ Slightly sweet taste works in both savory and dessert dishes
✔ High in antioxidants, fiber, and protein
Best Uses
- Asian soups and stews – Miso soup, red bean soup
- Dessert fillings – Used in Japanese red bean paste (anko)
- Veggie burger patties – Adds protein and texture
8. Lentils – Best for a Low-Carb Alternative
Lentils aren’t technically beans, but they’re a great low-carb, high-protein alternative when you need a quick substitute.
Why They Work
✔ Cook faster than beans, great for quick meals
✔ High in fiber and plant-based protein
✔ Low in carbs and calories
Best Uses
- Thickening soups and stews – Adds body and texture
- Lentil-based dips and spreads – A unique swap for hummus
- Plant-based protein replacements – Works in grain bowls and salads
Final Thoughts
These eight substitutes for cannellini beans ensure you’ll always have a delicious, protein-rich alternative on hand. Whether you need a creamy, buttery choice like butter beans, there’s a perfect substitute for your dish. If you’re looking for a high-protein swap like chickpeas, you will find a suitable option for every recipe.
For more swaps, check out the best substitutes for navy beans and explore more ingredient alternatives for your favorite dishes.
FAQs
1. What is the best substitute for cannellini beans in soups?
Great northern beans and navy beans are the best alternatives. They have a mild flavor and creamy texture. This makes them ideal for thickening soups and stews.
2. Can I use chickpeas instead of cannellini beans?
Yes! Chickpeas have a slightly firmer texture and nuttier taste, but they work well in salads, stews, and Mediterranean dishes.
3. What’s the healthiest alternative to cannellini beans?
Lentils are a great low-carb, high-protein option. Black beans provide high antioxidants and fiber. Adzuki beans also offer these benefits for heart health.
4. Do different bean substitutes change the taste of a dish?
Yes! Butter beans add richness, chickpeas add nuttiness, and black beans bring an earthy depth. Choose based on the flavor profile you want.
5. Are there good low-carb substitutes for cannellini beans?
Lentils are lower in carbs than most beans, making them a great option for keto and low-carb diets.
