The great debate: dried beans vs. canned beans for cheap meals

I keep seeing people in this community swear by canned beans for budget cooking, and I get it, they're fast. But in my experience, a one-pound bag of dried beans costs about $1.50 and makes the same amount as three or four cans that would run you $3 to $4. That's a big savings over a month if you use beans a lot. On the other hand, canned beans save time and don't need planning ahead, which matters when you're tired after work. I've been buying dried pintos for the last six months and just soak a batch on Sunday, then simmer them while I watch TV. Am I missing something about canned beans, or do others here think the extra prep is worth the cash? What's your take on this?

2 comments

2 Comments

kair6510d ago

Yeah I totally get the dried beans thing, I had a bag of pintos sitting in my pantry for like three months before I finally remembered to soak them... and then I forgot I had them soaking and they sat on the counter overnight. Honestly my executive function is so shot after work that opening a can of black beans feels like a personal victory. But you're right about the cost, I just wish I had my act together enough to plan a Sunday soak without it turning into a whole thing. Maybe I'll try it again and set like five phone alarms this time.

roses6910d ago

That's just how adult life works, we pick our battles between savings and sanity.

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