Best beans, according to chefs
Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Aislinn McAllister, Thomas Keller, Nick Cobarruvias, Pim Techamuanvivit and 11 more. Recommendations come from allrecipes.com, sfchronicle.com, eatingwell.com and simplyrecipes.com.
Pantry Staples · The ranking
- 1Top pick
Rancho Gordo heirloom beans
Chosen by- Aislinn McAllisterZingerman’s Deli buyer
Also chosen by- Thomas Keller · Chef-owner, The French Laundry & Per Se source ↗
- Val M. Cantu · Californios source ↗
- Nick Cobarruvias · Otra, Son’s Addition source ↗
- Pim Techamuanvivit · Chef-owner, Kin Khao · San Francisco source ↗
“You really can taste the difference! There is so much flavor and texture.”
- 2
Eden Organic (canned)
Chosen by- Erin ClarkeRecipe developer, Well Platedwellplated.com ↗
Also chosen by- Ming Pu · TANA source ↗
- Andrew Black · Counter Service source ↗
- Noly Lopez · Gather source ↗
- Rene Awada · Healthy Fitness Meals source ↗
“They hold their shape and aren’t too mushy.”
- 3
Goya (dried and canned)
Chosen by- Carlos NevarezEl Puro
- Andres KaiferChef · Customshop & Emmy Lou’s, Charlotte
Also chosen by- Nava Atlas · The Vegan Atlas source ↗
- Nicole Hunn · Gluten Free on a Shoestring source ↗
- Shawna Clark · Recipe developer, Healthy Foodie Girl source ↗
Both chefs’ go-to dried bean; Kaifer also picks it canned for “primarily beans and not excess liquid.”
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Questions, answered
- What is the best beans, according to chefs?
- MyTastr’s top pick is Rancho Gordo heirloom beans, chosen by Aislinn McAllister (Zingerman’s Deli buyer). “You really can taste the difference! There is so much flavor and texture.” Source: allrecipes.com ↗
- What are the other top picks for beans?
- No. 2 is Eden Organic (canned), chosen by Erin Clarke (Well Plated). No. 3 is Goya (dried and canned), chosen by Carlos Nevarez (El Puro); Andres Kaifer (Customshop). Each card above links to the original source.
- How does MyTastr choose these picks?
- Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.
The tasters behind this ranking
- Aislinn McAllister
- Thomas Keller
- Nick Cobarruvias
- Pim Techamuanvivit
- Val M. Cantu
- Erin Clarke
- Andrew Black
- Ming Pu
- Noly Lopez
- Rene Awada
- Andres Kaifer
- Carlos Nevarez
- Shawna Clark
- Nava Atlas
- Nicole Hunn
More pantry staples
- Best salt (kosher and flaky)
- Best chicken stock / broth
- Best bouillon & stock base
- Best panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
- Best olives
- Best capers
- Best roasted red peppers
- Best marinated artichoke hearts
- Best spice makers & peppercorns
- Best spices
- Best dried pasta (bronze-cut)
- Best jarred pasta sauce (marinara)
- Best canned tomatoes (whole peeled / San Marzano)
- Best tomato paste
- Best pizza sauce
- Best pesto (jarred & fresh)
- Best boxed mac and cheese
- Best rice (jasmine, basmati, short-grain)
- Best risotto rice (carnaroli / arborio)
- Best polenta & cornmeal
- Best farro & ancient grains
- Best canned chickpeas
- Best canned black beans
- Best peanut butter
- Best almond & other nut butters
- Best jam / preserves
- Best honey
- Best chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Best roasted peanuts
- Best dried fruit (who to buy from)
