White kidney beans and cannellini beans are two types of white beans that are commonly used in cooking. They have a similar appearance and texture, so it’s easy to confuse them. But there are some key differences between these two beans that are good to know.
The Origins of White Kidney Beans and Cannellini Beans
White kidney beans and cannellini beans both trace their origins back to the Americas. White kidney beans are native to Central and South America, while cannellini beans originated from Argentina and Peru. Once introduced to Europe and other parts of the world, these bean varieties became widely cultivated and used as staple ingredients in many cuisines.
White Kidney Beans
White kidney beans have been an integral part of Latin American cuisines for centuries, used in dishes like feijoada, gallo pinto, and moros y cristianos. They are also popularly used in Cajun and Creole cooking in the Southern United States. The white kidney bean is botanically classified as Phaseolus vulgaris.
Cannellini Beans
Cannellini beans are a foundational ingredient in Italian cuisine. They are used to make dishes like pasta e fagioli, minestrone soup, and salads like panzanella. Cannellini beans have a smoother texture compared to other beans. The cannellini bean is classified as Phaseolus coccineus.
Appearance and Size
At a glance, white kidney beans and cannellini beans look very similar. They are both oval-shaped white beans. However, there are some subtle differences in their appearance:
White Kidney Beans
- More kidney-shaped
- Flatter and more curved
- Pointier on the ends
- Bigger in size – about 1 cm long
Cannellini Beans
- Rounder, plumper shape
- Smooth, hardly any curve
- Blunter on the ends
- Smaller in size – about 0.5 cm long
So while both beans are white and oval-shaped, kidney beans have a more distinct curved kidney shape while cannellini beans are rounder.
Texture
There is a subtle difference in texture between these two types of beans:
White Kidney Beans
- Firm exterior shell
- Starchy, fluffy interior
- Holds its shape well when cooked
Cannellini Beans
- More tender exterior
- Creamy, smooth interior
- Softer texture, can break down more easily
So cannellini beans have a softer, almost buttery texture compared to the firmer white kidney bean.
Flavors
In terms of flavor, white kidney beans and cannellini beans have some subtle differences:
White Kidney Beans
- Earthy, grainy flavor
- Subtly sweet with nutty taste
- Take on surrounding flavors well
Cannellini Beans
- Delicate, mild flavor
- Smooth, almost creamy taste
- More neutral in flavor
White kidney beans have a heartier, earthier taste, while cannellini beans are lighter and more subtle in flavor. When cooked, cannellini beans tend to take on the surrounding flavors of other ingredients more readily.
Nutrition Content
White kidney beans and cannellini beans have a similar nutritional profile. They are both nutrient-dense legumes high in protein and fiber. Here’s a nutrition comparison:
| Nutrient | White Kidney Beans (100g) |
Cannellini Beans (100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 127 | 120 |
| Protein | 8.7g | 8.6g |
| Carbs | 22.8g | 20.2g |
| Fiber | 5.5g | 4.4g |
| Fat | 0.5g | 0.7g |
As you can see, they are comparable in macronutrients. White kidney beans contain slightly more calories, carbohydrates, and fiber than cannellini beans. But overall, they have a similar high-fiber, plant-based nutritional profile.
Cooking Differences
There are some notable differences in how white kidney beans and cannellini beans are used in cooking:
White Kidney Beans
- Hold their shape better when cooked
- Commonly used in stews, chili, salads
- Higher starch content makes them good to purée into dips or spreads
- Require thorough cooking to remove lectin compounds
Cannellini Beans
- Softer texture breaks down more during cooking
- Frequently used in soups, pasta dishes, rice pilafs
- Smooth, creamy texture good for bean dips
- Do not contain lectin compounds
Due to their firmer shell and texture, white kidney beans are better suited for dishes where the bean shape should remain intact like in salads or stews. The softer cannellini beans work well in soups or pastas where a creamier texture is desired.
Price Differences
White kidney beans tend to be more affordable than cannellini beans. Here are some average price comparisons:
| Bean Variety | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Dried White Kidney Beans | $1.50 per pound |
| Canned White Kidney Beans | $0.89 per 15 oz can |
| Dried Cannellini Beans | $2 per pound |
| Canned Cannellini Beans | $1.25 per 15 oz can |
Across both dried and canned varieties, white kidney beans are generally cheaper than cannellini beans. Cannellini beans tend to cost around 25-50% more than white kidney beans.
Availability
Both white kidney beans and cannellini beans are widely available, but white kidney beans tend to be easier to find. Here are some key differences in availability:
White Kidney Beans
- Readily available at most grocery stores
- Usually a staple canned bean option
- Widely used in many cultural cuisines
Cannellini Beans
- Can be harder to find than white kidney beans
- May only be canned options, no dried form
- Primary use in Italian cuisine
Since white kidney beans are more versatile and used globally in many types of cuisine, they tend to be more widely stocked than the more niche cannellini bean.
Common Substitutions
Due to their similar color, shape, and texture, white kidney beans and cannellini beans can often be swapped for one another. Here are some easy substitutions:
Substitute cannellini for white kidney beans when you want:
- A smoother, creamier texture
- A more delicate bean flavor
- Beans to break down more during cooking
Substitute white kidney beans for cannellini when you want:
- Beans to retain their shape more
- A heartier bean flavor
- A lower budget option
The substitution works well in most recipes, though the texture and flavor won’t be exactly the same. Adjust seasonings to suit the change in bean variety.
When to Choose Each Bean
So when should you choose white kidney beans or cannellini beans? Here are some guidelines:
Choose White Kidney Beans For:
- Chili, stews, soups where beans should hold shape
- Salads, rice dishes, pasta salads
- Dips and spreads like white bean hummus
- A more affordable option
- Wide availability at grocery stores
Choose Cannellini Beans For:
- Soups, pasta dishes where a creamier texture works
- Salads, rice pilafs, pureed soups
- A smooth bean dip or spread
- A milder bean flavor
- Italian cuisine recipes
Consider the texture, flavor, and how the beans will be used when deciding between these two bean varieties in recipes.
Conclusion
While white kidney beans and cannellini beans have a lot of similarities, there are some key differences that impact how they should be used in cooking. White kidney beans have a starchy, grainy texture that holds shape well, while cannellini beans have a soft creaminess and delicate flavor. Cannellini beans work great when a pureed texture is wanted, while white kidney beans shine in salads or stews. Both offer nutritional benefits and can be easily substituted for one another. Just adjust for the subtle variations in texture and taste. Either bean can provide an affordable, satisfying, and versatile pantry staple.