Vent: I was dead wrong about canned beans versus dried

Tbh I thought everyone saying dried beans were way cheaper was just being extra. I mean a can of black beans is like 1.50 at my local Aldi, how much cheaper can it get? Then I did the math after my buddy dared me last month. A 2 pound bag of dried beans costs 3.50 and makes about 7 cans worth. So that's 50 cents per can instead of 1.50. I was being stubborn for no reason. Anyone else fight this switch for way too long?

3 comments

3 Comments

victorhernandez22h ago

Your mileage may vary" is right, but I gotta say, @hunt.hayden, this whole thing feels like people are making it way more complicated than it needs to be. Like, is saving a buck or two really worth all this back and forth? I've used both and honestly, half the time I can't tell the difference in my chili. The argument about dried beans being "cheaper" only works if you actually use them all before they go bad, and I've definitely thrown out half a bag of shriveled pinto beans before. Canned beans are fine, dried beans are fine, neither one is saving you from bankruptcy. I think some folks just like feeling superior about their kitchen choices. Pick your lane and move on, you know?

david_palmer1d ago

My kitchen is small and my counter space is basically none, so dried beans just mean more dirty dishes and a longer wait. A 2 pound bag at my local Kroger is $4.50, not $3.50, so the savings are smaller for me. Plus I've ruined a few batches by not soaking them long enough or overcooking them into mush. The convenience of opening a can and adding it straight to chili or tacos is worth that extra dollar to me. If you have the space and patience, go for it, but I'll stick with my canned beans.

hunt.hayden1d ago

Yeah, it's rough when even the cheap option takes up more time and dishes than you've got to spare.