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Refried beans, canned, traditional style

Legumes Per 100 g · Per 100g serving

Refried beans, canned, traditional style is a legume at 90.0 calories per 100g. This legume is a useful source of fiber. Legumes are among the most nutrient-dense plant foods, providing protein, fiber, folate, iron, and potassium. They are a staple protein source in many traditional diets worldwide. Our database tracks 93 nutrients for this food, plus glycemic index, insulin index, environmental footprint data.

90.0
Calories
kcal
5.0
Protein
g
2.0
Fat
g
13.6
Carbs
g
3.7
Fiber
g

Top Nutrients

💎
Sodium
370 mg
25% DV
💎
Iron
1.4 mg
18% DV
💎
Copper
0.13 mg
14% DV

Data for 93 of 150 tracked nutrients

Nutrient Fingerprint

How this food scores across key nutrient categories, as a percentage of the daily recommended value per 100 g. Based on USDA DRIs for adults.

Complete Nutrient Profile

Macronutrients 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Water SR77.8g
2%
Calories SR90.0kcal
Energy (kJ) SR379kj
Protein SR5.0g
9%
Total Fat SR2.0g
Carbohydrate SR13.6g
10%
Fiber SR3.7g
10%
Total Sugars SR0.54g
Starch SR7.4g
Ash SR1.7g
Minerals 10
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Calcium SR29.0mg
3%
Iron SR1.4mg
18%
Magnesium SR35.0mg
9%
Phosphorus SR92.0mg
13%
Potassium SR319mg
9%
Sodium SR370mg
25%
Zinc SR0.58mg
5%
Copper SR0.13mg
14%
Manganese SR0.29mg
13%
Selenium SR5.8µg
10%
Vitamins 31
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Vitamin A (RAE) SR0µg
Vitamin A (IU) SR0IU
Retinol SR0µg
Beta-Carotene SR0µg
Alpha-Carotene SR0µg
Beta-Cryptoxanthin SR0µg
Lycopene SR0µg
Lutein + Zeaxanthin SR0µg
Vitamin C SR6.0mg
7%
Vitamin D SR0µg
Vitamin D (IU) SR0IU
Vitamin E SR0.09mg
1%
Beta-Tocopherol SR0mg
Gamma-Tocopherol SR0.81mg
Delta-Tocopherol SR0mg
Alpha-Tocotrienol SR0mg
Beta-Tocotrienol SR0mg
Gamma-Tocotrienol SR0.08mg
Delta-Tocotrienol SR0mg
Vitamin K1 SR2.1µg
2%
Thiamin (B1) SR0.08mg
6%
Riboflavin (B2) SR0.08mg
6%
Niacin (B3) SR0.37mg
2%
Pantothenic Acid (B5) SR0.19mg
4%
Vitamin B6 SR0.10mg
8%
Folate SR11.0µg
3%
Folic Acid SR0µg
Folate (food) SR11.0µg
Folate (DFE) SR11.0µg
Vitamin B12 SR0µg
Choline SR21.2mg
4%
Fatty Acids 9
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Saturated Fat SR0.63g
Monounsaturated Fat SR0.60g
Polyunsaturated Fat SR0.54g
Trans Fat SR0.02g
Cholesterol SR0mg
Omega-3 ALA SR0.17g
11%
Omega-3 EPA SR0g
Omega-3 DPA SR0g
Omega-3 DHA SR0g
Individual Fatty Acids 12
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Butyric Acid (4:0) SR0g
Caproic Acid (6:0) SR0g
Caprylic Acid (8:0) SR0g
Capric Acid (10:0) SR0.004g
Lauric Acid (12:0) SR0.001g
Myristic Acid (14:0) SR0.02g
Palmitic Acid (16:0) SR0.39g
Stearic Acid (18:0) SR0.19g
Linoleic Acid (18:2) SR0.36g
2%
Omega-6 LA SR0.36g
Omega-6 GLA SR0g
Linolenic Acid (18:3) SR0.17g
Amino Acids 18
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Tryptophan SR0.07g
Threonine SR0.23g
Isoleucine SR0.24g
Leucine SR0.44g
Lysine SR0.38g
Methionine SR0.08g
Cystine SR0.06g
Phenylalanine SR0.30g
Tyrosine SR0.15g
Valine SR0.29g
Arginine SR0.34g
Histidine SR0.15g
Alanine SR0.23g
Aspartic Acid SR0.66g
Glutamic Acid SR0.84g
Glycine SR0.21g
Proline SR0.23g
Serine SR0.30g
Other 3
NutrientPer 100gUnitPer Serving% DV
Caffeine SR0mg
Theobromine SR0mg
Alcohol SR0g

Nutrient Density Score

The NRF9.3 score measures overall nutritional quality per 100 kcal. It rewards 9 nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins A, C, E, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium) and penalizes 3 to limit (saturated fat, added sugars, sodium). Higher is better; negative scores indicate the food is high in limit nutrients relative to its beneficial content.

41
NRF9.3 Score
Moderate · per 100 kcal
Poor (<0) Moderate Good Excellent (100+)

NRF9.3 index: Fulgoni et al. (2009), J Nutr 139(8). DVs based on FDA 2020 reference values.

Nutrient Interactions in This Food

Nutrients in this food that enhance or compete with each other during absorption.

✔ Synergies — nutrients that help each other

Vitamin C + Iron●●●

Vitamin C dramatically enhances non-heme iron absorption by reducing Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ in the gut. Adding 75 mg vitamin C to a meal can increase iron absorption 3–4 fold.

Hallberg et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1989

Vitamin B6 + Magnesium●●

Vitamin B6 may enhance intracellular magnesium accumulation. Combined supplementation has shown greater benefits for stress and anxiety than magnesium alone.

Pouteau et al., PLoS One, 2018

Vitamin C + Selenium●●

Vitamin C supports selenium's antioxidant function by maintaining the glutathione system in its reduced state.

Rayman, Lancet, 2012

⚠ Antagonisms — nutrients that compete

Zinc vs Copper●●●

High zinc intake induces metallothionein in enterocytes, which traps copper and blocks its absorption. Prolonged high-dose zinc can cause copper deficiency.

Prasad et al., JAMA, 1978; Fosmire, Am J Clin Nutr, 1990

Zinc vs Iron●●

Zinc and non-heme iron compete for the same intestinal transporter (DMT1). High doses of one can reduce absorption of the other when taken simultaneously.

Rossander-Hulten et al., Am J Clin Nutr, 1991

Fiber vs Iron●●

Phytates in high-fibre foods (whole grains, legumes) bind non-heme iron and reduce its bioavailability. Soaking, sprouting, and fermentation reduce phytate content.

Hurrell & Egli, Int J Vitam Nutr Res, 2010

Fiber vs Zinc●●

Phytates in fibre-rich foods chelate zinc, reducing its bioavailability by up to 50% in high-phytate diets. This is a major concern in plant-based diets.

Sandstrom, Food Nutr Res, 1997

Potassium vs Sodium●●

High potassium intake promotes renal sodium excretion and attenuates the blood pressure–raising effect of sodium. A higher K:Na ratio is associated with lower cardiovascular risk.

Aburto et al., BMJ, 2013

Amino Acid Profile

Essential amino acid composition compared to the WHO/FAO adult reference pattern. The Amino Acid Score indicates protein quality — 100 means all essential amino acid requirements are met.

131
Amino Acid Score
Complete
Met + Cys
Lowest Scoring
18
Amino Acids Tracked

✓ Complete protein — all essential amino acids meet or exceed WHO reference levels.

All Amino Acids (18)
Amino Acidg / 100gmg / g protein
Tryptophan0.0713.1
Threonine0.2346.4
Isoleucine0.2448.6
Leucine0.4488.0
Lysine0.3875.7
Methionine0.0816.7
Cystine0.0612.0
Phenylalanine0.3059.6
Tyrosine0.1531.1
Valine0.2957.6
Arginine0.3468.3
Histidine0.1530.7
Alanine0.2346.2
Aspartic Acid0.66133.3
Glutamic Acid0.84168.1
Glycine0.2143.0
Proline0.2346.8
Serine0.3060.0

Fatty Acid Profile

Breakdown of fat types per 100g. A healthy fat profile favours unsaturated fats (mono + poly) and a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

0.63g
Saturated
0.60g
Monounsaturated
0.54g
Polyunsaturated
1:2.1
Omega-3 : Omega-6 Ratio
Omega-6 dominant — ideal range is 1:1 to 1:4
Omega Fatty Acids
ALA (18:3 n-3)0.17 g
Linoleic acid (18:2 n-6)0.36 g

How Cooking Changes Nutrients

Estimated percentage of each nutrient retained after cooking, based on USDA retention factors for the “Legumes (45-75 min)” food category. Values of 100% mean no loss; lower values indicate nutrients lost to heat, water, or oxidation.

Key insights
Vitamin C loses up to 40% when boiled (drained). Boiled (water used) retains 70%.
Thiamin loses up to 45% when boiled (drained). Boiled (water used) retains 65%.
Vitamin B6 loses up to 40% when boiled (drained). Boiled (water used) retains 70%.

Source: USDA Table of Nutrient Retention Factors, Release 6 (2007). Retention values are category-level averages — actual retention depends on cooking time, temperature, and water volume.

USDA Retention Factors

Glycemic & Insulin Response

The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar on a 0–100 scale. The Insulin Index (II) measures the insulin response directly, which can differ from GI — notably, dairy and high-protein foods often trigger a higher insulin response than their GI suggests. White bread = 100 for both scales.

32
Glycemic Index
Low GI
8
Glycemic Load
Low GL (per 50g)
GI Scale 32
0 Low <55 Med High ≥70 100

GI data matched from: “Beans (estimated from category)” · ●● low confidence

34
Insulin Index
Moderate Insulin Response
Insulin Index Scale 34
0 Low ≤30 Mod ≤60 High ≤100 120
GI Model ●● Estimated via GI-based regression (R²=0.78)

Source: International Tables of Glycemic Index (Sydney University, 2021) · Holt et al. 1997; Bao et al. 2016; Bell 2014

Environmental Impact

Environmental footprint per kilogram of food produced. Data represents the global average for the “Other Pulses” category.

1.8
kg CO₂e / kg
Low Impact
15.6
m² land / kg
Land Use
734
L water / kg
Water Use
9.8
g SO₂e / kg
Acidification
How this compares (GHG emissions)
Potatoes (0.5)Chicken (9.9)Beef (99.5)
Greenhouse Gas Emissions1.8 kg CO₂e / kg
Land Use15.6 m² / kg
Water Use734 L / kg
Eutrophication18.1 g PO₄e / kg
Acidification9.8 g SO₂e / kg
⚠️ Important context about this data
  • Global averages: These figures are production-weighted averages from a meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms across 119 countries (Poore & Nemecek, 2018). Actual impact varies enormously by farming method, geography, and supply chain.
  • System boundary: Cradle-to-retail only — does not include consumer transport, home cooking energy, or food waste.
  • Soil carbon not included: This data does not account for soil carbon sequestration. Some argue that well-managed regenerative grazing partially offsets ruminant emissions; however, full lifecycle accounting — including methane, land-use change, and the opportunity cost of using land for grazing vs. reforestation — typically makes the net footprint of ruminant meat higher, not lower. This is especially relevant in temperate grassland regions like Ireland.
  • Not gospel: This data is informational and illustrative. It is useful for understanding relative magnitudes, but should not be treated as precise measurements for any individual product or farm.

Source: Poore & Nemecek (2018), Science 360(6392). Meta-analysis of ~38,700 farms, 119 countries, 46 product categories.

Global Supply: Pulses

Top 10 countries by per capita supply of the “Pulses” food group (kcal/capita/day, 2023). This is food group–level data from FAO Food Balance Sheets, not specific to this individual food.

1.
Niger
450
2.
Burkina Faso
290
3.
Rwanda
273
4.
Ethiopia
199
5.
Norway
195
6.
Mali
181
7.
Kenya
175
8.
El Salvador
172
9.
Djibouti
169
10.
Kazakhstan
167

Global Supply Trend (1961–2023)

+2%
1961: 58 kcal2023: 59 kcal

Source: FAO Food Balance Sheets (2023). Supply = production + imports − exports − waste, converted to kcal/capita/day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Refried beans, canned, traditional style?

Refried beans, canned, traditional style contains 90.0 kcal per 100 grams, making it a moderate-calorie food. The energy comes from 5.0g of protein (22% of calories), 2.0g of fat (20%), and 13.6g of carbohydrates (60%). Carbohydrates are the primary energy source.

What is Refried beans, canned, traditional style most nutritious for?

The standout nutrient in Refried beans, canned, traditional style is Sodium, providing 370 mg per 100g (25% of the Daily Value). It is also a notable source of Iron (18% DV). Our database tracks 93 individual nutrients for this food, allowing detailed comparison across vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids.

Is Refried beans, canned, traditional style high in protein?

Refried beans, canned, traditional style contains 5.0g of protein per 100 grams. While not a high-protein food, it can contribute to daily protein needs as part of a varied diet.

How much fiber is in Refried beans, canned, traditional style?

Refried beans, canned, traditional style contains 3.7g of fiber per 100 grams — a moderate amount. This contributes to the recommended daily intake of 25-38g. Pairing with other fiber-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, or whole grains can help meet daily targets.

What is the glycemic index of Refried beans, canned, traditional style?

Refried beans, canned, traditional style has a glycemic index of 32, which is classified as low (≤55). Low-GI foods cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which may be beneficial for blood sugar management. The glycemic load, which accounts for typical serving size, provides additional context for real-world blood sugar impact.

What is the insulin index of Refried beans, canned, traditional style?

Refried beans, canned, traditional style has a moderate insulin response (II: 34) (estimated from macronutrient composition) on the insulin index scale (white bread = 100). This is a typical insulin response for most mixed foods. Note that the insulin index can differ substantially from the glycemic index — dairy products and high-protein foods often have higher insulin responses than their GI would suggest.