Pinto Beans vs Black Beans: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Pinto beans and black beans offer distinct nutritional profiles.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Pinto beans have 9.0 g of protein, while black beans have 8.9 g. Pinto beans contain 143 calories, compared to black beans at 132 calories.

Pinto beans and black beans are both popular legumes known for their nutritional benefits. This comparison will highlight their differences in calories, protein, and other key nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Pinto Beans and Black Beans?

Pinto beans are a variety of common beans that are often used in Mexican cuisine. They are known for their creamy texture and earthy flavor. Black beans are small, shiny legumes that are commonly used in Latin American dishes. They have a slightly sweet flavor and are rich in nutrients.

Pinto Beans vs Black Beans: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of pinto beans and black beans to illustrate their nutritional differences.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Pinto beans (cooked) Black beans (cooked)
Calories 143 kcal 132 kcal
Protein 9.0 g 8.9 g
Carbs 26.2 g 23.7 g
Sugar 0.3 g 0.3 g
Fat 0.7 g 0.5 g
Fiber 9 g 8.7 g
Sodium 1 mg 237 mg

Which Is Better, Pinto Beans or Black Beans?

For weight loss: Pinto beans contain 143 calories, while black beans have fewer at 132 calories.

For muscle and protein: Pinto beans provide 9.0 g of protein, slightly higher than black beans at 8.9 g.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Pinto beans have 26.2 g of carbs and 0.3 g of sugar, while black beans have 23.7 g of carbs and the same 0.3 g of sugar.

How to Track Pinto beans and Black beans Accurately

Portion sizes and macronutrient content can be easy to misjudge, especially when comparing similar foods. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Pinto beans have 9.0 g of protein, while black beans have 8.9 g.

Which has fewer calories?

Black beans have fewer calories at 132, compared to pinto beans at 143.

What is the fiber content in pinto beans?

Pinto beans contain 9 g of fiber per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in black beans?

Black beans have 237 mg of sodium per 100 g.

How much fat is in pinto beans?

Pinto beans contain 0.7 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sugar content in both types of beans?

Both pinto beans and black beans contain 0.3 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Pinto beans: 143 calories per 100 g.
  • Black beans: 132 calories per 100 g.
  • Pinto beans: 9.0 g of protein.
  • Black beans: 8.9 g of protein.
  • Pinto beans: 26.2 g of carbs.
  • Black beans: 23.7 g of carbs.

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