Refried beans are the unsung heroes of Mexican food. They’re the reliable side dish that shows up for every taco night, every burrito bowl, and every last-minute nacho emergency. The convenience of grabbing pre-made refried beans is a lifesaver (I'm not sure I would even know where to start if I had to make these from scratch), but to be honest, peeling back the lid on a can of refried beans to find a sad, gray paste that tastes more like the can than actual beans can be...depressing. The quality, flavor, and texture are all over the place.
So, as we developed (and then redeveloped) our beans business, we decided to take one for the team. We embarked on a truly chaotic and delicious quest to find the absolute best-tasting refried beans you can buy.
What Makes the Best Tasting Refried Beans? Our Criteria:
Before we started popping open cans and pouches, we had to get organized. We couldn't just wing it; we needed a fair system to judge every contender. The goal was simple: find beans that taste like the real deal. We looked for the kind of beans you’d get from a kitchen and cooked from scratch (like our abuelas did): a) they had to be made with ingredients we could feel good about and would be willing to feed our kids b) they had to taste like, well, beans and c) they had to have that creamy texture without tasting overcooked. It's not just about flavor, but the whole package [1].
Flavor
We're a team with a lot of experience in the food industry, so we know that. when it comes to developing a new, great product, flavor is king. We were looking for a rich, savory, and well-seasoned profile with authentic Mexican spices. Anything bland, overly salty, or just plain weird was an immediate "no."
Texture
Texture is everything. The ideal refried beans are creamy and smooth but still have some body. We didn't want anything watery that would sog out a tortilla, nor did we want a thick, pasty texture that feels like cement.
Ingredients & Nutrition
We’re all about a clean ingredient list. We looked for real, recognizable ingredients—no weird stuff you can’t pronounce. We also checked out the nutritional side of things, siding with what dietitians recommend: reasonable sodium levels and a good amount of fiber and protein to keep you full and happy [2].
The Contenders: Ranking Popular Refried Bean Brands
We lined up the usual suspects—the brands you see in pretty much every grocery aisle. We’re talking Rosarita, Old El Paso, Goya, La Costeña, and more. Plenty of taste tests have ranked these common brands against each other, often with mixed results [3]. But we wanted to see how these old-school canned options would stack up against a modern challenger that’s shaking things up.
The Verdict: Why SOMOS is the Best Refried Beans Brand
Okay, spoiler alert: SOMOS beans weren't just in the running; they completely stole the show. It wasn’t even close. In our search for the best refried beans brand, SOMOS came out on top, surpassing the competition in every single one of our criteria: flavor, texture, and ingredient quality.
Unmatched Flavor Profile
This is where SOMOS truly shines. Unlike your typical canned beans, SOMOS beans taste more like a tasty recipe than a side-dish ingredient. The flavor is deep, authentic, and incredibly delicious.
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The SOMOS Spicy Refried Beans are a game-changer. They have the slightest kick of jalapeño that keeps the flavor profile mild but enhances and balances notes of garlic and sea salt to bring out the flavor.
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And if you want something a little different, the Chipotle Refried Black Beans are a revelation. They’re smoky, slightly tangy, and have a rich complexity that you just don't find anywhere else. They add a level of sophistication and authenticity to any meal.
Superior Texture & Convenience
Remember our texture criteria? SOMOS nailed it. Their beans are perfectly creamy and smooth without being mushy or watery. They have enough substance to be scooped with a chip but are soft enough to spread effortlessly in a burrito.
Plus, can we talk about the packaging? While everyone else is still making us mess with can openers and scrape out the contents, SOMOS comes in a ready-to-eat microwaveable pouch. You can have warm, delicious, best tasting refried beans in 90 seconds. It’s quicker, easier, and there’s no messy can to deal with.
How to Enjoy the Best Tasting Refried Beans
Now that you’ve found the perfect beans, what’s next? Besides eating them straight from the pouch with a spoon (we don’t judge), the possibilities are endless. They’re the perfect simple side for taco night, an essential layer in a seven-layer dip, or the perfect base for a quick tostada.
If you want to get a little more creative, you can use them to make incredible Refried Bean Dip. They’re smooth, savory, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
More Than Just Beans: Explore the World of SOMOS
Here’s the best part: SOMOS is your one-stop shop for an entire, authentic Mexican meal that’s ready in minutes. Don’t stop at the beans! Pair them with our incredible salsas, flavorful simmer sauces, and ready-to-eat Mexican rice. You can mix and match to create a full-on feast without spending hours in the kitchen. We highly recommend you explore the full collection of products.
The Search for the Best Refried Beans is Over
After tasting our way through a mountain of beans, we can confidently say our search is over. SOMOS is the definitive winner, hands down. The brand excels with its incredible flavor that tastes homemade, a perfect texture that puts canned competitors to shame, and a commitment to high-quality, plant-based ingredients.
The group chat has spoken. Your taco nights are about to get a serious upgrade. We invite you to taste the difference for yourself and see why we’re so obsessed. Check out SOMOS Foods and get ready for your new favorite beans.