Dried beans (DB) are included in food recommendations since they provide key nutrients and are low in fat and cholesterol. Many consumers are unfamiliar with DB or don't have time to prepare them. ...The purpose of this study was to compare nutrient density and nutrient‐to‐cost among DB (cooked), canned (liquid and solids) (CB), and canned/drained (CDB) black, garbanzo, kidney, lima, pinto, and white beans, and black‐eyed peas. Prices were obtained from 60 stores in LA in January 2009. Nutrient content per 100 grams was calculated using the USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference (22) and Nutrition Data System for Research (for canned/drained). Nutrient density scores were estimated from the Nutrient Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3). Nutrient‐to‐cost ratio (NTCR) was computed as the NRF9.3 score (per 100 kcal) divided by the cost (in dollars) per number of half‐cup servings per package or can (12 for DB, 3.5 for CB). The average price per number of servings was $0.12 for DB and $0.32 for CB. Compared to CB, DB were significantly more energy dense, contained more protein, fiber, iron, potassium and magnesium; and less sodium than CB (p<0.05 for all). NRF9.3 scores were 7.3, 2.8, and 4.8 for DB, CB, and CDB, respectively. NTCR for DB, CB, and CDB was 63.4, 8.9, and 15.2, respectively. Results show BD and CDB are low cost nutrient rich foods and should be encouraged as part of an overall healthy diet.
