Types of beans and how to cook them

From quick midweek dinners to hearty one‑pots and fresh salads, beans are a versatile kitchen staple worth stocking up on. Naturally high in fibre and a source of plant-based protein, they’re a smart choice for everyday cooking – discover our range, their benefits and recipe inspiration.

Food Editor

Olivia Ferguson

The top types of beans to know

Easy to stir into family favourites, beans add flavour, texture and extra fibre to all sorts of dishes.

At M&S, our beans now come in glass jars, and start from 55p – so they're a brilliantly budget-friendly, healthy addition to your store cupboard.

Chickpeas: Nutty with a firm bite; ideal for houmous, curries, salads or roasting until crisp.
Black beans: Soft and earthy; great in tacos, burritos and smoky stews.
Borlotti beans: Creamy with a delicate, nutty flavour; perfect for Italian soups, stews and salads.
Butter beans: Large and velvety with a rich texture; brilliant in bakes, casseroles or simple dressed salads.
Cannellini beans: Mild and smooth, they soak up flavour well in soups, ragùs and rustic salads.
Mixed beans: A mix of textures and flavours; an easy choice for salads, chillies and one‑pot dishes.
Red kidney beans: Firm and hearty with a slightly sweet taste; a go-to for chilli and rice dishes.

Browse beans High fibre guide

Benefits of beans

Making beans the star of your meals is one of the easiest ways to boost your fibre intake – especially when many of us are still falling short of the recommended 30g a day. Stirring a handful into salads, stews or sauces can make a difference.

Dr Claire Coughlan, Clinical Lead at Bowel Cancer UK, says: “Every 11 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with bowel cancer. Eating enough fibre is one of the most important ways people can help reduce their risk, but most of us still aren’t getting enough. That’s why it’s fantastic to see M&S championing fibre and helping shine a spotlight on the everyday foods that can make a real difference." To support Bowel Cancer UK's vital work, M&S is donating £50,000 to the charity.

What to cook with every type of beans

Wondering where to start? From vibrant chickpea bowls and smoky black bean tacos to comforting curries and veg-packed paella, the recipes below show just how versatile beans can be – whatever you’re in the mood for. Plus, be inspired by our fibre-focused meal plan, packed with recipes that put beans and pulses front and centre.

Bean recipes High fibre recipes

What are cannellini beans?

Cannellini beans are a white bean with a smooth, creamy texture and a mild flavour that easily takes on whatever you cook them with. Naturally high in fibre and a source of plant-based protein, just half a jar can provide around a third of your daily fibre needs.

Try them in our healthy charred sweetheart cabbage wedges, where they’re blended into a punchy harissa sauce. Roasting the cabbage brings out a deep, caramelised flavour and crisp edges, while the creamy cannellini beans add richness and balance.

What to do with chickpeas

A versatile cupboard staple, chickpeas have a nutty flavour and firm texture that works across everything from salads to hearty mains, like tagines and curries. Not only do they taste great, but they're also naturally high in fibre and a source of plant-based protein; half a jar can provide around a quarter of your daily fibre needs.

Try them in our air fryer chicken, tzatziki and chickpea bowl – a fresh, flavour-packed dish with juicy chicken, charred courgettes and a creamy, herby chickpea mix, ready in just 30 minutes.

Chickpea recipes

What to make with black beans

A go-to for Mexican-inspired cooking, black beans add a rich, savoury depth to dishes like tacos, burritos and chilli. What's more, half a jar can provide around a third of your daily fibre needs. For an easy plant-powered protein and fibre boost, try adding black beans to your chilli to make it even more hearty and satisfying.

Try them in our crispy air-fryer basa taco black bean bowls, where they bring heartiness alongside golden, flaky fish and fresh toppings for a vibrant, midweek dinner.

What to make with kidney beans

Also a staple in hearty Mexican-inspired cooking, kidney beans bring a rich texture and subtle sweetness to dishes like chillies and rice bowls. Naturally high in fibre and a source of plant-based protein, they’re a great way to make meals more nutritious.

Try them in this healthy kidney bean curry, where spiced beans are served with nutty brown rice, zingy lime-pickled radishes and turmeric-roasted cauliflower. With 16g of fibre per serving (over half your daily recommendation) and 24g of protein, it’s a nourishing, feel-good dish that doesn’t compromise on flavour.

How to use butter beans

With their creamy texture and mild flavour, butter beans are a great addition to veg-led meals, helping turn simple ingredients into more satisfying dishes. For something extra special, pick up our Collection Giant Butter Beans – larger in size with an even more velvety texture.

Try this healthy red pepper, pea and butter bean paella, a colourful one-pan dish packed with smoky paprika flavours. With 13g of fibre and 17g of protein per serving, it’s a twist on a classic that’s both wholesome and full of flavour.

Butter bean recipes

Find healthy food inspiration with M&S Food

Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. At M&S, we’re here to help you make healthier choices that work for you – from quick midweek meals to healthy twists on your family favourites. Plus, explore our food catalogue to see what’s in store and start planning your next shop.

Healthy recipes Visit the health hub

Published 03/07/2026