Understanding the Keto Diet and Beans
The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat regimen that is famous for rapid weight loss. However, for people on a keto diet, the question arises: are beans keto friendly?

Beans are nutrient-packed but also tend to be carb-heavy, which poses a dilemma for keto dieters. The targeted ketogenic diet often restricts the consumption of beans due to their high carbohydrate content.
Benefits of Eating Beans on a Keto Diet
Are beans keto-friendly? Can you include them in your ketogenic diet? If you’re a keto dieter, you’ll want to pay attention to this, the answer might surprise you.
Yes, it’s possible to eat beans while following a keto diet. The key is choosing the right ones and keeping an eye on your serving size.
Kidney and Pinto: The Good Guys
When it comes to beans, kidney beans and pinto beans have lower net carb counts compared to other varieties. 1 cup of cooked kidney beans has around 23 grams of net carbs, and pinto beans have 29 grams net carbs per cup. This makes them a better choice for those interested in adding beans to their ketogenic diet.
Fiber Filled
What about navy beans and black soybeans? Are these beans keto?
Both navy beans and black beans are great for keto dieters, providing both low net carbs and beneficial fiber to support digestive health. 1 cup of cooked black beans rings in at 26 grams of net carbs, courtesy of 15 grams of fiber, and a cup of navy beans has 28 grams of net carbs. Both will also provide you with 15 grams of protein. So, it’s a win-win situation.
Types of Beans to Include in a Keto Diet
Not all beans are keto-friendly on the standard ketogenic diet. Some beans have a high carbohydrate content, making them off-limits.
However, don’t worry, you can still eat beans on a targeted ketogenic diet. We’ve got your back with some keto-friendly bean options:
- Pinto Beans
- Green Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Navy and Black Soybeans
How to Prepare Beans for a Keto Diet
Preparing beans is an art.
- Rinse and soak your keto-friendly beans.
- Simmer on low heat until tender.
- Add spices that align with your ketogenic lifestyle.
Recipes Featuring Low-Carb Beans for a Keto Diet
Keto-friendly beans in your meals?
Absolutely. We’re talking low-carb, high-protein goodness.
Let’s dive into some recipes.
- Low-Carb Chilli with Soy Beans
- Green Bean Casserole
Keto Friendly Alternatives to Beans
While beans are known for their high protein and fiber content, they’re not typically considered keto-friendly due to their higher carbohydrate content. But don’t worry, there are plenty of low-carb alternatives that can replace beans in your ketogenic lifestyle if your net carbs for the day are already maxed out.
- Green Vegetables
- Low-Carb Bean Alternatives
FAQs in Relation to Are Beans Keto
- Are beans okay on a keto diet?
- What beans are safe for keto?
- Are baked beans too high in carbs?
- Why are legumes not keto?
Conclusion
So, are beans keto? The answer may be more complex than expected. We have looked into the dietary worth of different kinds of beans and how they can be incorporated in a ketogenic diet. While some may be higher in carbs than others, many can still provide health benefits when incorporated wisely into your meal plan.
You’ve learned about the different ways to prepare these legumes for maximum nutrition with lower carb counts without compromising your ketosis state. The delicious recipes we shared show that it’s possible to enjoy beans while staying on track with your low-carb lifestyle.