White beans

legumes

White beans

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 7.7

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve1 caution5 avoid
Is White beans Healthy?

It depends — White beans is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
139kcal
Protein
9.7g
Carbs
25g
Fat
0.4g
Fiber
10g
Sugar
0.4g
Sodium
5mg

Diet Ratings

Keto2/10AVOID

White beans contain approximately 20g net carbs per cooked cup, far exceeding keto daily limits in a single serving. Legumes are starchy and incompatible with ketosis.

Vegan9/10APPROVED

White beans are whole plant legumes with no animal products. They provide protein, fiber, and minerals, making them an excellent vegan staple.

Paleo1/10AVOID

Legume explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Contains lectins, phytic acid, and other antinutrients that interfere with nutrient absorption.

Mediterranean9/10APPROVED

White beans are a Mediterranean staple legume, rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals. They are minimally processed and central to Mediterranean cuisine.

Carnivore1/10AVOID

Legume (plant-derived). High in carbohydrates and plant anti-nutrients. Excluded from all carnivore protocols.

Whole301/10AVOID

All beans are legumes and explicitly excluded from Whole30. No exceptions for white beans.

Low-FODMAP2/10AVOID

White beans are high in GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides). Monash rates them as high-FODMAP even at small portions (50g cooked contains significant GOS).

DASH9/10APPROVED

Core DASH legume. Excellent source of fiber, protein, potassium, and magnesium. Low sodium when prepared without added salt. Supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Zone6/10CAUTION

Low-glycemic legume with good protein and fiber. Carbs are complex and slow-digesting. Usable in Zone but requires portioning to balance with lean protein and monounsaturated fat.

Anti-Inflammatory8/10APPROVED

White beans are excellent legume sources of fiber, plant-based protein, and resistant starch. Rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. Low glycemic index and support healthy gut microbiota. No significant inflammatory compounds.

GLP-1 Friendly8/10APPROVED

Excellent protein (15g per cooked cup) and fiber (6g per cup). Low fat, nutrient-dense, easy to digest when cooked soft. Small portions are satisfying. Supports muscle preservation and digestive health.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus7.7Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for White beans

Vegan 9/10
  • Whole plant food
  • Good protein source
  • High in fiber
  • Unprocessed
Mediterranean 9/10
  • traditional Mediterranean staple
  • high plant protein
  • excellent fiber
  • minimal processing
DASH 9/10
  • High fiber
  • High protein
  • Rich in potassium
  • Rich in magnesium
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Plant-based
Zone 6/10
  • low-glycemic carbs
  • good fiber
  • moderate protein
  • portion control needed
  • high fiber content
  • plant-based protein
  • polyphenols and antioxidants
  • resistant starch
  • low glycemic index
  • high protein density
  • high fiber
  • low fat
  • easy to digest when cooked
  • portion-friendly
Last reviewed: Our methodology