The Differences Between Great Northern Beans & Navy Beans

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Comparing the nutrition, taste, & appearance of these white beans

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: March 28, 2025 Fact Checked

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Similarities & Differences

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Great Northern Beans

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Navy Beans

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Which is healthier?

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Substituting One for the Other

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How to Cook Them

You’re standing in the bean aisle of the grocery store looking for white beans. You have navy beans and great northern beans in your hands. They look the same, but are they? Navy beans and Great Northern beans are both types of white beans and are very similar! In this article, we’ll compare these two popular legumes to help you pick the perfect bean for your next meal.

Are navy beans and Great Northern beans the same?

Navy beans and Great Northern beans are both white bean varieties, but they’re not the same bean. The main difference between these beans is their size. Great northern beans are larger and oval-shaped, while navy beans are smaller and kidney-shaped. Both varieties have a similar taste, texture, and nutritional value.

	Great Northern Beans	Navy Beans
Size	Large	Small
Texture	Meaty	Buttery
Shape	Oval	Kidney
Color	White	White
Taste	Subtle, mild	Subtle, earthy
Nutrition	Rich in protein + fiber	Rich in protein + fiber
Uses	Chili, soup, salad	Soup, stews, casseroles

Section 1 of 6:

Great Northern Beans vs. Navy Beans

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The leading difference between these types of white beans is their size. Great Northern beans are large and oval, while navy beans are small and kidney-shaped. Both beans have an off-white color.^{[1]
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Great Northern beans have a subtle, mild flavor and meaty consistency, while navy beans have an earthy taste and buttery texture. Both of these beans are smooth and velvety, with a delicate texture. Their mild flavor is almost identical; however, some say that navy beans taste more earthy.^{[2]
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Both Great Northern and navy beans have very similar nutritional values. Both are full of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them an excellent addition to any diet.^{[3]
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Both types of white beans are most commonly used in chilis, soups, and stews; however, they’re incredibly versatile, thanks to their smooth texture and hardiness. They’re sturdy and hold their shape when soft (unless pressed or pureed), adding bite to a traditional salad or depth to a comforting one-pot meal. They can also be pureed or mashed to thicken purees and soups.^{[4]
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Section 2 of 6:

What are Great Northern beans?

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Great Northern beans are larger, white beans often used in chilis and soups. Great northern beans are native to North America, hence their name! Recipes that call for Great Northern beans are usually warm, hearty, and delicious. The beans are sturdy and hold their shape when soft (unless pressed or pureed). They can add bite to a traditional salad or depth to a comforting one-pot meal.^{[5]
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Research source} Great Northern beans are also great in plant-based dishes—their creamy consistency is perfect for meat substitutions.^{[6]
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- Ways to use Great Northern beans:
  - Cook Great Northern beans in chicken broth with onion and bacon for a delicious side dish.^{[7]
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  - Dump a drained can of Great Northern beans into a turkey and spinach soup.
  - Add Great Northern beans to a lemon Tuscan fish dish for flavor and protein.
  - Puree or mash Great Northern beans and mix with rice and/or sweet potato for plant-based meat substitutions.

Section 3 of 6:

What are navy beans?

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Navy beans are small, white beans often used in soups and stews. They have the classic kidney shape and are the smallest of the white bean variety.^{[8]
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Research source} It’s believed that navy beans got their name because they were a popular food item for the US Navy in the mid-1800s. Also known as white beans, pea beans, and Yankee beans, these beans can be thrown into practically any dish to give it extra fiber, protein, and flavor. However, they’re usually used in pureed dips for a creamy texture or placed in soups and casseroles for an extra bite.^{[9]
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- Ways to use navy beans:^{[10]
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  - Try our recipe on how to cook a navy bean side dish with garlic, tomatoes, and onion.
  - Combine navy beans, ham hock, chicken stock, and vegetables for a heartwarming soup.
  - Pour navy beans into risotto with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and lemon zest for a Mediterranean dish.
  - Mash navy beans with black beans, onion, and seasonings to make a plant-based burger.

Section 4 of 6:

Are navy or Great Northern beans healthier?

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Navy beans and Great Northern beans have very similar nutritional values. While these beans differ in size and appearance, they both pack a similar nutritional punch! Navy and Great Northern beans are full of protein and fiber. They’re also low in calories but high in vitamins, making them perfect for any diet. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each type of canned beans:
- Great Northern beans:^{[11]
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  - Protein: 7.03 g
  - Fiber: 6.91 g
  - Iron: 1.38 mg
  - Potassium: 231 mg
  - Calcium: 67 mg
- Navy beans:^{[12]
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  - Protein: 6.57 g
  - Fiber: 4.3 g
  - Iron: 1.6 mg
  - Potassium: 184 mg
  - Calcium: 64 mg

Section 5 of 6:

Can you use navy beans instead of Great Northern beans?

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Yes, you can use navy beans instead of Great Northern beans (and vice versa)! Most white beans can be substituted for each other. Have a recipe that calls for navy beans but only have Great Northern beans, or vice versa? No problem! Because of their similar tastes and consistencies, most varieties of white beans can be used interchangeably. A bean may have a harder bite or size difference, but it won’t make or break a recipe.^{[13]
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- Navy beans and Great Northern beans are the most common white bean substitutes, as their primary difference is size.
- Pinto beans are another great white bean alternative, but they do have a more tender texture.
- Chickpeas are also a good alternative to navy and Great Northern beans, but they may change a dish's overall taste and bite, thanks to their earthier flavor and gritty consistency.

Section 6 of 6:

How do you cook navy and Great Northern beans?

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Cook navy and Great Northern beans on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. Cooking beans is easy and something anyone can do! While you can purchase canned beans and heat them in the microwave, cooking your own dried beans may be more cost-effective. Here’s how:
- Unsoaked beans in pressure cooker:^{[14]
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  - Rinse 2.5 cups (12.9 oz) of dry beans and place them in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
  - Add 8 cups (1.9 L) of water or stock and any additional seasonings.
  - Cook for at least 25 minutes on high pressure.
- Soaked beans on stove top:^{[15]
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  - Cover dry beans in cold water (at least 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) above beans) and soak them for at least 8 hours.
  - Drain the beans once they’re done soaking or soft to the touch.
  - Cook them for at least 30 minutes on the stovetop (or per recipe instructions).