TIL a single can of beans has about 20 grams of protein

I was reading the back of a can of black beans in my pantry last night. It said a whole can has around 20 grams of protein for less than a dollar. I always thought you needed meat for that much. It made me rethink my whole meal plan. I've been adding a can to rice and salsa for lunch all week. Has anyone else found a cheap food that packs more of a punch than they thought?

3 comments

3 Comments

miller.thomas22d ago

Wait, hold on a sec. That 20 grams is for the whole can, but you're not eating just beans. The protein in plants isn't as complete as in meat. You need to pair it with something like rice to get all the amino acids. It's still a great cheap protein source, just not a straight swap.

emmaking22d agoMost Upvoted

Have you tried lentils? They're cheap and packed with protein too.

paul_ramirez22d ago

Packed with protein" sounds like my last attempt at cooking lentils... let's just say the pot was packed with regret.