# Old El Paso Refried Beans, Fat Free > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Old El Paso - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** International & World Foods - **Size:** 16 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/old-el-paso-refried-beans-fat-free-16-oz - **Slug:** `old-el-paso-refried-beans-fat-free-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods This is a processed (NOVA 3) canned product: whole pinto beans and simple seasonings are cooked, mashed and canned with added salt for preservation and convenience, but it lacks the industrial additives typical of ultra‑processed foods. ## Review Old El Paso Refried Beans, Fat Free (16 oz) is a mainstream, shelf-stable canned side that lives at the intersection of quick convenience and familiar Tex‑Mex ritual. In supermarkets you’ll usually find it in the Mexican foods aisle or the canned beans section, shelved near taco shells, salsa, rice mixes and taco seasoning—an easy grab when shoppers are building a taco night or stocking pantry basics. It’s marketed by Old El Paso as a family-friendly, value-oriented solution for quick meals; the brand leans into Americanized Mexican cuisine, backyard taco nights and multi-generational appeal rather than artisanal or ethnic authenticity. The label leans on a “fat free” health halo, bright packaging and family‑oriented imagery rather than organic or non‑GMO certification, and there’s no kid‑specific cartooning beyond approachable branding. Processing is straightforward: cooked pinto beans mashed with water and seasonings, canned and heat‑sterilized for shelf stability — a processed canned food with simple ingredients. Sensory-wise the product offers a creamy, spreadable texture with a slightly grainy pinto bean body, savory notes of salt, cumin and garlic, and a warm, earthy aroma; it reheats quickly in a pan or microwave and is ritualized as a spoonable side, a refried base on tostadas, a layer in nachos or a binder in burritos. People buy it for quick weeknight dinners, game‑day nachos, lunch meal prep or as a pantry fallback for camping and road trips. Its story in American grocery culture is practical and nostalgic: an inexpensive, ready‑to‑use element that helps households assemble familiar comfort foods fast. ## Diet flags - Vegan - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 cup - **Servings per container:** 3.5 - **Calories:** 90 - **Total fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 590mg (26% DV) - **Total carbs:** 16g (6% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 6g (21% DV) - **Protein:** 6g ## Ingredients Water, Pinto Beans. Contains 2% or Less of: Salt, Cumin, Onion (Dried), Garlic (Dried), Guajillo Pepper. ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday, weeknight-dinner - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, practical, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is the refried beans healthy? When we talk about the healthiness of these refried beans, it really depends on your dietary goals. At 90 calories per serving and packed with 6 grams of fiber, they can definitely fit into a balanced diet. Just keep in mind the sodium content at 590 mg per half-cup, which might be a consideration if you're watching your salt intake. ### Are these refried beans vegan? Absolutely! These refried beans are entirely vegan, made with just pinto beans, water, and a handful of seasonings. So, if you're following a plant-based diet, you can enjoy them guilt-free! ### Are they gluten-free? Yes, these refried beans are gluten-free! They’re made from pinto beans and don’t contain any wheat or gluten ingredients, making them a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. ### Do they contain seed oils? Nope, these refried beans are free from seed oils! The ingredient list is quite simple, focusing on wholesome ingredients without the questionable oils that sometimes sneak into processed foods. ### Are there artificial sweeteners in these beans? Not at all! You won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this mix. It’s just the natural flavors from the pinto beans and spices, which keeps things pretty straightforward and tasty. ### Is it high in sugar? These refried beans are low in sugar, with no added sugars at all. With no sweeteners lurking around, they keep the focus on savory flavors, perfect for blending into your favorite dishes. ### What are some healthier alternatives? If you're looking for alternatives, consider making your own refried beans at home using dried beans and spices for complete control over the ingredients. Alternatively, you might try other legumes like black beans or lentils, which can also be great for protein and fiber! ### Can kids eat these refried beans? Definitely! Kids can enjoy these refried beans as a nutritious addition to their meals. They're a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, plus the mild flavors make them kid-friendly. ### Are these beans good for weight loss? They can be a helpful part of a weight loss plan! With 6 grams of fiber per serving, they can help keep you feeling full, and their low calorie count makes them a smart choice for adding bulk to meals without a lot of calories. ### Are these refried beans ultra-processed? These beans are considered minimally processed, which means they maintain a good amount of their natural goodness. With just pinto beans, water, and a few spices, they steer clear of the ultra-processed category that often includes preservatives and artificial ingredients. ## Related products - [Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/thai-kitchen-kitchen-coconut-cream-1366-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/thai-kitchen-kitchen-coconut-cream-1366-oz - [Good to Grow Fruit Punch](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/good2grow-good-to-grow-fruit-punch-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/good2grow-good-to-grow-fruit-punch-6-oz - [Goya Corn Meal, Fine](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/goya-corn-meal-fine-24-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/goya-corn-meal-fine-24-oz - [Taste of Thai Sweet Chili Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/a-taste-of-thai-of-thai-sweet-chili-sauce-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/a-taste-of-thai-of-thai-sweet-chili-sauce-7-oz - [Krinos Sesame Seeds](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/krinos-sesame-seeds-16-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/krinos-sesame-seeds-16-oz - [Blue Dragon Nori Wrapper Sushi](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/blue-dragon-nori-wrapper-sushi-077-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/blue-dragon-nori-wrapper-sushi-077-oz - [Gimme Organic Roasted Wasabi](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/gimme-organic-roasted-wasabi-035-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/gimme-organic-roasted-wasabi-035-oz - [Tajin Fruit Seasoning Classic](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tajin-fruit-seasoning-classic-14-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tajin-fruit-seasoning-classic-14-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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