# Old El Paso Refried Beans, Vegetarian > 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-vegetarian-16-oz - **Slug:** `old-el-paso-refried-beans-vegetarian-16-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 3** - Processed foods This is a processed, canned prepared food made from recognizable ingredients (beans, water, salt, oil, spices) and thermal processing for shelf stability; it contains added salt and oil but no industrial additives, placing it in NOVA group 3 (processed). ## Review Old El Paso Refried Beans (Vegetarian), a 16 oz canned staple, sits squarely in the canned goods and international/Mexican aisle — usually shelved alongside other canned beans, salsas, taco kits, and boxed tortillas. Shoppers reach for it during quick weeknight runs, pantry-stocking trips, or when assembling a Tex‑Mex spread for game day or potlucks. The brand leans into broad American familiarity with Mexican-inspired convenience foods: family‑friendly, value-oriented, and positioned for cooks who want an easy shortcut to tacos, burritos, nachos, or a simple side dish. The canfront highlights the vegetarian label, signaling a plant‑based option, and the package design tends to emphasize convenience and tradition rather than organic or artisanal craft; there is no organic certification and the product is not marketed as premium. On the label you may notice health-halo cues—beans as a source of protein and fiber implied by imagery and name—but the ingredient list is short and straightforward: water, pinto beans, a little salt, soybean oil and dried spices. In plain terms this is a cooked, mashed, canned bean product: industrially prepared and heat‑processed for shelf stability, but without long lists of chemical additives. Sensory cues are familiar — a creamy, mashed texture with mild earthiness and a whisper of cumin and garlic; the 16 oz metal can is expected pantry fare, opened with a can opener and spooned into a skillet, microwaved, or spread into tortillas. Rituals around it are casual and communal: refrying for taco night, scooping with chips during a game, or ladling alongside rice for a quick family dinner. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 0.5 cup - **Servings per container:** 4 - **Calories:** 90 - **Total fat:** 0.5g (1% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0g (0% DV) - **Sodium:** 440mg (19% DV) - **Total carbs:** 15g (5% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 5g (18% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 5g ## Ingredients Water, Pinto Beans, Contains 2% or Less of: Salt, Soybean Oil, Cumin*, Onion*, Garlic*, Guajillo Pepper. *Dried. ## Flagged ingredients - **soybean oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids ## Context tags - **Occasions:** game-day-prep, meal-prep-sunday, back-to-school - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, practical ## FAQ ### Is the refried beans healthy? The Old El Paso Refried Beans can be a healthy choice, especially if you’re looking for a quick source of plant-based protein and fiber. With just 90 calories per serving and 5 grams of fiber, they can fit nicely into a balanced meal or snack. Just keep in mind that 'healthy' can mean different things depending on your dietary goals and lifestyle. ### Are these refried beans vegan? Nope, these refried beans are not vegan. While they’re made primarily from pinto beans and spices, they contain soybean oil, which may be a concern for some strict vegans. So, if you’re following a vegan diet, you might want to look for a different option. ### Are these refried beans gluten-free? Yes, you can enjoy these refried beans worry-free if you're avoiding gluten! They’re made without any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making them a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. ### Do these refried beans contain seed oils? Yes, they do contain soybean oil, a common seed oil. While some people prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, for most, the small amount in these beans isn’t a dealbreaker. It’s all about moderation and what fits into your overall diet! ### Do they contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, no artificial sweeteners here! The only sugar present is the naturally occurring kind, with a little added sugar for flavor enhancement. So, if you’re steering clear of artificial ingredients, you can feel good about these beans. ### Are they high in sugar? Not at all! With just 1 gram of total sugars per serving, these refried beans are low in sugar. If you're looking for a savory option without the sweet stuff, these fit the bill perfectly. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for alternatives, consider homemade refried beans where you can control the ingredients. Other options might include black beans or lentils, which are also high in protein and fiber. Just remember, convenience has its perks, and these beans are a great go-to when time is tight! ### Can kids eat these refried beans? Absolutely! These refried beans can be a great addition to kids' meals, offering a good source of protein and fiber. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, as it can be a bit high for little ones — but they can be mixed into other dishes to balance things out. ### Are these good for weight loss? While they’re not a miracle weight loss food, the high fiber content can help keep you feeling full longer. Pair them with fresh veggies or whole grains for a satisfying meal that’s still on the lighter side. Just watch the portion sizes, especially if you’re mindful of sodium intake! ### Are these refried beans ultra-processed? These beans are on the lower end of the processing spectrum, so they’re not what you’d typically call ultra-processed. They contain simple ingredients like beans and spices, making them a more wholesome choice compared to many heavily processed snacks. Moderation is key, and they can definitely have a place in your pantry! ## Related products - [Ka'Me Rice Crackers, Seaweed](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/ka-me-kame-rice-crackers-seaweed-350-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/ka-me-kame-rice-crackers-seaweed-350-oz - [Sunluck Duck Sauce](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sun-luck-sunluck-duck-sauce-7-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sun-luck-sunluck-duck-sauce-7-oz - [Rao's Soup Tortellini Vegetable](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/raos-made-for-home-soup-tortellini-vegetable-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/raos-made-for-home-soup-tortellini-vegetable-16-oz - [Savion Fancy Fruit Slices](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/savion-fancy-fruit-slices-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/savion-fancy-fruit-slices-6-oz - [Mansch Matzo 1S No Salt Pass](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/manischewitz-mansch-matzo-1s-no-salt-pass-1-lb) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/manischewitz-mansch-matzo-1s-no-salt-pass-1-lb - [Stouffers Melt-Fulls Double Cheddar Steak](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/stouffers-stouffers-melt-fulls-double-cheddar-steak-660-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/stouffers-stouffers-melt-fulls-double-cheddar-steak-660-oz - [Maggi Beef Noodle Soup](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maggi-beef-noodle-soup-194-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maggi-beef-noodle-soup-194-oz - [Herdez Salsa Verde](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/herdez-salsa-verde-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/herdez-salsa-verde-16-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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