Where Can I Buy Lupini Beans? A Complete Guide

Lupini beans, also known as lupins, are nutritious legumes that have been consumed for thousands of years. If you’re looking to add more plant-based protein to your diet, these flavorful beans deserve a spot in your pantry. But where exactly can you find lupini beans?

I did some research and made a list of the best places to buy dried canned and jarred lupini beans so you can easily get your hands on this superfood. Keep reading for the complete guide on where to purchase lupini beans!

Grocery Stores

Your regular grocery store is a great first stop when searching for lupini beans. Major chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, H-E-B, and more carry them either in the canned food aisle or with the other dried beans.

I specifically recommend looking for these brands when you’re at the grocery store:

• 365 Everyday Value Organic Lupini Beans (Whole Foods Market brand)
• Brami Lupini Beans
• Regenerative Organic Lupini Beans (Whole Foods SIMPLi brand)
• Goya Lupini Beans
• Roland Lupini Beans
• Ortiz Lupini Beans

The 365 and Regenerative Organic options from Whole Foods Market are good bets since they are USDA certified organic. Goya and Roland also make high-quality, affordable conventional lupini beans.

When shopping the aisles, look on the bottom shelves where other canned beans are stocked. The lupini beans may be mixed in with garbanzo beans, black beans, pinto beans, etc.

You can find dried lupini beans in the bulk bins or packaged near other dried beans like lentils and split peas. Be sure to check the Latin American or international food aisles too.

Natural Food Stores

After regular grocery stores, natural food stores are another go-to option for finding lupini beans. Health-focused chains like Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Earth Fare, and Natural Grocers are likely to have an array of lupini bean choices.

At these stores, head towards the packaged bulk bins to pick up dried lupini beans to soak and cook yourself You’ll also discover pre-cooked, ready-to-eat options in jars and vacuum-sealed packs near the refrigerated dips and salads

Natural food stores emphasize high-quality ingredients, so you can trust their store brands like 365 Organic and Simple Truth Organic. But you’ll also discover specialty lupini bean brands like Brami, I Heart Lupins and Serenity Kitchen sold here.

Make sure to check the price per ounce when comparing, since pre-cooked lupini beans often cost more than plain dried beans.

Online Stores

Can’t find lupini beans locally? No worries, you can order them online!

I recommend these online stores for buying lupini beans:

• Amazon – Carries popular brands like Brami along with Amazon private label lupini beans. Offers subscription delivery.

• Thrive Market – Online natural food store with multiple lupini bean options. Sign up for a membership to save 25-50% off retail pricing.

• Vitacost – Large selection of affordable lupini bean products with free shipping on orders over $49.

• Walmart – Look for Goya and Roland canned lupini beans available for delivery or in-store pickup.

• Jet.com – Owned by Walmart, has many pantry staples and international ingredients.

• Beanilla – Specialty online shop with 40+ types of beans including lupini.

No matter which online retailer you choose, opt for free shipping if possible to maximize the value. Canned and dried beans tend to be non-perishable, so stock up to save time and money.

Farmer’s Markets

Farmer’s markets are an ideal source for locally grown lupini beans. Depending on your location, you may be able to find them fresh or already dried.

I recommend looking for lupini beans at farmer’s markets in these U.S. states:

• California
• Oregon
• Washington
• Arizona
• Texas
• Georgia

Ask the vendors if they grew lupini beans or look for signs advertising them. Since lupini beans are a specialty crop, they may only be available seasonally depending on the harvest time in your region.

Shopping for lupini beans directly from family farms ensures you get the freshest, high-quality beans possible. You’ll also be supporting sustainable agriculture and your community’s local food system.

International Markets

Given their popularity in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, international food stores are a smart spot to find lupini beans.

Try shopping at these types of ethnic markets:

• Italian – Look for lupini beans grown in Italy.

• Greek – Imported Greek lupini beans are common.

• Middle Eastern – Levantine cuisine uses lupini beans.

• Latin American – Known as “chochos” or “altramuz” in Spanish.

• Indian – May be sold as “lupin bean” or “tarwi.”

Popular international brands to look for include Roland, Ortiz, Hercules, and Goya. Browse the aisle with other canned beans as well as dried varieties near bulk foods.

Venturing to an international market opens up unique lupini bean flavored options like pickled, smoked, or marinated. You can also find lupini bean flour used in Mediterranean and Latin American cooking.

Specialty Retailers

Beyond general grocery and health food stores, there are some specialized retailers carrying lupini beans:

• Co-ops – Food co-ops support local products and pioneered the natural foods movement.

• Delis – Try gourmet deli counters with exotic imported foods.

• Butcher shops – Some butchers sell speciality dry goods like beans.

• Fish markets – Mediterranean cuisine pairs lupini beans with seafood.

• Coffee shops – May use lupini beans in vegan dishes and snacks.

• Restaurants – Mediterranean eateries incorporate lupini beans on menus.

• Roadside stands – Look for fresh lupini beans in rural agricultural areas.

• Ethnic bakeries – Could use lupini bean flour in certain breads or pastries.

• Food trucks – Lupini beans complement Latin and Greek street food items.

So don’t forget to check smaller independent food businesses when you’re on the hunt for lupini beans. There’s a chance you discover a unique new product not sold anywhere else.

Grow Your Own

If you have the space and patience, consider growing your own lupini beans! Homegrown lupini beans ensure peak nutrition and flavor since they are the freshest possible.

Here are some tips for planting lupini beans at home:

• Choose an area with full sun exposure and fertile soil. Amend the soil with compost.

• Sow lupini bean seeds directly in the ground after the last frost. Space 6-12 inches apart.

• Water regularly to keep moist. Add mulch to retain moisture.

• Once pods form on the plants, avoid overwatering which can lead to mold.

• Harvest lupini bean pods once they turn brown and rattle. Dry the beans fully before eating.

With the right climate and care, even novice gardeners can succeed at growing lupini beans. Just 2-3 plants can yield up to 2 pounds of beans for you to enjoy all year long.

Final Thoughts

Lupini beans offer a tasty and sustainable plant-based protein that can be incorporated into many cuisines. Thankfully, their popularity has made them accessible at most major grocery chains. You can also discover unique specialty options at natural food stores, international markets, and local farmers.

Remember to check the packaged bulk bins for dried lupini beans and the canned aisle for precooked. Buying them online is convenient if you can’t find what you want locally. And if you have the space, growing your own lupini bean plants can be very rewarding.

Now that you know the best spots to buy lupini beans, it’s easy to add this superfood to soups, salads, snacks, and more!