Canned Green Beans – Prices, Brands, and Buying Tips

Canned green beans are a pantry staple that can be used in casseroles, soups, sides, and more. When buying canned green beans, you’ll find there are lots of options for sizes, brands, and prices to choose from.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to shop smart for canned green beans, including

• Average pricing for different sizes and brands
• Price comparisons between top brands
• Factors that affect cost
• Tips for saving money on canned beans
• Judging quality and value
• Common types of canned green beans

Let’s start by looking at the typical price range for canned green beans.

Average Canned Green Bean Prices

Canned green beans are one of the more affordable canned vegetable options. Here are some average prices:

• 14.5 oz or 15 oz cans: $0.50 – $1.00
• 28 oz or 29 oz cans: $1.00 – $1.50
• Low sodium or no salt added: $0.50 – $1.00 more
• Organic: $1.50 – $3.00 more

Larger size cans typically offer a lower per-ounce cost Sale prices may be $1 or more off regular prices. Bulk or multi-pack cases can also lower the per-can cost.

Store brands are generally a good value, costing 20-40% less than national brands. Let’s compare some top national brands.

Price Comparison of Major Canned Green Bean Brands

The most popular national brands for canned green beans include Del Monte, Green Giant, Libby’s, and Bush’s. Here’s how they typically compare:

Del Monte – Known for consistent quality and moderate pricing.

• 14.5 oz can: $0.70 – $1.00

• 28 oz can: $1.20 – $1.60

Green Giant – Often costs a bit more but viewed as a premium brand.

• 15 oz can: $0.90 – $1.20

• 29 oz can: $1.60 – $2.00

Libby’s – Usually very competitively priced with good quality.

• 15 oz can: $0.60 – $0.90

• 29 oz can: $1.00 – $1.60

Bush’s – Slightly higher priced but a popular name brand option.

• 14.5 oz can: $0.80 – $1.20

• 28 oz can: $1.50 – $2.00

Bush’s does offer lower-sodium options for a small premium. As you can see, there’s not a huge price difference between most major brands. Store brands provide the best values.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Canned Green Beans

Several factors impact the retail pricing for canned green beans:

• Brand – National brands cost more than private label store brands.

• Size – Larger cans are typically more economical per ounce.

• Season – Prices may rise slightly out of growing season.

• Added ingredients – Beans with flavorings, sauces, or lower sodium cost more.

• Organic – Organic bean production costs more so prices are higher.

• Supplier volume – Stores with high volume purchases often get better wholesale rates.

When you understand what goes into pricing, you can better judge the real value. Now let’s look at ways to get the lowest prices.

Tips for Saving Money on Canned Green Beans

Here are some tips to help minimize the cost of canned beans:

• Choose store brands over national brands
• Buy in bulk or multi-packs for lowest per-can prices
• Get largest size cans for more ounces per dollar
• Stock up on sale prices and use coupons
• Purchase plain green beans instead of seasoned or organic
• Shop at warehouse stores for low wholesale pricing
• Buy generic no-salt-added beans vs name brand low sodium
• Substitute fresh or frozen beans in peak season
• Consider canning your own when green beans are abundant

With the right strategies, you can stock your pantry with canned beans without overspending.

Assessing Quality and Value of Canned Beans

To get the best value, you want cans free of defects with tender, evenly colored beans. Here’s what to look for:

• Beans evenly sized, about 2-3 inches long
• Uniform bright green color
• Minimal discoloration, soft spots, or blemishes
  -Liquid clear and free of cloudiness
• Can intact with no damage or bulging
• Use by date over 6 months away

Avoid cans with faded colors, excessive soft or overly mature beans, or cloudy liquid. Higher priced national brands don’t always guarantee better quality than less expensive alternatives.

Common Canned Green Bean Varieties

When shopping canned beans, you’ll see a few varieties:

• Cut green beans – Most common. Uniformly sliced diagonally into bite-sized pieces.

• French-style – Left whole with ends neatly trimmed. Good for recipes wanting longer beans.

• Fancy – A mix of diagonally and lengthwise cut styles. Adds visual variety.

• Italian-style – Beans cut lengthwise into long thin strips. Great in pasta dishes.

• Wax beans – Yellow or purple beans with delicate flavor. Higher cost than green.

Any of these canned bean styles can be used interchangeably in recipes. Select the variety you prefer.

Get the Best Bean Value

Now that you know what to look for when buying canned green beans, you can shop with confidence. Pay attention to pricing, assess quality, and use tips in this guide to get the best bean value. With the right buying approach, you’ll keep your pantry stocked with canned green beans without breaking the budget.