Pinto Beans vs Soybeans – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing pinto beans to soybeans, we picked the soy.

Why?

Both are great, but there’s a clear winner:

In terms of macros, pinto beans have 3x the carbs and slightly more fiber, while soybeans have more than 2x the protein. While we tend to prioritize fiber over protein, the margins of difference involved here make the protein the more relevant consideration in this case, so we call this round a win for soybeans.

In the category of vitamins, pinto beans have more of vitamins B1, B5, B9, and E, while soybeans have more of vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, and K, so that’s already giving soy a marginal here on strength of numbers, and it’s additionally worth noting that the vitamin K difference is by far the biggest, which is another point in soy’s favor.

Looking at minerals, pinto beans are not higher in any minerals, while soybeans have more calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc, winning overwhelmingly in this category.

Adding up the sections makes for a clear overall win for soy, but by all means do enjoy either or both (unless you have a soy allergy, in which case please stick to the pinto)!

Want to learn more?

You might like:

Edamame vs Pinto Beans – Which is Healthier? ← noteworthy as edamame are young green soy beans, and while completely the same plant, have a somewhat different nutrient profile

Enjoy!