11 Cannellini Bean Substitutes (Great White Bean Substitutes)

Whether you're trying to shake things up in the kitchen or are just out of cannellini beans, you’re in luck, as there are plenty of great white bean substitutes out there that can suit your creativity or ingredient shortage. 

Cannellini beans have always been a popular ingredient in many dishes, including soups, stews, and salads, and are known for their creamy texture and mild flavor, which makes them a versatile ingredient in any kitchen's arsenal.

However, if you don't have any cannellini beans on hand or are looking for a different taste or texture, there are plenty of other beans that can replace cannellini beans. Below we cover some of the best great white bean substitute options you can find on your local grocery store shelves.

Navy beans are a great cannellini bean substitute as they're small, oval-shaped, and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They're also a great source of protein, magnesium, and other essential nutrients.

One thing to keep in mind is that navy beans have a slightly firmer texture than cannellini beans, meaning that if you’re using them in a recipe that requires a softer texture, you may need to cook them a little longer or add additional liquid.

Lima beans are also known as butter beans because of their buttery texture and flavor. Like other types, these beans are a great source of protein, fiber, and vitamins B and C, with a rather mild flavor comparable to cannellini beans.

These beans have a slightly different texture to cannellini beans as they're creamier and softer with a somewhat sweeter mild taste. If you're using lima beans in a recipe that calls for cannellini beans, you may need to adjust the seasoning to balance out the increased sweetness.

Black beans are an excellent option as a protein-rich substitute for cannellini beans. They have a meaty texture and a vaguely sweet flavor that goes well with most dishes, but just be aware that black beans have a stronger flavor and a darker color than cannellini beans.

Taking this into consideration, you might need to change the recipe's seasoning amounts a bit. Additionally, black beans are somwhat firmer than cannellini beans, so you may need to cook them a bit longer if you're using them in a recipe that requires a softer bean.

Due to their versatility and nutritional value, lentils are an excellent substitute for cannellini beans in many dishes, including Mediterreanean salads, soups, and Indian dishes. For vegetarians and vegans, lentils are a great choice because of their high protein, fiber, and iron content.

They also have a lower glycemic index than cannellini beans, which means they won't cause a spike in blood sugar levels.

Red kidney beans are a perfect substitute for cannellini beans in most recipes. They have a similar texture and flavor but with a slightly stronger taste, and are also a bit heartier than cannellini beans, which makes them a great choice for soups, stews, and chilis.

Red kidney beans are also a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, making them a healthy addition to any meal. When using red kidney beans as a substitute for cannellini beans, be sure to adjust cooking times and seasoning to suit your taste & recipe preferences.

Garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas, have a similar texture and mild flavor similar to cannellini beans, especially when mashed or pureed. One of the great things about garbanzos is their versatility. They can be used in most all of the same recipes, and even as a meat substitute in vegetarian dishes. 

Plus they're packed with protein, fiber, and other nutrients, and have a slightly nuttier flavor and firmer texture, so they may not work as well in recipes that require a smoother, creamier texture unless you’re able to blend them up like in a hummus.

These legumes are a staple in Southern cuisine in the US, and are loaded with protein and fiber. They also have a slightly sweet taste, which is part of the reason you so often see them paired with collards, a rather bitter green vegetable.

Black-eyed peas can even be mashed up and used as a base for veggie burgers or falafel. They’re slightly different in texture from cannellini beans, as they're a bit softer and creamier, so you may also need to adjust your cooking times accordingly.

Cranberry beans, also known as borlotti beans or Roman beans, are medium-sized, oval-shaped beans with a creamy texture and nutty flavor. These beans are high in fiber and protein, as well as iron, making them a nutritious choice.

If you want to use cranberry beans as a substitute for cannellini beans, you can simply swap them out directly in your favorite recipes. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, as cranberry beans may take longer to cook than cannellini beans.

If you're looking for a nutritious and tasty alternative to cannellini beans, adzuki beans are a viable option. These small, reddish-brown beans are native to East Asia and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. They can even be mashed up and sweetened for a dessert filling, as is common in Japan.

A great benefit that adzuki beans have is that they’re high in protein, fiber, and iron and are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, which are essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Since adzuki beans have a slightly sweeter flavor compared to cannellini beans, prepare to adjust the seasoning in your recipe to balance the sweetness.

Mung beans can make a terrific swap for cannellini beans. These small, green beans have a similar texture and flavor to cannellini beans, making them a versatile ingredient in many recipes, though they may be slightly harder to find in some places.

Mung beans are also high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine, particularly in Indian and Chinese dishes. Just take note that, like most other great white bean substitutes, these beans have a different texture and flavor to cannellini beans but are a great replacement nonetheless.