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Food

Navy Beans

What is navy beans?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Phaseolus vulgaris[1]
Colour White[1]
Shape Oval, slightly flattened[1]
Also called Haricot bean, Boston bean, white pea bean, pea bean[2]
Name origin U.S. Navy staple since the mid-1800s[1]

Navy beans are a small, white variety of the common bean (*Phaseolus vulgaris*), often used in baked beans and soups. They are also known as haricot beans, Boston beans, or white pea beans. These beans have been a staple in the U.S. Navy since the mid-1800s, hence the name.

Context

Navy beans are a small white bean, a variety of *Phaseolus vulgaris*, often used in baked beans and soups. They have been a staple in the U.S. Navy since the mid-1800s, which is how they got their name. They are also known as haricot beans, Boston beans, or white pea beans. These beans are rich in protein, iron, thiamin, and riboflavin, and can be stored for long periods without spoiling. They are commonly confused with great Northern beans, cannellini beans, and white kidney beans, but they are smaller and have a distinct shape. [1]

Documented claims

  • Navy beans are a variety of the common bean and are known for their small, white appearance. [1]
  • They are commonly used in baked beans and soups. [1]
  • The name 'navy' comes from their long-time use as a staple in the U.S. Navy. [1]

Related

  • Pinto BeansPinto beans are another common variety of dry beans, often compared with navy beans in recipes.
  • Red Kidney BeansRed kidney beans are a similar type of legume used in similar dishes, useful for readers exploring bean varieties.

Questions and answers

What are navy beans called in Canada?

In Canada, navy beans are often referred to as pea beans or white pea beans. [2]

Is there another name for navy beans?

Yes, they are also known as haricot beans, Boston beans, white pea beans, and pea beans. [2]

Is a navy bean the same as a cannellini bean?

No, they are different. Navy beans are smaller and oval-shaped, while cannellini beans are larger and kidney-shaped. They are sometimes confused, but they are distinct varieties. [3]

Sources

  1. Navy bean | vegetable — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. NAVY BEAN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary — dictionary.cambridge.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. NAVY BEAN Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Food