Drain Canned Beans or Keep the Liquid? Make or Break Your Chili

Last updated on August 12th, 2025

When making chili, one of the most debated questions is whether to drain those canned beans or use every drop of that starchy liquid. The truth is, there’s no universally “right” answer. Some people like to use the beans’ water, others rinse canned beans before adding them. It is personal preference but you should still know why some people rinse their beans and others don’t.

Should You Drain Canned Beans?

It’s personal preference, but here’s what you need to know:

• Drain if: You’re watching sodium intake, want full flavor control, or the recipe specifies drained beans
• Don’t drain if: You want natural thickening, prefer zero waste cooking, or need extra liquid in your chili
• Salt reduction: Draining removes ~30% salt, rinsing removes ~40% salt
• Bottom line: Both methods work—choose based on your health goals and taste preferences

Points to Consider

Consider Draining If You

• ✅ Are monitoring sodium intake
• ✅ Want complete control over flavors
• ✅ Are using pre-seasoned or sauced beans
• ✅ Prefer following recipes exactly
• ✅ Have dietary restrictions regarding additives

Keep the Liquid If You

• ✅ Want natural thickening properties
• ✅ Prefer zero-waste cooking
• ✅ Need extra liquid in your recipe
• ✅ Want maximum bean flavor
• ✅ Are cooking for convenience

Bean-Specific Considerations

Bean Type	Typical Liquid	Best Practice
Kidney beans	Thick, starchy	Great for thickening—keep liquid
Pinto beans	Mild, neutral	Either method works well
Black beans	Dark, flavorful	Adds color—consider keeping
Navy beans	Light, subtle	Drain if controlling sodium

The Case for NOT Draining Beans

• Natural thickener: Bean starch creates a heartier consistency without flour or cornstarch
• Flavor enhancement: Concentrated bean essence adds depth
• Natural coloring: Bean pigments can enhance your chili’s rich appearance
• Convenience: One less step in your cooking process
• Zero waste: Use every part of what you bought
• Water conservation: No need for additional liquid
• Economic efficiency: Maximize value from canned goods

When Best to Not Drain

• Thin chili recipes that need thickening
• When you want maximum bean flavor
• Eco-conscious cooking
• Quick weeknight meals

The Case for Draining Beans

• Precise seasoning: Control exactly how much salt goes into your dish
• Consistent results: Predictable liquid ratios every time
• Flavor customization: Build your own flavor profile from scratch
• Recipe accuracy: Follow recipes exactly as written
• Reduced sodium: Draining and rinsing beans cuts sodium content by 30-40%, making your chili heart-healthier
• Cleaner ingredients: Choose what goes into your body by selecting low-sodium varieties and controlling additives
• Flavor balance: Create your ideal taste profile by avoiding pre-seasoned bean liquids that might include sweet tomato sauce

When Best to Drain

• Low-sodium diets
• Precision cooking and recipe testing
• Strong personal seasoning preferences
• Using beans with heavy sauce or seasonings

Tips for Either Method

If You’re Draining:

• Save some liquid: Reserve ¼ cup in case your chili needs thinning
• Rinse thoroughly: Use cool water to remove even more sodium
• Taste as you go: You may need to add more salt later

If You’re Keeping the Liquid:

• Check the label: Avoid beans with conflicting flavors (like sweet tomato sauce)
• Measure first: Know how much liquid you’re adding to adjust other ingredients
• Reduce other salt: Cut back on added salt in your recipe

The Hybrid Approach

Can’t decide? Try the best of both worlds:

• Drain beans but reserve the liquid
• Add liquid back gradually while cooking
• Control consistency and sodium levels simultaneously

How To Decide if You Want To Drain Canned beans

Pros and Cons

NOT DRAINING BEANS (Keep the Liquid)
PROS	CONS
Natural Thickening: Bean starch from the blanching process creates a hearty, thick consistency without added thickeners	High Sodium: Contains 30-40% more salt than needed, which can make chili too salty and unhealthy
Zero Waste: Incredibly convenient and eco-friendly – just measure and use, no waste involved	Unwanted Additives: Includes preservatives and chemicals you might prefer to avoid
Enhanced Color: Natural bean pigments add rich coloring for a more visually appealing chili	Flavor Conflicts: Some beans come in sweet tomato sauce that can clash with your chili’s taste profile
Extra Flavor: Concentrated bean essence adds depth and richness to the overall taste	Less Control: Can’t precisely control salt and seasoning levels in your recipe

DRAINING BEANS (Remove the Liquid)
PROS	CONS
Reduced Sodium: Removes 30% of salt (40% if rinsed), making your chili heart-healthier	Less Thickening: Miss out on natural starch that helps create thick, hearty texture
Full Flavor Control: Complete control over seasoning, salt levels, and taste profile	More Waste: Discarding liquid means throwing away potentially useful ingredients
Clean Ingredients: Avoid unwanted preservatives and additives	Extra Step: Requires additional time for draining and rinsing
Recipe Precision: Follow recipes exactly as written for consistent results	Reduced Flavor: May lose some concentrated bean flavor and natural coloring

FAQs on Draining Beans For Chili