In recent years, a culinary revolution has been quietly taken place in kitchens around the world. From TV chefs to online influencers and Michelin-starred restaurants, beans and pulses have become the unsung heroes of the culinary world. Once considered humble and basic ingredients, beans are now in the limelight. More people than ever are embracing the nutritional and environmental benefits of beans and discovering previously unheard-of varieties.

Thanks to the likes of brands such as the Bold Bean Co, Hodmedods and the Honest Bean Co (oh yes that’s us!), plus recipe creators like MOB Kitchen and BOSH!, beans are having their heyday and a lot of the hype is taking place online. We are 100% here for it!

Let’s have a look at a few of the reasons why beans are going viral

Nutritional powerhouses.

With an increasing focus on health, wellness and nutrition, one of the biggest reasons behind the surge in beans' popularity is their incredible nutritional profile. Beans are rich in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. They offer a plant-based protein source that is not only delicious but can also be a healthier alternative to some animal proteins.

Cost of living.

In comparison to most animal proteins beans are much lower in cost. Being high in protein means they offer higher satiety too. This means a meal packed with beans keeps you fuller for longer. Without a doubt, beans are an excellent way to stretch the food budget.

Plant-based boom.

As the appetite for plant-based and vegetarian diets continues to grow, beans have become a cornerstone for those looking to incorporate more plant-based protein into their meals. Beans provide a satisfying and hearty texture (oh hello comfort food!) They are great for making everything from burgers and tacos to salads and stews. They deliver endless possibilities for creative and delicious plant-based cooking.

Sustainability.

You may have heard us mention before that beans are nitrogen-fixing legumes, which basically means they have magical powers that enrich the soil they grow in. This reduces the need for additional fertilisers. If sustainability is a key consideration in your food choices, beans absolutely align with the values of environmentally conscious consumers.

Want to jump on the bean wagon?

Here are a few of our favourite recipes and places to get some “beanspiration”

MOB Kitchen – if you search by ingredient on the MOB website you can find a whole host of bean recipes.

BOSH! The princes of plant-based recipes. These two vegan chefs have done wonders for making beans look sexy.

Bold Bean Co – These guys are doing big things to raise the profile of beans. As well as selling some really exciting bean varieties, they have also written a cookbook and their social media is full of delicious ideas.

Hodmedods – The oracles on British grown beans and pulses. Check out their website to discover some exciting beans that you might not have heard of but are grown right here in the UK.