Better Bean is a product we love.  We asked them some questions to learn more about their products and how they got started.

How did your company get started?

Better Bean was born and raised in Oregon, starting with founder Keith Kullberg’s original recipe that he created as a young college student at Oregon State University. Seeking a way to enjoy refried beans made with only plant-based ingredients, Keith developed a recipe that quickly became a favorite within his family years later. The only issue – it took nearly an entire day to prepare his beans from scratch!

Noticing that freshly prepared beans were not made available in stores at the time, Keith and his daughters launched Better Bean in local stores and Portland farmers markets in 2010. Now sold nationwide, Better Bean strives to bring easy, tasty, healthy beans to all.

Tell us about the different products you have?

Better Bean offers a variety of freshly prepared, tasty bean products sold in the refrigerated section. Products range from a variety of 15oz beans, such as the Skillet Refried Red Beans, to flavorful 8oz organic bean dips and even 2.5oz single-serve bean dips for snacking. Currently, the 15oz beans are the only product sold in the PNW, but we do hope to launch our 2.5oz single-serves in stores soon.

Can you tell us about the ingredients you use?

We source our ingredients from organic or sustainable farms, as they grow better flavor. Our recipes are naturally delicious and nutrient-rich, not relying on sodium, fat, sugar (or worse, chemical additives) for their robust flavor.

How about certifications?

All of Better Bean products are certified Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Nut-Free, and Vegan.

We know consumers value high-quality, organic products – that’s why Better Bean has recently added a line of 8oz flavorful bean dips and 2.5oz single serve bean dips that are both Certified Organic.

How do you make Better Bean so easy to digest?

To make our beans easy on the digestive system, we have three principles that we follow. First, we use freshly grown beans as they are easier to digest. Then, we soak our beans to activate enzymes that allow our bodies to digest the nutrients beans have to offer. And last but not least, we use our star ingredient – apple cider vinegar – to break down indigestible sugars and help digestion.

We’re all busy these days. How is Better Bean making their products convenient to enjoy?

With busy schedules, we know it can be hard to find a snack that is both quick and healthy. We have created a line of 2.5oz single serve bean dips that make for easy on-the-go snacking. We even have a convenient snack pack that comes with our Serrano and Onion Black Bean Dip and multigrain crackers.

How can people use Better Bean products in their everyday life?

Beans are a great source of plant-based protein and can be a part of any meal! Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer with tortilla chips, as the star of your main course in a burrito bowl or tacos, or as a side dish that pulls the meal together – beans have a way of being extremely versatile.

I understand Better Bean products are available in Safeway, PCC Community Markets and other local groceries. Thank you for your great products.