Pantry Staples Buying Guide: Lentil Soup and Refried Beans

By Thrive Market: Organic, Healthy Grocery Delivery Online | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Buying Guides

Build a smarter pantry with low-sodium lentil soup and refried beans. Learn how to read labels, compare sodium, and choose the right cans for quick meals.

Quick answer

For a pantry that supports fast, plant-based meals, choose low-sodium lentil soup and light-in-sodium refried beans. They deliver protein and fiber without excessive salt. If you want a soup with vegetables, pick Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable Soup; for a plain lentil base, choose Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Soup. For beans, Amy's Organic Traditional Refried Beans, Light in Sodium, offers 6g fiber per serving and a smooth texture for tacos or burritos.

Why low sodium matters in canned staples

Canned soups and beans are convenient, but regular versions can carry a lot of sodium. Choosing light-in-sodium options lets you control the salt you add at home. Amy's light-in-sodium lentil soups have 50% less sodium than their regular lentil soup, and the refried beans have 50% less sodium than Amy's regular traditional refried beans. That difference adds up when you eat these foods often. You can always add a pinch of salt at the table, but you cannot take it out.

How to read a canned beans nutrition label

Start with the serving size and servings per can. Then look at sodium, fiber, and protein. For plant-based meals, fiber and protein help keep you full. Amy's Traditional Refried Beans, Light in Sodium, provide 6g dietary fiber and are a good source of iron and potassium. The lentil soups offer 6g protein and 4g fiber per serving. Compare those numbers to other cans in your cart. Also check the ingredients list: shorter lists with recognizable foods like organic lentils, carrots, and spices are a good sign.

Lentil soup buying guide: vegetable vs. plain

Lentil soups come in two main styles: vegetable-forward and plain lentil. Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable Soup includes organic green lentils, celery, spinach, carrots, and potatoes. It works as a light meal on its own or as a base for added greens. Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Soup is simpler, with organic green lentils, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and spices. It is a good choice when you want to customize the bowl with your own vegetables or grains. Both are gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan, and come in non-BPA lined cans.

Refried beans: more than a side

Refried beans are a versatile plant-based staple. Amy's Traditional Refried Beans, Light in Sodium, are seasoned with organic onion, garlic, and spices. They are gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan. Warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Use them as a dip, a burrito filling, or a layer in a casserole. Because they are light in sodium, you can season them further without overdoing salt. One 15.4-oz can provides multiple servings, so check the label for how many you get.

Organic pantry staples: what to look for

Organic certification matters if you want to avoid synthetic pesticides in your food. All the products here are made with organic ingredients. Look for the USDA Organic seal on the can. Also consider packaging: these come in non-BPA lined cans, which is a thoughtful choice for those concerned about BPA. Finally, check for dietary needs like gluten-free, vegan, or kosher. These products meet all three, making them easy to share with a range of eaters.

Decision rules for your pantry

If you want a meal-ready soup with vegetables: Choose Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable Soup. It includes spinach, carrots, celery, and potatoes, so you can heat and eat. Best for quick lunches or light dinners.
If you prefer a neutral base for customizing: Choose Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Soup. Add your own greens, grains, or protein to make it your own. Best for batch cooking or those who like to tweak recipes.
If you need a versatile bean staple: Choose Amy's Traditional Refried Beans, Light in Sodium. Use them in tacos, burritos, dips, or as a side. Best for Mexican-inspired meals and high-fiber sides.
If you are watching sodium closely: All these options are light in sodium, with 50% less than their regular counterparts. Still check the label for exact milligrams per serving. Compare the percent daily value to fit your daily limit.

Product facts

Lentil Vegetable Soup, Low in Sodium: One 14.5-oz can of Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable Soup has 50% less sodium than Amy's Homestyle vegetable soup, with organic green lentils, celery, spinach, carrots, and potatoes. It provides 6g plant-based protein and 5g fiber per serving. This is a complete light meal or a quick vegan dinner with vegetables built in. The lower sodium lets you season to taste.
Traditional Refried Beans, Light in Sodium: Amy's Traditional Refried Beans, Light in Sodium, are seasoned with organic onion, garlic, and spices, with 50% less sodium than Amy's regular traditional refried beans. They have 6g dietary fiber per serving and are a good source of iron and potassium. They are gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan, and come in a 15.4-oz can with a non-BPA lining. A smooth, savory bean option for tacos, dips, or sides. The fiber and minerals add nutrition to quick meals.
Lentil Soup, Light in Sodium: Amy's Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Soup is made with organic green lentils, carrots, celery, onion, potatoes, and spices, with 50% less sodium than Amy's regular lentil soup. It has 6g protein and 4g dietary fiber per serving, plus iron. It is gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan, and comes in a non-BPA lined can. A plain lentil base that you can customize with your own vegetables, grains, or spices. Good for those who want a simple, low-sodium soup.