Bean & Legumes - how to soak & cook.

Our amazing Bean Mix - requires 8-12 hour soaking and 60-90 mins of simmering!

Why Soak & Cook Your Own Beans?

We’re proud to stock a great range of beans and legumes in-store — from hearty chickpeas to creamy butter beans and everything in between. While canned beans are convenient, there are plenty of reasons to consider soaking and cooking your own from dried.

Firstly, it's incredibly cost-effective. Around 80g of dried beans (roughly half a cup) yields the same amount as a standard tin, and in most cases, this will only set you back about 50 to 60 cents. That’s a solid saving — especially if beans are a regular staple in your kitchen.

Soaking and cooking beans also gives you more control. One of the biggest advantages? You get to decide how much (if any) sodium goes in. Tinned beans often come with added salt or preservatives, but when you’re cooking from scratch, it’s just beans and water — unless you choose to season them yourself.

It’s worth noting that soak and cook times can vary. This depends on a few factors, but one of the biggest is your water. Hard water (which contains more minerals) can slow down the softening process, while soft or filtered water tends to reduce both soaking and cooking time. If you’ve ever wondered why your beans take forever to cook, your tap water might be the reason!

Aside from being budget-friendly and versatile, beans and legumes are a powerhouse of nutrition. They're naturally rich in plant-based protein, fibre, and essential vitamins and minerals like iron, folate, and magnesium. Regularly eating beans can support heart health, improve digestion, help regulate blood sugar levels, and even contribute to a longer, healthier life. Whether you're eating more plant-based meals or just looking to boost your nutrition, beans are a smart addition to your plate.

So if you're looking to save money, reduce sodium, and have a bit more control over your meals, cooking dried beans is well worth the extra step. Plus, once you've done it a few times, it becomes second nature — and your soups, salads, and stews will thank you.

See below for your Soak & Cook Times. You can always use a pressure cooker and achieve the same results in a fraction of the time, but for the majority of folks these are the times that apply!