When it comes to a quick and easy meal, barbecue baked beans are a favorite among many. At just 180 calories per serving, it's a great option for those looking to cut back on calories or have a light meal. These beans are packed with flavor and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main meal.

In addition to their delicious taste, barbecue baked beans are also a great source of several important nutrients. They are low in fat, high in fiber, and contain both protein and carbohydrates to help keep you feeling full and satisfied. But let's take a closer look at the nutritional information for these beans.

In this article, we'll explore the caloric value and serving size of barbecue baked beans, as well as the protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, sodium, vitamins, minerals, and health benefits they offer.

Calories and Serving Size

As previously mentioned, 1 serving of barbecue baked beans contains 180 calories. This serving size is roughly equivalent to 1/2 cup or 130 grams of beans. It's important to keep this in mind when portioning out your meal or counting calories. If you're looking to reduce your calorie intake or want a smaller portion size, consider sharing this serving with a partner or friend. Alternatively, you can try pairing it with a low-calorie side dish, like a salad or steamed vegetables, to help balance out your meal.

Protein in Barbecue Baked Beans

One serving of barbecue baked beans provides roughly 7 grams of protein. This is a modest amount, but it can help contribute to your overall protein intake throughout the day. Protein is an important nutrient for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as keeping you feeling full and satiated. If you're looking to increase your protein intake, consider pairing these beans with grilled chicken or fish. You can also add some nuts or seeds to your salad to get an extra boost of protein.

Fat in Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue baked beans are a low-fat food, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving. This makes them a great option for those looking to reduce their fat intake or maintain a healthy weight. If you're looking for some additional healthy fats to add to your meal, consider topping your beans with some sliced avocado or drizzling them with some olive oil.

Carbohydrates in Barbecue Baked Beans

One serving of barbecue baked beans contains roughly 30 grams of carbohydrates. This is a moderate amount, and most of it comes from complex carbohydrates from the beans themselves. Complex carbohydrates are a great source of sustained energy, which makes these beans a great option for a midday meal or pre-workout snack. If you're looking to reduce your carbohydrate intake, consider pairing these beans with a low-carb side dish or opting for a smaller portion size. You can also try adding some chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or onions, to help increase the volume and fiber content of your meal.

Fiber in Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue baked beans are a great source of fiber, with roughly 5 grams per serving. Fiber is an important nutrient that helps keep you feeling full and satisfied, as well as promoting digestive health and preventing constipation. If you're looking to increase your fiber intake, consider adding some fruit or vegetables to your meal, like a side of berries or a spinach salad.

Sugar in Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue baked beans do contain sugar, but the majority of it comes from natural sources like molasses or brown sugar. One serving of beans contains roughly 10 grams of sugar. If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, consider pairing these beans with a low-sugar side dish, like a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Sodium in Barbecue Baked Beans

One serving of barbecue baked beans provides approximately 400-500 milligrams of sodium. This is a moderate amount, but it can add up quickly if you're eating other high-sodium foods throughout the day. If you're looking to reduce your sodium intake, consider rinsing your beans before cooking them or opting for a reduced-sodium version of these beans. You can also try seasoning your beans with herbs and spices instead of salt.

Vitamins in Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue baked beans are a good source of several important vitamins, including folate, thiamin, and vitamin B6. These vitamins play a crucial role in energy production and metabolism, as well as promoting healthy brain function and immune system function. If you're looking to get a wider variety of vitamins in your diet, consider incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals, like a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a fruit salad.

Minerals in Barbecue Baked Beans

Barbecue baked beans are also a good source of several important minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals help support healthy blood pressure, muscle and nerve function, and overall bone health. If you're looking to get more minerals in your diet, consider adding some nuts or seeds to your salad or snacking on some dried fruit.

Health Benefits of Barbecue Baked Beans

Overall, barbecue baked beans are a nutritious and delicious option for a quick and easy meal. They offer a variety of important nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a side. In addition, the fiber in these beans can help promote digestive health and prevent constipation, while the moderate amount of sugar and sodium makes them a better option compared to many other processed or packaged foods.