Soybean vs. Bean — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 21, 2024
Soybeans are a type of legume primarily used for oil and protein, while beans refer to various legume species consumed for their seeds or pods.
Difference Between Soybean and Bean
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Soybeans are a specific type of legume known for their high protein and oil content, often used in products like tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce. Beans, on the other hand, encompass a broader category that includes numerous varieties such as black beans, kidney beans, and navy beans, which are typically consumed whole.
Soybeans are primarily grown for processing into various food products and industrial uses, while beans are usually grown for direct consumption as a vegetable. Soybeans are also a key ingredient in animal feed, whereas beans are mostly consumed by humans in their whole form.
In terms of nutritional value, soybeans are particularly rich in protein and essential amino acids, making them a popular choice for vegetarian and vegan diets. Beans, although also rich in protein, generally have higher carbohydrate content compared to soybeans.
Soybeans are extensively used in Asian cuisine and are a staple in many vegetarian and vegan diets due to their versatile nature. Beans are more commonly found in Latin American, African, and Mediterranean cuisines, known for their variety and use in hearty dishes like soups and stews.
From an agricultural perspective, soybeans are a major crop in countries like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, often genetically modified for better yields. Beans, however, are cultivated in a more diverse range of climates and are less likely to be genetically modified.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Specific legume species
General category of legumes
Primary Use
Oil, protein products, animal feed
Whole consumption
Nutritional Value
High in protein and essential amino acids
High in protein, higher in carbohydrates
Culinary Use
Tofu, soy milk, soy sauce
Soups, stews, salads
Agricultural Focus
Major crop in U.S., Brazil, Argentina
Diverse climates, less GMO
Compare with Definitions
Soybean
Cultivated for use in animal feed.
Farmers use soybean meal as a protein-rich feed for livestock.
Bean
A general term for seeds of various leguminous plants.
Black beans are a staple in many Mexican dishes.
Soybean
High in essential amino acids and beneficial for diets.
Soybeans are an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Bean
Consumed in their whole form as a vegetable.
Green beans can be steamed or stir-fried for a healthy side dish.
Soybean
A key ingredient in many vegetarian products.
Tofu is made from coagulated soybean milk.
Bean
High in protein and carbohydrates.
Kidney beans are rich in protein and fiber.
Soybean
A type of legume used for its protein and oil content.
Soybean oil is a common ingredient in cooking.
Bean
Found in a variety of cuisines worldwide.
Lentil beans are often used in Indian curries.
Soybean
Used in various industrial applications.
Soybean oil is used in the production of biodiesel.
Bean
A bean is the seed of one of several genera of the flowering plant family Fabaceae, which are used as vegetables for human or animal food. They can be cooked in many different ways, including boiling, frying, and baking, and are used in many traditional dishes throughout the world.
Soybean
The soybean, soy bean, or soya bean (Glycine max) is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean, which has numerous uses. Traditional unfermented food uses of soybeans include soy milk, from which tofu and tofu skin are made.
Bean
Any of various twining herbs of the genus Phaseolus in the pea family, native to the Americas, having leaves with three leaflets and variously colored flowers, and widely cultivated for their edible pods and seeds.
Soybean
An annual leguminous plant (Glycine max) native to East Asia, widely cultivated for its seeds, which are used for food, as a source of oil, and as animal feed.
Bean
A seed or pod of any of these plants.
Soybean
A seed of this plant.
Bean
Any of several related plants or their seeds or pods, such as the adzuki bean, broad bean, or soybean.
Soybean
A legume plant (Glycine max), commonly cultivated for human and animal consumption and as a nitrogen-fixing ground cover.
Bean
Any of various other plants or their seeds or fruits, especially those suggestive of beans such as the coffee bean or vanilla bean.
Soybean
The edible seed of this plant.
Bean
(Slang) A person's head.
Soybean
An Asiatic leguminous herb (Glycine max, formerly Glycine Soja) the seeds of which (also called soy beans) are used in preparing the sauce called soy. Called also soya bean and soya.
Bean
Beans(Slang) A small amount
I don't know beans about investing.
Soybean
The seeds of the Glycine max, which produce soybean oil; - called also soya bean.
Bean
Chiefly British A fellow; a chap.
Soybean
A source of oil; used for forage and soil improvement and as food
Bean
To hit (another) on the head with a thrown object, especially a pitched baseball.
Soybean
Erect bushy hairy annual herb having trifoliate leaves and purple to pink flowers; extensively cultivated for food and forage and soil improvement but especially for its nutritious oil-rich seeds; native to Asia
Bean
Any plant of several genera of the taxonomic family Fabaceae that produces large edible seeds or edible seedpods.
Soybean
Most highly proteinaceous vegetable crop known
Bean
The large edible seed of such a plant (for example, a broad bean, navy bean, or garbanzo bean).
Bean
The edible seedpod of such a plant.
Green beans, also called French beans, can be pickled and made into pickled beans.
Bean
(by extension) The bean-like seed of certain other plants, such a a vanilla bean or (especially) a coffee bean.
Bean
(by extension) An object resembling a pea or bean in shape, often made from plastic or styrofoam and used in large numbers as packing material or as stuffing for beanbags and similar items.
Bean
(slang) The head or brain.
Bean
A person.
Bean
A guinea coin.
Bean
Money.
I haven't got a bean.
Bean
(software) JavaBean
Bean
To hit deliberately with a projectile, especially in the head.
The pitcher beaned the batter, rather than letting him hit another home run.
Bean
A name given to the seed of certain leguminous herbs, chiefly of the genera Faba, Phaseolus, and Dolichos; also, to the herbs.
Bean
The popular name of other vegetable seeds or fruits, more or less resembling true beans.
Bean
Any of various edible seeds of plants of the family Leguminosae
Bean
Any of various seeds or fruits suggestive of beans
Bean
Any of various leguminous plants grown for their edible seeds and pods
Bean
Informal terms for a human head
Bean
Hit on the head, esp. with a pitched baseball
Bean
Grown in diverse climates and regions.
Chickpeas are a popular bean variety in Mediterranean cooking.
Common Curiosities
Do beans have more carbohydrates than soybeans?
Generally, yes, beans have higher carbohydrate content.
Can soybeans be eaten like other beans?
Yes, but they are often processed into products like tofu and soy milk.
Are soybeans used in animal feed?
Yes, soybeans are a major component of animal feed.
What is a soybean?
A soybean is a type of legume grown for its high protein and oil content.
Are soybeans and beans the same?
No, soybeans are a specific type of bean used primarily for oil and protein, while beans are a broader category.
Can beans be genetically modified?
Some beans can be, but it is less common than with soybeans.
What is a bean?
A bean refers to various seeds from leguminous plants used in cooking.
Which is more protein-rich, soybeans or beans?
Soybeans are typically higher in protein content.
Can I use soybeans in a salad?
Yes, cooked soybeans can be added to salads.
Are all beans legumes?
Yes, beans are a type of legume.
What dishes are soybeans used in?
Soybeans are used in tofu, soy milk, and soy sauce.
Are beans common in vegetarian diets?
Yes, beans are a staple in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Are soybeans used in industrial products?
Yes, soybeans are used in products like biodiesel.
Is soybean oil healthy?
Yes, soybean oil is commonly used in cooking and is considered healthy.
What are some varieties of beans?
Black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, and chickpeas are common varieties.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
