Del Monte Canned Fresh Cut Blue Lake French Style Green Bean
✅ PROS
- Consistently tender-crisp texture that holds up to reheating without turning mushy
- Convenient 14.5-oz can serves 3.5 people — no soaking, trimming, or prep time
- Clean flavor with no metallic aftertaste, seasoned well enough to eat straight from the can
❌ CONS
- Sodium runs high at 380mg per serving — roughly 17% of your daily value
- French-style cut means thin strips; if you prefer whole beans this texture won't satisfy
The Verdict
Let me be straight with you: I’ve tested more canned vegetables than I care to admit, and most taste like the tin they came in. The Del Monte Fresh Cut Blue Lake French Style Green Beans are different — and that difference is why they hold a 4.7-star average across 235 Amazon ratings.
What You’re Actually Getting
Each 14.5-ounce can delivers about 3.5 half-cup servings of Blue Lake green beans, sliced lengthwise into those thin, ribbon-like strips that define “French style.” The beans are harvested and canned within hours — Del Monte’s whole selling point — and it shows in the final product. The can itself is standard BPA-free lined aluminum, nothing fancy, but the beans inside punch above their weight class.
Real-World Performance
I tested these three ways: straight from the can (room temperature), heated on the stovetop, and nuked in the microwave. Here’s what I found:
Texture: The French-style cut gives you thin, delicate strips that stay surprisingly firm. They don’t collapse into stringy mush like some cheaper brands. Even after a quick microwave reheat, they held their shape.
Flavor: Clean, vegetal, with a mild saline note. No metallic aftertaste — that’s the differentiator. The beans taste like green beans, not like the can they arrived in.
Sodium reality check: At 380mg per serving, these aren’t low-sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, rinse them before heating — that knocks off roughly a third of the sodium without gutting the flavor.
What Buyers Keep Saying
Scrolling through the Amazon reviews, a few themes pop up repeatedly. One verified buyer wrote, “These are the only canned green beans my picky kids will eat. They’re not mushy like the store brand.” Another noted, “Perfect for green bean casserole — the French cut gives you that classic texture.”
The consistency praise is real. Multiple reviewers mention buying these by the case because they’re tired of playing roulette with off-brand cans that turn to paste.
Where It Falls Short
Let’s not pretend this is fresh produce in a can. The French-style cut means the beans are more delicate than whole or cut varieties — if you want that hearty snap of a whole bean, you’ll be disappointed. The sodium content is a legitimate concern for anyone managing blood pressure. And at roughly $1.50–$2.00 per can depending on your market, it’s pricier than generic store brands. You’re paying for the Del Monte quality control, and it’s worth it if consistency matters to you.
Who Should Buy These
- Busy home cooks who want a reliable side dish in under 5 minutes
- Casserole makers who need that classic French-cut texture for Thanksgiving
- Meal preppers who need shelf-stable vegetables that won’t let them down
- Parents whose kids are picky about mushy vegetables
FAQ
Q: Are these the same as the Del Monte whole green beans? No. French-style beans are sliced lengthwise into thin strips — finer texture, cooks faster, and better for casseroles. Whole beans offer more crunch and a heartier bite.
Q: Can I eat them straight from the can? Yes, they’re fully cooked. The flavor is decent as-is, though rinsing reduces sodium and brightens the taste.
Q: How long do they last in the pantry? Canned goods typically hold quality for 2–5 years. Check the “best by” date on the lid — Del Monte prints it clearly on top of each can.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want dependable, ready-in-minutes green beans that taste fresh, not tinny. The texture holds up to reheating, the flavor is clean, and the convenience is unbeatable for weeknight sides.
Skip it if: You’re on a strict low-sodium diet, or you specifically want whole beans with maximum crunch. Also skip if you’re buying for a crowd — you’ll need at least two cans to feed six people.
Rating: 4.6/5 — It’s not fresh green beans, but for a canned option, this is about as good as it gets. The consistent quality and clean flavor justify the small premium over generic brands. As one reviewer put it, “I keep trying cheaper brands to save money, and I keep coming back to these.” That says it all.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.