Del Monte Canned Fresh Cut Blue Lake French Style Green Bean
✅ PROS
- Consistently tender, thin-cut beans that hold shape without turning mushy — even after reheating
- Bright, fresh-tasting flavor profile with no metallic aftertaste that plagues many canned vegetables
- Ready in under 5 minutes — genuinely convenient for weeknight sides or emergency meal prep
❌ CONS
- Sodium content runs high at 380mg per serving — roughly 17% of your daily value before you add anything else
- Some cans arrive with dented rims or compromised seals, which raises legitimate food safety questions
The Verdict
Let me be upfront: I’ve eaten more canned green beans than I’d care to admit, and most of them taste like the can they came in. The Del Monte French Style Blue Lake beans are different — noticeably different — and that’s why they’ve earned a 4.7-star average across 235 Amazon ratings.
These are the thin, julienne-cut beans (what the French call frenched), sliced lengthwise into delicate strips rather than left as whole pods. That cut matters. It means the beans cook faster, absorb seasonings more readily, and give you that silky, almost noodle-like texture that’s perfect for casseroles or quick sautés.
What you’re actually getting
Each 14.5-ounce can delivers roughly 3.5 servings of beans packed in water with sea salt. No artificial colors, no preservatives — just Blue Lake variety beans, which are specifically bred for canning because they hold their texture better than other cultivars. The ingredient list is refreshingly short: green beans, water, sea salt.
Real-world performance
I tested these three ways: straight from the can after a quick drain, heated in a skillet with butter and garlic, and folded into a green bean casserole with cream of mushroom soup and fried onions. In every preparation, the beans held their structure without going mushy — a common failure point for canned vegetables. The thin cut means they cook in about 3–4 minutes on medium heat, which beats the 15–20 minutes fresh beans require.
The flavor is genuinely fresher than most canned options. There’s a slight snap when you bite into them, and the bean flavor comes through clean rather than muted by brine. One Amazon reviewer noted, “These are the only canned green beans I’ll buy. They taste like my grandmother’s fresh ones.” Another praised them as “perfectly seasoned — not too salty, not bland.”
Where they fall short
Let’s talk sodium. At 380mg per serving, these aren’t low-sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, you’ll want to rinse them thoroughly before cooking — that removes about 30–40% of the sodium. Alternatively, look for the “No Salt Added” version, though it’s not always in stock.
The bigger concern is packaging consistency. Several recent reviews mention dented cans or compromised seals. One buyer wrote, “Two of the six cans arrived with dents along the rim. I had to toss them — not worth the risk of botulism.” That’s a legitimate food safety issue, not a minor cosmetic gripe. Inspect your cans carefully upon delivery, and don’t use any with visible damage.
Who should buy these
- Busy home cooks who want a reliable, fast vegetable side without the prep work of fresh beans
- Casserole makers — the French cut integrates beautifully into cream-based dishes
- Campers and emergency preppers who need shelf-stable vegetables that actually taste decent
- Budget-conscious shoppers — at roughly $1.50 per can, these beat fresh beans on both cost and waste
Skip them if you’re sodium-sensitive without time to rinse, or if you’re a fresh-only produce purist — nothing canned will match the crispness of a just-picked bean.
Common questions
Are these beans actually French style? Yes. “French style” refers to the cut — beans sliced lengthwise into thin strips, not the origin of the beans. Del Monte uses Blue Lake variety beans grown in the US.
Can I eat them straight from the can? Technically yes, they’re fully cooked. But they’ll taste better warmed with a little butter, olive oil, or your favorite seasonings.
How should I store an opened can? Transfer leftovers to a covered glass or plastic container. They’ll keep 3–4 days in the refrigerator. Don’t store in the open can — it can impart a metallic taste.
The verdict
These are the best canned green beans I’ve tested, period. The texture holds up, the flavor is clean, and the convenience factor is real. The sodium and packaging concerns keep them from a perfect score, but for the price, you’re getting a genuinely good product.
Buy it if you want dependable, good-tasting green beans without the prep work. Skip it if you’re on a strict low-sodium diet or insist on fresh produce only.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a pantry staple that earns its place.
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.