Enter any grocery store and you’ll likely be bombarded with protein products: protein chips, protein oatmeal, even protein water. But walk down the canned foods aisle and you’ll find a hearty source of protein that’s been featured in cuisines around the world for thousands of years: beans. Cheap and animal friendly, these little legends are the stars of our new campaign, Beansday™.
To honor this humble pantry staple and encourage more plant-based eating, Humane World for Animals launched Beansday this June. Every Wednesday, we’re urging people to swap out animal-based proteins for beans. Award-winning actor Kevin Bacon has even joined us. Inspired by the farm animals he cares for at his rural Connecticut home, Bacon has playfully changed his name to “Kevin Bean.”
“Over the years, I’ve developed a deep connection with animals. You get to know them as individuals, and it makes you reflect deeply about the food choices you make,” said Bacon. “That’s why I loved the idea of Beansday. One simple change in what you eat every Wednesday makes a difference for animals. And if becoming ‘Kevin Bean’ for a little while helps get people involved, I’m all in.”
Bacon’s not the only one to take note. Plant-based foods have been soaring in popularity and availability in recent decades. Many types of plant-based milk are easily found in grocery stores, and meatless burgers are becoming staples at many restaurants.
One simple change in what you eat every Wednesday makes a difference for animals.”
Kevin Bacon (aka Kevin Bean)
Eating habits have also been changing. A 2024 study in the journal Food Quality and Preference found that 37% of the U.S. population identifies as flexitarians, meaning they are actively reducing meat consumption without eliminating it entirely. An additional 43% of Americans said they were willing to reduce their meat consumption in the future. And survey results released in 2026 found 54% of Canadians are interested in increasing or are actively increasing their consumption of plant-based foods.
That’s what Beansday is all about. So, make the swap each Wednesday, and visit the campaign hub for more information on this movement. Because everyone, whether fully plant-based or not, can create positive changes for animals, the environment and their own health.
Rachel Stern/Humane World for Animals
Plant-powered swaps
With about 400 varieties consumed around the world, beans are a highly versatile ingredient. Here’s a few easy swaps you can make right away.
Egg
Aquafaba (juice in a can of beans) is great for cakes, meringue and pancakes.
3 Tbsp of aquafaba = 1 whole egg
2 Tbsp of aquafaba = 1 egg white
Yellow mung beans can be soaked and blended with kala namak (black salt, to give that egg flavor) to create an eggy batter perfect for scrambles, omelets and quiches.
Ground beef
Black beans are perfect for tacos or chilis, or mix them with binding ingredients and seasonings to create burgers or meatballs. Add spices and/or soy sauce for extra flavor; liquid smoke creates an umami taste.
Lentils can be swapped in for a meaty bite in bolognese, sloppy joes, tacos or shepherd’s pie.
Chicken
Chickpeas can be used in wraps, soups or curries.
White beans (cannellini, navy) work well for chicken-style soups, pot pies and casseroles.
Fish
Mash chickpeas and mix with plant-based mayonnaise, mustard, celery and seaweed flakes for a “no-tuna” salad.
Cream
For a richer texture in pasta sauces, use 1 cup of white beans blended with a little bit of water.
Cow’s milk
Soy milk (make your own at home with just soybeans and water).
Mayonnaise
Blend aquafaba with mustard, vinegar and oil to create a delicious egg-free mayo.
Helen Camacaro/Getty Images
Get a copy of these swaps
Keep this printout on your fridge for easy plant-powered swap ideas every Beansday.
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