This study was undertaken to test the effects of plausible meals containing slow release starches in the form of bean flakes on plasma glucose and hunger in man. In a first study, volunteers consumed a hachis paramentier (shepherd's pie) containing either bean purée or potato purée. After the meal containing potato, plasma glucose levels rose sharply, peaked at 30-45 min and fell below initial levels 2 to 3 h later. With bean purée there was a low, sustained increase in blood glucose. In a second study, volunteers consumed six hachis parmentier (three with bean purée, three with potato purée, topped with spinach, ratatouille or tomatoes). Relative to potato, the bean purée delayed the return of hunger and decreased ratings for propensity to eat a tasty snack.