Abstract A whole‐body radioassay procedure was used to assess the bioavailability to rats of zinc (Zn) in seeds of 18 genotypes of beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L) that were grown hydroponically. Dry beans that were labelled intrinsically with 65 Zn were added to test meals fed to rats that were marginally Zn‐deficient. The amount of Zn in the seeds varied between genotypes and ranged from 26.7 to 62.4 µg g −1 (from 0.41 to 0.95 µmol g −1 ) dry weight (DW). Similarly, the amount of iron (Fe) in the beans varied nearly twofold (from 52.3 to 96.3 µg g −1 DW), and Zn and Fe concentrations were positively correlated. Concentrations of myo‐inositolhexaphosphate (IP6) plus myo‐inositolpentaphosphate (IP5) varied from 18.1 to 27.3 µmol g −1 DW. Cultivars with white‐coloured seeds contained relatively small amounts of tannins varying from 0.12 to 0.16 mg g −1 DW (determined as catechin equivalents) compared to those with coloured seed coats (up to 2.58 mg g −1 DW). All rats readily ate the test meals so that Zn intake varied directly with seed‐Zn concentration. As indicated by 65 Zn absorption, the bioavailability to rats of Zn in the seeds varied between genotypes and ranged from about 78 to 95% of the total Zn in the seeds. The bioavailability of Zn to marginally Zn‐deficient rats was not affected markedly by either IP5 + IP6 or tannin in the dry beans. These results demonstrate that the concentration of Zn in dry beans can be increased through traditional plant‐breeding techniques and that this may result in significant increases in the amount of bioavailable Zn in the beans. Increasing the amount of Zn in beans may contribute significantly to improving the Zn status of individuals dependent on beans as a staple food. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry