Consumption of pulses is considered part of a healthy diet. Therefore, the opportunity exists for development of new pulse-based ingredients. However, a better understanding of their properties is necessary. The compositional and functional properties will vary depending on the bean type, their physical form (pre-cooked, raw flour, starch or protein fractionates) and growing location. In this study, edible bean flours (pinto, navy, black and small red) were subjected to extrusion cooking to produce snacks and texturized high-protein flour. The extrudates were studied to determine the effect of extrusion on the physical, physicochemical, chemical, sensory, and digestibility properties. Texturized high-protein flour was used in a bread formulation study. Finally, a preliminary study of location effect on production of grassy compounds, e.g. hexanal and hexanol, in pinto beans was conducted to determine importance of growing environment on flavor development during storage. The results of these studies showed that bean flours generally had excellent extrusion properties (good expansion and texture). However, pre-cooked flours had much lower expansion and textural integrity compared to raw bean flours and starch fractionates. Nutritional content (protein, total starch, fiber and ash) of flours were generally retained after extrusion. Lipids and resistant starch (RS) however were significantly reduced. Significant reduction in RS resulted in snacks having high glycemic index. Extrudates had 20% lower raffinose content suggesting reduced potential for flatulence after extrusion processing. Sensory evaluation of pinto, navy and black bean snacks indicated good overall acceptability. Pinto bean high-starch fraction differed in composition and functionality (viscosity and thermal properties) compared to its raw whole flour and extruded form. Adding 5% texturized pinto bean protein to bread increased its lysine content by 50%; without significantly affecting bread quality. A significant statistical interaction between growing location and storage time on hexanol and hexanal concentrations was observed for pinto beans grown in Forest River, Johnstown and Hatton North Dakota. This Dissertation will help processors understand the potential for beans as a food ingredient. Applications may include use in breads and other baked products, extruded puffed snacks, pasta, and soups. Bean flours can improve nutritional quality and provide unique functionality to food systems.