Today’s NYT Strands puzzle brings a playful twist to the grid with the theme “The musical fruit.” If that nickname makes you think of beans, you’re on the right track. From hearty stews to zesty salads, this puzzle highlights the many varieties of beans we’ve all encountered some more deliciously than others. Whether you’re a legume lover or just here for the word hunt, today’s puzzle is a delightful challenge. We’ve broken down hints, the Spangram, and all the theme words for you below.
Today’s Strands Theme:
Today’s NYT Strands Theme is The musical fruit
Beans — beloved in cultures across the globe and known for their unique musical reputation — take the spotlight in today’s theme. The puzzle is a celebration of different bean varieties, each one cleverly hidden in the grid like a well-seasoned recipe.
NYT Strands Hint for Today:
Spangram clue: A cold dish made of seeds or pods of twining herbs of the genus Phaseolus.
This clue is a subtle nod to the humble yet versatile bean salad — today’s Spangram and central idea.
Here are a few hints to get started:
- Hint #1: Large ivory-colored edible seeds that are cherished in Italian cuisine.
- Hint #2: An edible seed of a plant that’s named after the branch of the armed forces responsible for sea warfare.
Each clue reveals a piece of the puzzle — from Cannellini to Navy, the grid is full of these nutritious and sometimes cheeky gems.
Strands Spangram Position: Is It Vertical or Horizontal?
The Spangram is mostly VERTICAL in direction.
- First letter: Column 2, Row 1
- Last letter: Column 2, Row 8
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer:
Today’s Strands Spangram Answer is BeanSalad
A refreshing, protein-packed dish that combines different bean types — and today, it combines them into a satisfying solve.
Today’s Strands Answers:
Here are all the theme words featured in today’s puzzle:
- KIDNEY
- GREEN
- CANNELLINI
- FAVA
- BLACK
- PINTO
- NAVY

Reflections on Today’s Puzzle:
Today’s puzzle was a light-hearted dive into the world of legumes. Starting with GREEN or KIDNEY, solvers quickly realized this wasn’t just about food — it was about fun. CANNELLINI added an Italian flair, while NAVY added a hint of wordplay. The clever selection led up to the vertical reveal of BeanSalad, making the solving experience feel like assembling ingredients for the perfect dish. With its fun theme and balanced difficulty, Game #315 hits all the right notes — both musical and mental.
Conclusion:
Whether you breezed through or needed a hint or two, today’s Strands was a flavorful word journey. BeanSalad might be a simple dish, but today it served as the anchor for a truly creative puzzle. If you enjoyed the mix of food and fun, get ready — tomorrow brings a brand new theme, and who knows what the grid will serve next?