Baked beans are a cupboard staple in most households, loved by Britons with a cooked breakfast or the classic, beans on toast.
Versatile and healthy, these tins of goodness even include one your five a day; they’re high in protein and fibre, low in fat, gluten-free and suitable for vegans.
Despite being a great all-rounder, baked beans have become more expensive over the years and Heinz has hiked prices by 40 percent on average, to reach the current price of £1.40 (415g tin).
Heinz attributed the price hike to rising costs, particularly of tomatoes which make up most of the volume of its ketchup and 36 percent of its Beanz. Tomato costs have more than doubled since the end of 2019, according to a spokeswoman for Heinz.
But now a new taste test has revealed that it doesn’t have to be Heinz for baked beans that pack a punch for a low price.
According to Which? supermarket own-label baked beans from Aldi beat established and pricier brands such as Heinz and Branston.
The consumer champion asked 66 baked bean fans to blind-taste and rate 10 different options from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco and big brands Heinz and Branston.
Budget retailer Aldi stole the top spot with its Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce (41p for 410g can) – that’s 99p cheaper than Heinz Beanz. Affordable and delicious, the beans won over the tasters with an overall score of 76 percent and were awarded a Which? Best Buy and a Great Value endorsement.
Commenting on the results, Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services said: “Baked beans are a staple for many households and our results show you don’t have to pay a premium for the best taste.
”Choosing supermarket own-label groceries is not only a great way to save money, but our tests prove that you can end up with a better tasting product and can save over £100 a year by making the switch.”
The panel thought the beans looked good, and had an appealing aroma, and three-quarters (74 percent) said the strength of flavour was perfect.
Ranked closely behind with an overall score of 75 percent were Branston Baked Beans (£1 for 410g can). These beans were also given a Best Buy.
According to the panel, Branston beans looked appetising and the strength of flavour satisfied seven in 10 (70 percent) of tasters. Additionally, the level of sweetness was enjoyed by a similar number of tasters (71 percent).
Co-op’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce (49p for 400g can) weren’t far behind with a score of 74 percent. An impressive 70 percent claimed that the flavour strength was good, though the remainder said they would have enjoyed a stronger tomato taste.
