For many, the comforting taste of baked beans on toast is a staple. The UK’s love affair with beans is well documented, with even Americans expressing confusion and fascination with this beloved British delicacy. While Heinz has long been the reigning champion, a new study has shaken things up.
Which? conducted a blind taste test pitting supermarket brands against the iconic Heinz and Branston. The results? A shocking upset! Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce, costing just 41p for a 410g tin, emerged victorious. It earned a remarkable 76% score, securing both a Best Buy and Great Value endorsement.
The test involved 66 baked bean enthusiasts who blind-tasted 10 different varieties, including own-brands from major supermarkets like Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco. They rated each tin based on taste (50% of the overall score), appearance (20%), aroma (20%), and texture (10%).
Aldi’s bargain offering wowed the tasters with its appearance, aroma, and, most importantly, its flavor. Nearly three-quarters (74%) rated the flavor spot-on. Close on Aldi’s heels was Branston Baked Beans, also earning a Best Buy award with a score of 75%. They impressed with their appearance, flavor, and sweetness.
Heinz Beanz, the classic choice, came in fifth place with a score of 72%. While they earned points for appearance and texture, the aroma didn’t quite wow the tasters, and over a third (35%) found the sauce a bit thin.
The study highlights a significant potential for savings. If you consume two tins of beans per week, switching from Heinz to Aldi could save you a whopping £103 per year. Aldi’s beans would cost just £42.64 for a year’s supply, compared to £145.60 for Heinz.
Natalie Hitchins, head of home products and services at Which?, emphasized the key takeaway: ‘Baked beans are a staple for many households, and our results show you don’t have to pay a premium for the best taste.’ She also stressed that choosing supermarket own-label groceries is a smart way to save money, while enjoying better tasting products.
So, the next time you’re craving those comforting baked beans, consider reaching for a tin of Aldi’s Bramwells. You might be surprised at the delicious and budget-friendly experience.
