Budget supermarket own-label baked beans beats established brands such as Heinz in taste test

Which? 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

Supermarket own-label baked beans from budget store Aldi have beaten established and pricier brands such as Heinz in a consumer taste test.

Which? 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.

Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce, which cost 41p for 410g can, won over the tasters with an overall score of 76% and were awarded a Which? Best Buy and a Great Value endorsement.

The panel thought the beans looked good, had an appealing aroma, and three-quarters said the strength of flavour was “perfect”.

Following closely behind with an overall score of 75% was Branston Baked Beans, priced at £1 for 410g can. These beans were also given a Best Buy. The panel said they looked appetising and the strength of flavour satisfied 70% of the taste testers.

Co-op’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce, costing 49p for 400g can, weren’t far behind with a score of 74%, while Asda’s 42p for a 410g can received a score of 73%.

Heinz Beanz, £1.40 for 415g can, scored 72%. The panel thought the beans looked good and had a pleasing texture but the aroma was less well liked than others, and just over a third thought the sauce was too thin.

If you get through two tins per week, switching from Heinz beans to Aldi’s offering could save you over £100 per year, as a year’s supply of Aldi baked beans comes in at £42.64 versus £145.60 for Heinz - a £103 saving.

M&S Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce, 50p for 400g can, impressed the panel least, with a score of 67%.

The texture of the beans and sauce were both enjoyed by most, but 45% were satisfied with the strength of flavour, while a third wanted them to be sweeter.

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.”

British people eat more baked beans than the rest of the world put together, with 2.5 million cans sold in the UK every single day.

Table of results

1. Aldi Bramwell’s Baked Beans (Best Buy) 76%

2. Branstons Baked Beans (Best Buy) 75%

3. Co-op Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 74%

4. Asda Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce 73%

5. Heinz Beanz 72%

6. Waitrose Essential Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 72%

7. Sainsbury’s Baked Beans in Tasty Tomato Sauce 71%

8. Tesco Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 70%

9. Morrisons Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce 68%

10. M&S Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce 67%