In a new taste test by Which?, 60 baked bean enthusiasts tested 12 different cans of baked beans, comparing Heinz and Branston with supermarket own-brands such as Lidl, Tesco and Asda. After testing all the beans, two bargain supermarket tins emerged as the top performers: Aldi and Lidl. The two budget tins narrowly beat Heinz, with all three being named Which? Best Buys. However, the two supermarket own-brand beans were also awarded the UK’s leading independent consumer champion’s Great Value badge.
Aldi’s Bramwells Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce scored 77% and cost just 40p for a 410g tin. According to the experts, these beans were an “excellent all-rounder,” with nearly 75% of the testers enjoying both the texture of the beans and the sauce. They also agreed they were just sweet enough and looked appetising.
Lidl’s Newgate Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce also scored 77% and cost 40p for a 410g tin. The testers enjoyed these just as much as Aldi’s, with two-thirds saying the sweetness was just right. The texture and sauce were also highly praised. However, it’s worth noting that Lidl’s tin is slightly heavier than Aldi’s, but it is the same price per 100g.
Heinz just missed the top spot with a score of 76%. They are priced at £1.40 for a 415g tin, making them significantly more expensive than Aldi and Lidl’s offerings. The iconic brand was a favourite among the testers and was crowned a Which? Best Buy.
The texture, sauce and the overall look of the beans were enjoyed by the testers, with over half of them saying the sweetness levels were just right. The tomato flavour was also approved by most; however, more than a third wanted this flavour to be stronger.
While these are more expensive, Heinz beans are often more affordable when they’re bought in multipacks.
Branston beans came in third place, scoring 74% from the testers. At £1 for a 410g tin, these aren’t as expensive as Heinz but 60p more expensive than Aldi and Lidl’s own-brand beans. These were enjoyed by the testers, with the texture receiving positive feedback. However, the testers wished they were a bit sweeter with a stronger tomato flavour.
