Beans on a budget: Supermarket own-brand baked beans beat branded favourites
Supermarket own-label baked beans from Aldi have beaten established and pricier brands such as Heinz in a Which? taste test.
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.
Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce (41p for 410g can) won over the tasters with an overall score of 76 per cent 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 (74%) said the strength of flavour was perfect.
Following closely behind with an overall score of 75 per cent was Branston Baked Beans (£1 for 410g can). These beans were also given a Best Buy. The panel said they looked appetising and the strength of flavour satisfied seven in 10 (70%) tasters. The level of sweetness was enjoyed by a similar number of tasters (71%).
Co-op’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce (49p for 400g can) weren’t far behind with a score of 74 per cent. Of the panel, seven in 10 (70%) said the flavour strength was good, though the remainder would have enjoyed a stronger tomato taste.
Asda’s Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce (42p for 410g can) received a score of 73 per cent. The texture of the beans was enjoyed by seven in 10 (70%) while three quarters (73%) liked the texture of the sauce. Although the appearance was rated well overall, some of the panel were unsure about the colour of the baked beans and three in 10 (29%) found the orange colour too vibrant.
Heinz Beanz (£1.40 for 415g can) scored 72 per cent. 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 (35%) 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 per cent. The texture of the beans and sauce were both enjoyed by most, but less than half (45%) were satisfied with the strength of flavour, while a third (32%) 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.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
| Brand | Score |
| Aldi Bramwell’s Baked Beans | 76% |
Branstons Baked Beans | 75% |
Co-op Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce | 74% |
| Asda Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce | 73% |
| Heinz Beanz | 72% |
| Waitrose Essential Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce | 72% |
| Sainsbury’s Baked Beans in Tasty Tomato Sauce | 71% |
How we tested baked beans
The baked beans were tested in September 2024 by a large panel of consumers who regularly buy and consume baked beans. The make-up of the panel broadly represents the demographic profile of adults in the UK.
Each brand of beans was assessed by 66 people. The tasters rated the taste, texture, aroma and appearance of each and told us what they liked and disliked about each one.
The taste test was blind, so our testers didn’t know which brand they were trying. The order in which they tasted the beans was fully rotated to avoid any bias. Each person had a private booth, so they couldn’t discuss what they were tasting or be influenced by others.
The overall score was based on:
- 50% flavour
- 20% appearance
- 20% aroma
- 10% texture
These weightings are based on how consumers rank the importance of different attributes of baked beans.
Price and availability were checked on 13 September 2024.
Lidl's baked beans weren't included in this test as they informed Which? there is variation in the product recipe due to dual supply.
About Which?
Which? is the UK’s consumer champion, here to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Our research gets to the heart of consumer issues, our advice is impartial, and our rigorous product tests lead to expert recommendations. We’re the independent consumer voice that influences politicians and lawmakers, investigates, holds businesses to account and makes change happen. As an organisation we’re not for profit and all for making consumers more powerful.
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