A taste test comparing Heinz baked beans with supermarket own brands has found that Aldi's Bramwell beans offer the closest match to the classic flavour at a fraction of the price. The trial, conducted by a food writer, pitted Heinz against dupes from Aldi, Sainsbury's, M&S, and Tesco.
Aldi's Bramwell Baked Beans in Rich Tomato Sauce, priced at 41p for 410g, were described as a clear homage to Heinz. While slightly less sweet and with a less rich sauce, the beans were deemed excellent value. The writer noted that the beans lacked the pillowy softness of Heinz but were still a strong contender.
Heinz Baked Beans in Rich Tomato Sauce, costing £1.10 with a Nectar card at Sainsbury's, were praised for their rich, comforting taste and nostalgic appeal. The writer described them as the most tomato-heavy of the bunch and a tough act to follow.
Sainsbury's own brand, at 40p for 400g, was rated as the closest to Heinz in terms of sweetness and richness. M&S beans, while deliciously savoury, were criticised for lacking the soothing sweetness associated with classic beans on toast. Tesco's offering also fell short in sweetness, with the writer noting it didn't blow them away.
The test concluded that while Heinz remains the gold standard, Aldi's Bramwell beans offer a convincing alternative for budget-conscious shoppers. The writer highlighted that baked beans are a nutritious, protein-rich food that can help with post-Christmas budgeting.
