The Great Baked Bean Showdown: 23 Brands Put to the Test
When it comes to quick, comforting, and versatile meals, baked beans have long been a beloved staple in British households. Whether served on toast, alongside a hearty breakfast, or as part of countless other dishes, their appeal is undeniable. Yet, with numerous brands competing for attention on supermarket shelves, selecting the best can be a daunting task. One dedicated Reddit user decided to settle this culinary debate once and for all by organising an ambitious blind taste test featuring an impressive 23 different varieties of baked beans.
A Meticulous and Festive Approach to Food Science
The host rallied eight friends to participate in this unique gastronomic experiment, creating a festive atmosphere with baked bean bunting and a playful sign reading, "We've bean waiting for you." Each participant sampled the beans blindly, scoring them out of five, with the results meticulously tallied to crown a champion and identify the least favoured options. The host explained their rigorous methodology, stating, "This was a blind taste test so my friends had no idea what beans they were trying." To eliminate bias, they used a random selection process where guests picked beans from folded strips of paper, and each variety was assigned a letter and served in alphabetical order.
Surprising Results and Strong Opinions
The tasting revealed stark contrasts between brands, with some receiving rave reviews while others were harshly criticised. One guest likened a particularly disappointing variety to "animal feed," highlighting the diverse reactions. The host refrained from scoring to avoid skewing the results but noted, "I did however try all of them and I have to admit, quite a lot of them had a unique taste and texture." By the final round, participants admitted feeling overwhelmed, with the host remarking, "I think by the last round, everyone was fed up with beans and would not be able to eat any more as we tried 23 different brands!"
Online Reactions and Cultural Commentary
The experiment garnered widespread attention online, with many users expressing a mix of admiration and bemusement. One commenter noted, "I'm a mixture of impressed and bemused at how far you took this. Bunting, posters, charts and a party for the humble baked bean. I'm clapping and frowning, and slightly jealous of your quirky creative thinking. Well done." Another quipped, "And people say Britain has no culture," underscoring the event's lighthearted yet culturally resonant nature.
The Definitive Ranking of Baked Bean Brands
Based on the aggregated scores from the blind taste test, here is the complete ranking from best to worst:
- Sainsbury's
- M&S
- Heinz
- Newgate (Lidl)
- Bold Bean Co
- Bramwells (Aldi)
- Aldi Everyday Essentials
- Branston
- Asda
- Lidl
- Morrisons
- M&S organic
- Essential Waitrose
- Holland and Barrett
- Stockwell (Tesco)
- Tesco
- Morrisons Savers
- Dutchy organic (Waitrose)
- Asda Just Essentials
- Tesco organic
- Stamford Street Co (Sainsbury's)
- Suma organic low sugar
- Classico
This comprehensive ranking offers valuable insights for consumers navigating the crowded baked bean market, highlighting both premium and budget-friendly options that stood out in the blind test.
