A writer tested own-brand baked beans from seven of the UK's biggest supermarkets to find out which tin offers the best taste. The beans were rated on sweetness, texture, and overall flavour.
Testing Method
Each tin was heated according to the label instructions. Sweetness and consistency were scored out of 5, and overall taste out of 10, giving a maximum possible score of 20.
Results: From Worst to Best
7. Aldi (40p)
Aldi finished bottom with a score below 50%. The beans were deemed the most flavourless, with a thin sauce that lacked character. Even after cooking, the sauce remained watery.
6. M&S (55p)
M&S baked beans contain no added sugar, which made the taste flat and one-dimensional. The consistency was acceptable, but the lack of sweetness was a drawback. These may suit those reducing sugar intake.
5. Sainsbury's (30p)
Sainsbury's beans had a thin, watery texture with an unbalanced sauce-to-bean ratio. The flavour was subtle and lacked sweetness. However, at 30p, they are the cheapest and could be improved with spices.
4. Waitrose (55p)
Waitrose beans offered satisfactory but unremarkable flavour. The consistency was agreeable, but a more robust taste was needed. They are decent but not impressive compared to others.
3. Lidl (40p)
Lidl's beans were a pleasant surprise. They delivered a good sweetness and perfect consistency, with an appealing colour and ideal bean-to-sauce ratio. A reliable budget choice.
2. Tesco (42p)
Tesco beans had a delightful sweetness and robust flavour with a pleasant aroma. The only issue was texture; they needed slightly longer cooking. Great value for under 50p.
1. Co-op (47p)
Co-op beans were the clear winner. Their darker colour indicated a more intense flavour, which proved correct. The sauce was the most flavoursome, with strong sweetness and robust taste.
