A taste test of baked beans from five UK supermarkets found that Tesco's own-brand tin, at just 43p, delivered the most flavour and outshone Heinz, which costs £1.40 for a similar-sized can.
The comparison, carried out by Katherine McPhillips, covered beans from Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl and Marks & Spencer. While some options were underwhelming, the Tesco beans stood out for their sweet flavour and rich, deep tomato sauce, proving that a budget option can rival the classic brand.
Morrisons and Aldi Disappoint
Morrisons' beans, priced at 60p, were described as bland and uninspiring, with a bitter aftertaste that put the taster off after a single spoonful. They were deemed to taste processed and artificial.
Aldi's Bramwell beans, at 39p, were considered plain and under-seasoned. The sauce was notably watery, which could prove messy on toast or a jacket potato, despite the affordable price.
M&S and Lidl Offer Solid Options
Marks & Spencer's beans, at 40p, had a pleasing consistency with a smooth sauce and a rich, tangy flavour. The only minor criticism was that the beans were slightly too firm for the taster's preference for a creamier texture.
Lidl's Newgate beans, also 39p, were more savoury than the others but carried a subtle sweetness. The balance was pleasant, though the salt in the sauce was noticeable. They were deemed a solid choice.
Tesco Takes the Top Spot
The Tesco beans, at 43p for a 420g tin, were the clear winner. They had a delightfully sweet flavour and a thick, rich tomato sauce, with beans that were tender without being mushy. The taster finished the entire bowl with buttered toast.
In contrast, a 415g tin of Heinz costs £1.40. The conclusion was that Tesco's beans were the undisputed winner, showing that spending more does not necessarily guarantee a better tin of baked beans.
