**Supermarket Own-Brand Baked Beans: The Ultimate Ranking for 2021**
Baked beans have long been a beloved staple in British households, with their versatility and nutritional benefits making them a popular choice for many. Whether enjoyed as part of a hearty breakfast or a classic beans on toast, these tinned delights offer a convenient way to get one of your five-a-day, along with being high in protein and fibre, low in fat, gluten-free, and suitable for vegans. However, the rising costs of ingredients have led to significant price increases in recent years, with Heinz raising prices by an average of 40 per cent, making a 415g tin now cost £1.40.
**Heinz’s Price Hike Explained**
Heinz, a well-known brand in the baked beans market, has attributed the price hike to the increasing costs of tomatoes, a key ingredient in their products. With tomatoes making up a significant portion of their ketchup and Beanz (formerly known as Baked Beans), the company has had to adjust prices to account for the doubled tomato costs since the end of 2019. This rise in costs has been a challenge for many consumers who have come to rely on Heinz for their baked bean fix.
**A Taste Test Reveals Surprising Results**
Despite Heinz’s dominance in the baked beans market, a recent taste test conducted by consumer champion Which? has revealed that supermarket own-brand options can rival and even surpass established brands like Heinz and Branston. In a blind taste test involving 66 baked bean enthusiasts, participants rated 10 different options from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, as well as big brands like Heinz and Branston. Surprisingly, budget retailer Aldi emerged as the winner with its Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce, priced at just 41p for a 410g can – a significant saving compared to Heinz Beanz.
**Affordable and Delicious: Aldi’s Budget Beans**
Aldi’s budget-friendly baked beans not only offer a tasty alternative to pricier brands but also come at a fraction of the cost. With an overall score of 76 per cent in the taste test, Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce received a Which? ‘Best Buy and Great Value’ endorsement. According to Natalie Hitchins, Head of Home Products and Services at Which?, choosing supermarket own-label groceries can lead to significant savings without compromising on taste. The panel of tasters found Aldi’s beans visually appealing, with an enticing aroma and a perfect balance of flavor strength.
**Branston and Co-op: Close Contenders**
In addition to Aldi’s standout performance, Branston Baked Beans and Co-op’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce also received high praise in the taste test. Branston’s offering, priced at £1 for a 410g can, scored 75 per cent overall and was awarded a Best Buy designation. Tasters found Branston beans to be appetizing in appearance, with a satisfying flavor strength that pleased seven in 10 participants. Co-op’s Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce, priced at 49p for a 400g can, scored 74 per cent overall, with tasters appreciating the good flavor strength despite some wishing for a stronger tomato taste.
**Making the Switch: A Taste Test Worth Considering**
The taste test conducted by Which? serves as a reminder that quality and affordability can go hand in hand when it comes to baked beans. By opting for supermarket own-brand options like Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans, consumers can enjoy delicious baked beans without breaking the bank. With the potential to save over £100 a year by making the switch from pricier brands, it’s clear that budget-friendly alternatives are worth considering for those looking to stretch their grocery budget without compromising on taste. As the demand for affordable and tasty options continues to grow, supermarket own-brand baked beans are proving to be a worthy contender in the market.
In conclusion, the ranking of top supermarket own-brand baked beans for 2021 showcases that quality and affordability are not mutually exclusive. With options like Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans outperforming established brands like Heinz and Branston in taste tests, consumers have more choices than ever when it comes to satisfying their baked bean cravings. By considering budget-friendly alternatives, shoppers can enjoy the same great taste at a fraction of the cost, making the switch to supermarket own-brand baked beans a smart choice for both their wallets and their taste buds.