Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 41p for a 410g can achieved a top score of 76% from 66 tasters selected by the watchdog to rate 10 versions from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco alongside their branded counterparts. The panel said Aldi’s beans looked good and had an appealing aroma, with three-quarters agreeing that the strength of flavour was perfect. Branston’s beans, costing £1 for the same-sized can, followed closely behind with a score of 75%.
Co-op’s Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce at 49p for 400g can took third place with a score of 74%, while Asda’s version at 42p for 410g can achieved 73%, although some of the panel were unsure about the colour of the beans and 29% found the orange hue “too vibrant”. Heinz Beanz at £1.40 for a 415g can scored 72%, with the panel approving of the beans’ appearance and texture but finding their aroma less pleasing than other versions, while 35% of the panel thought the sauce was too thin.
Which? noted that households consuming two tins a week could save more than £100 a year by switching from Heinz beans to Aldi’s offering. M&S Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 50p for a 400g can impressed the panel least, with a score of 67%, with less than half satisfied with the strength of flavour and a third wanting them to be sweeter. Which? head of home products and services Natalie Hitchins said: “Baked beans are a staple for many households and our results show you don�.