There can be few people who haven’t heard of the Heinz brand. Founded in 1869 by the German, Henry Heinz in America. Heinz products are now sold worldwide.

The company initially made horseradish followed by pickles and tomato ketchup. Heinz Beans first went on sale in the U.K in 1886. In the 1870’s Heinz also produced such delights as sauerkraut in crocks and noble catsup! These delights fortunately haven’t stood the test of time!

In 1886 the beans were imported from Canada and were considered a luxury food. In 1901 a tin of beans would set you back £1.50 for a 1 lb tin! By 1928 Heinz beans were being produced in the U.K and the price started to fall. Heinz beans proved very popular with the British public right from the start. At the height of rationing in 1941, Beans were classed as an essential food and formed part of the wartime ration.

In 1969 the famous slogan Beans meanz Heinz was created. To-day 1.5 million tins of Heinz beans are produced every day and they are sold worldwide.

The beans.
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Heinz baked beans are made using navy beans part of the haricot family. The beans are grown Michigan, U.SA.The tomato sauce recipe is a closely guarded secret. Heinz beans are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. They do however contain a lot of sugar and salt! An average portion of baked beans will give you 1/5 of your daily protein requirements and 40% of your fibre requirements. Baked beans are also a good source of complex carbohydrate and contain magnesium and prosperous. Baked beans are low in fat and calories.

The taste test.
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I love the taste of Heinz baked beans and think they are far superior to any of their rival brands. I do worry about the amount of sugar contained in baked beans and have tried to make my own using haricot beans and a simply tomato sauce. Although my version tasted o.k, it was nowhere near as yummy as Heinz! I am pleased to note that Heinz have reduced the amount of salt used in their beans. Heinz do make baked beans with reduced sugar and salt but I’m not keen on the taste!

Open a can of Heinz beans and you will notice how thick and rich the tomato sauce is. The beans are just the right consistency, not too soft and not too firm. I recently tried Tesco own brand and found the beans too firm. The tin is easy to open and Heinz uses the common ring pull system on their cans.

Heinz beans are a really versatile food and I always keep a few cans in my cupboard. They are useful as a quick snack on toast, go well with baked potatoes and can be used to form part of a full meal.

I add a tin of beans to a pork casserole to make a really tasty meal. Simply cut up some filet of pork, add a chopped onion, some celely, carrot and parsnip. Add a tin of Heinz beans and finally a pint of stock. Cook in a casserole in the oven. I serve this on a bed of rice, a popular meal with my children.

I like Heinz original baked beans and am not keen on some of the other versions available such as curried beans or chilli flavoured. Heinz also produces organic beans and a version for those following the weight watchers plan.

Heinz beans are widely available and are sold in different sized tins from 150g to a large 840g catering size tin. Heinz beans are also available as a 4 pack of 415 g tins. I always buy a 4 pack, as it is better value. Compared with the price in 1901 Heinz beans are cheap! A 4 pack costs about £1.86 with an individual 415g tin costing 49p.The organic version will cost you 65p.

As you will have guessed I highly recommend Heinz beans and think they are worth the extra small outlay!