Why are baked beans so popular in Britain? You can rarely find a British café or pub without them on the menu. They are sold so popular that, if you visit a supermarket, you will find stacks of baked beans cans that sit on pallets so they can be restocked on the shelves quickly. Even the royal family loves beans.

Baked beans have been around in Britain for over a century, and among the many brands available here, Branston beans is indeed one of the most famous of all.

Did You Know?

Traditionally, baked beans are not British. The owner of the Heinz food firm, Henry Heinz, was an American who first introduced baked beans in 1901. he began marketing his baked beans in 1905, positioning them as the ideal prepared dish to enjoy after a demanding workday at a factory. They gained popularity right away. Though baked beans originated in America, they are not much famous here. Nobody loves baked beans more than the British, who are known to consume more beans than all the people consuming baked beans in the rest of the world.

About Branston

Branston is a famous English food brand originally known for its pickles. The company was set up in the village of Branston near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, in 1922 by Crosse & Blackwell. In a series of ownership transitions, the pickle business was eventually acquired by Mizkan in 2013, prompting a rebranding that severed its association with Crosse and Blackwell due to a separate sale of the name to Princes Group.

In October 2005, Premier Foods introduced Branston Baked Beans under the Branston brand to challenge the dominance of Heinz (which was already producing and leading the market with baked beans) in the UK baked bean industry. Brand Branston actively participated in promotional events like the 'Great British Bean Poll,' wherein blind taste testing favoured Branston over Heinz. The campaign emphasized the sauciness of the beans and featured an advertisement showcasing a Branston Bean Tin. Heinz chose to reformulate their recipe after becoming aggravated by this response. Branston's entry into the baked bean business demonstrated both its creative marketing approaches and its dedication to making a big impact in the British food sector.

What are Branston Baked Beans?

Raw haricot beans are cooked or steamed in a thick tomato sauce before they are tinned and sold. Despite having the name baked beans, they are not baked. Instead, it simply steamed partially. The consumers purchasing the tin can reheat the can so the beans are cooked completely and then consume them as they like. Generally, they are cooked in a saucepan, but they may be baked too.

Branston baked beans have a delicious tangy flavour. The tomato sauce they are soaked in is not watery, and they have a great texture. A recent vote revealed how popular these Branston baked beans were. Several people partook in a blind taste test, and most of them voted for Branston baked beans to be the best.

Which Beans are Used to Make Branston Baked Beans?

Haricot beans or navy beans are a small variety of beans that are known for their smooth and creamy texture and mild flavour. They are a staple in many different kinds of cooking and go well with baked beans, stews, soups, and salads. Because of their high protein and fibre content, kidney beans are often substituted for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets. They are also a good source of phosphorus, manganese, and folate.

How to Cook a Can of Branston Baked Beans

Ingredients

• One can of Branston Baked Beans
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional additions: Olive oil or butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce or herbs

Instructions

• Open and pour the can of Branston Baked Beans into a saucepan.
• If you want, you can add one tbsp of butter/olive oil to the pan to add some flavour.
• Let the beans heat and cook. Keep stirring occasionally.
• Season the beans with pepper and salt to taste.
• You may also add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce or a sprinkle some of your favourite herbs.
• Once the beans are heated and seasoned, remove the pan from the heat.
• Serve the Branston Baked Beans as a standalone snack or as a topping for toast or other dishes as desired.

Branston Baked Beans as Essential Food Item in Daily Life of the British

The British love their Branston beans and have ensured that they have made it a part of their daily meals in some or the other way. Here are a few ways in which you will find them having their beans:

Breakfast Staple – The English have a really heavy breakfast, which includes bacon, blood pudding, grilled tomatoes, toast, scrambled or fried eggs, and baked beans.

Toast Topping – Many love baked beans as a tasty and easy topping for toast. It is a quick and filling option for a light lunch or snack, especially on hectic mornings or afternoons.

Baked Potato or Jacket Potato Filling – The English love adding baked beans to their baked potatoes. The combination of beans and potato goes really well. It is a comfort food that offers interesting flavours and textures.

Side Dish – Branston baked beans are famously used as a side dish to various main course meals such as pies, grilled meats, and sausages. Their simple taste helps in balancing the heavy meals.

Besides these dishes, Branston baked beans are also used in salads, bean wraps, beans with eggs, bean casseroles, beans and tuna salad, beans and cheese quesadillas, bean and ham soup, and more. 

Branston beans have always been a popular food item among the British. They have found different ways to include it in their meals and other dishes.