Although a can of baked beans in tomato sauce was introduced only in the 19^th century in Britain, its popularity and demand have made it so popular that it seems to have been around for centuries. In fact, during the Second World War, the American soldiers who were stationed in Britain further promoted it, especially in the English breakfast. Canned baked beans also became popular quickly because they are not just affordable but also convenient to use. They are also versatile and can be used in several dishes.

According to one of the reports, Britain imported 100.9 metric tons of baked beans in 2022, which was valued at $99.1 million. Almost 2 million tins of baked beans are used in Britain each day. Baked beans are one of the most popular food items not just in grocery stores but even on the menus of pubs and cafes.

History of Baked Beans

The British obsession with baked beans dates back to the 19^th century when an entrepreneurial American named Henry Heinz carried them over the Atlantic to the British Isles. Heinz skilfully promoted baked beans as the ideal ready-made supper for people on the go. Because it was the height of the Industrial Revolution and everyone was in a hurry, these canned haricot beans in tomato sauce immediately became popular. Besides being delicious, the beans also offered high-quality proteins, giving consumers the energy they needed to survive the long workday.

In 1886, Henry Heinz, a young American entrepreneur, brought 5 cases of canned baked beans to London as samples. The first canned baked beans in the United Kingdom were offered at London's Fortnum & Mason department store. The beans were sold for £2 a can, which equates to approximately £170 today.

In 1905, Heinz established its first UK factory in Peckham, South London.

The first British-made baked beans started at the Harlesden plant line in 1928. This enabled Heinz to reduce the price of baked beans and make them an everyday alternative. It was soon made available for just 12 shillings.

What Beans are Used to Make Canned Baked Beans?

Commercial baked bean is produced using navy beans, sometimes referred to as haricot beans. They have more names – fagioli, pea beans, Yankee beans, pearl haricots, Boston beans, and white pea beans. They are mostly grown in the US, Canada, Ethiopia, and China. They are small and cream in colour. They have a buttery and smooth texture and mild flavour.

List of Some Famous Brands that Make Canned Baked Beans

Heinz

The British know about baked beans because of Henry Heinz, an American who came to the UK with cans of baked beans with hopes of selling them here. He was lucky as the British immediately took a liking to it. While the original price was quite high, Heinz was able to bring it down after he opened a factory in Peckham, South London, in 1905. Many more factories followed in years to come, and Heinz firmly established itself as a famous brand that sold baked canned beans.

Branston

Although Branston is known for its pickles as it was its first product, it is also known for its canned baked beans, which it first launched in October 2005. Since Heinz was already dominating the UK market, they had to develop something that would be better than their baked beans. Today, they seem to have captured a large percentage of the market in the UK.

Essential Waitrose

Waitrose initially began as a grocery store in West London that soon blossomed into a big supermarket. The company soon began producing some of its own products, and canned baked beans is one of them. Besides baked canned beans, they also sell many other varieties of beans, such as Cannellini beans in water, Borlotti beans in water, Flageolet beans in water, red kidney beans in water, mixed bean salad in water, and more.

Stockwell & Co

Stockwell & Co. is a part of Tesco, which sells baked canned beans. Tesco was originally a grocery store that gradually expanded and branched out to make many more products. They sell Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce, and another version is Baked Beans & Pork Sausages in Tangy Tomato Sauce.

ASDA

Along with baked beans in tomato sauce, ASDA offers other varieties, such as red kidney beans, baked beans and sausages, black beans, and more.

Recipe with a Large Can of Baked Beans

Baked Beans and Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 large can of baked beans
• 1/2 kg smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnishing

Preparation

• Set the oven to 375°F or 190°C
• Take a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and sauté till they are nice and brown. Add the diced pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook the vegetables till they are tender.
• Mix the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Add this sauce over the vegetables and sauces. Stir so the sauce is coated over them evenly.
• Add the baked beans can to the skillet (keep the sauce of the canned baked beans). Stir everything till the vegetables and sausages are coated with the sauce.
• Transfer the mixture then to a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
• Bake in the oven (preheated) for around 25-30 minutes or till the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and hot casserole as a side dish or a flavourful main course.

There are many more unique ways in which the British enjoy a large can of baked beans. It is a part of their daily lives, and they like to consume it in distinct ways.