Heinz Baked Beans are a British tradition that have earned their ranks as the ultimate low-cost meal. Baked beans on toast are more popular than ramen noodles across the pond, and have become a mainstay of the typical English diet, and you’ll always find the famous blue-green and black can sitting in the English pantry.
Unless you venture off to a British store for a can of Heinz Baked Beans, you will pick up the U.S. equivalent known as ‘Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans.’ These are made with brown sugar and do taste different than the original. How different? Here’s what you need to know about Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans:
Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans: Taste and Texture
Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans do have a high ‘mush’ factor; the beans break apart easily with the back of a fork or spoon, and even more so after heating. This makes it very difficult to enjoy an authentic serving of beans on toast, especially if you plan on topping your toast with eggs or other foods.
This version of baked beans is also less flavorful than Bush’s or other American-based baked beans brand as it does not contain extra seasoning or spices. The sauce is thick, but a light brown, not red like the original. This is because the classic vegetarian version is not made with tomato sauce. You can, however, purchase Vegetarian Heinz Baked Beans in tomato sauce.
Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans vs. the Original Heinz Baked Beans
The Original Heinz Baked Beans are made with a rich tomato sauce and do not contain a lot of sugar. This provides for a savory meal or snack, and the beans are also an excellent source of energy, protein, and fiber. The original secret recipe is made of beans (49%), tomatoes (27%), sugar, glucose-fructose syrup, spices, vinegar, cornflower, and salt. (Source: ResponseSource.com Press Release ).
Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans are made in the U.S. This means they’re made with different beans, tomato paste, and do contain brown sugar. This changes the taste and flavor significantly, so you can expect a much sweeter version that may require your own salt and seasonings.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for the meal-worthy baked beans on toast to add to your menu, do your best to find the original Heinz Baked Beans – even from an importer or sites such as Amazon.com . While Heinz Vegetarian Baked Beans are flavorful and filling, the high brown sugar content can leave you hungrier and less than satisfied.
