Heinz Beans

These beans seem to have their own fan club. A very protective, passionate fan club. To me, it just looks like a can of baked beans. Mention that to a Heinz Beans aficionado and you might find yourself on The Rack! The Brits take their Heinz Beans very very seriously. Don't mess with them and their beans.

The difference between the beans from America and those from Britain seem to be that the British beans are in a basic tomato sauce, have less sugar than their American counterparts (as well as less funky additives) and are vegetarian. No pork or bacon to speak of.

My first thought was to compare these to a can of pork and beans, which isn't fair. Since that has much more of a savory flavor, and these Heinz Beans are sweeter . But without any added sugar I found these to be a nice contrast from the American version which are full of more sugar, brown sugar and/or molasses. The British beans had a much simpler, fresher taste. I admit, I usually take a can of American Baked Beans and add more brown sugar and, yep, more bacon!

I quite liked these. Can't tell you the cost as I saved the label and tossed the can. I'll try to locate the receipt and post the cost later. Since the beans didn't have an overpowering taste (some might say bland) they went well with the flavorful meatloaf I served for dinner. Mr. L asked for seconds so I considered that a thumbs up from him. Not sure I'd pay the cost to have Heinz Beans shipped to me (you can buy them on Amazon and even be put on a regular shipping schedule...I told you, Brits are crazy for these beans!) but I might buy a few cans from World Market to have on hand.

The British seem to eat these beans with everything. A very popular dish is Heinz Beans on toast (I have some leftover beans I might try this for lunch with). They also seem to have these as a side dish with breakfast...a full English breakfast I might add.

Several years ago, they actually changed the name of these from Beans to Beanz. Not sure why the cans I bought don't have that name change.

And in the "huh" category, on the side of the can were these instructions (please note, it was just a standard pop top can):

To Open Can:

1. Place can on flat surface with tab nearest you and lift tab fully

2. Turn can. Holding can firmly, peel lid back

3. To fully remove, gently ease the lid off.

If you prefer to use a can opener, please open the other end.

Really folks? You need instructions on how to open a pop top lid? What, no instructions on how to use a can opener??