Baked beans are a delightful addition to your pantry – they’re sweet, savory, delicious, and the foundation of numerous meals. They also make great pantry staples because they can be stored for a long time, take up very little space, and can be eaten cold if need be.
Whether you’re starting an emergency food supply or just looking for the best canned baked beans to pair with other foods, there are a variety of options on the market. Of course, it can be pretty challenging to determine which beans are your favorites, which is why we’ve taken the time to compile a list that includes a variety of delicious baked beans for you to choose the best canned baked beans out there.
Best Pick
Our best pick of canned baked beans is Bush’s Best Country Style Baked BeansBush’s Best Homestyle Baked Beans. It features cans weighing in at 28 ounces and features an iconic and delicious flavor profile. With its delicious tangy flavor, these beans are also naturally gluten-free and are high on nutrition.
Budget Pick
Buyers on a budget will find the Bush’s Best Homestyle Bakes Beans to be a great deal. Having a distinct sweet and hickory-smoky bacon taste, these beans offer a lot of flavor and nutrition. Plus, the 28 ounce cans are well-suited for larger groups of people, making it simpler to plan your family meals that too in a budget.
Quick Comparison: Top 11 Best Canned Baked Bean Varieties
| Product Name | Item Weight | No. of Packs | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bush's Best Country Style Baked Beans | 16 oz | 1 | A+ |
| Bush’s Best Homestyle Bakes Beans | 28 oz | 1 | A+ |
| Bush's Best Original Baked Beans | 16 oz | 1 | A+ |
| B&M Original Baked Beans | 12 oz | 12 | A |
| Heinz Baked With Tomato Sauce | 14.1 oz | 12 | A+ |
| 365 Everyday Value Organic Traditional Baked Beans | 15 oz | 1 | A |
| Campbell's Canned Beans | 19.75 oz | 12 | A+ |
| Amy’s Vegetarian Organic Baked Beans | 15 oz | 12 | A+ |
| Bush’s Best Vegetarian Baked Beans | 8.3 oz | 12 | A |
| Grandma Brown's Home Baked Beans | 16 oz | 3 | A |
| VAN CAMP'S Original Baked Beans | 15 oz | 12 | A |
Highlighted Features
You could never go wrong with Bush’s Best Baked Beans. This can of beans features a country style that is very similar to the former one as these too are made of navy beans, but the major difference is that it is slow-cooked with extra sugar and has a distinct hickory-smoky bacon flavor to it.
Since it is processed with extra sugar, this might not be ideal for people who are on a low-sugar diet. However, it is naturally gluten-free and has low-fat contents, which make this a healthy option. The beans have a thick and rich consistency to them and can complement any grilled favorite.
2. Bush’s Best Homestyle Baked Beans
Highlighted Features
Bush’s is one of the best-known names in the canned vegetable industry and is most synonymous with baked beans. These homestyle beans offer a delicious, tangy, rich flavor. The beans are made using tomato puree, along with bacon and brown sugar. They are naturally gluten and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy addition to most diets. Pair them with burgers and hot dogs, or get creative and serve them with breakfast for a high-protein start to the day.
Note that the inclusion of bacon in the recipe means these are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However, Bush’s does manufacture a vegetarian baked beans alternative.
3. Bush's Best Original Baked Beans
Highlighted Features
Bush’ Best has yet another classic to offer you to devour a snack that is full of nutrition. This pantry staple is filled with the goodness of plant-based protein and fiber in every bite. The beans can add a very contrasting flavor to your dish and can be the ideal side of hot dogs and hamburgers as it has a distinct sweet taste.
However, being processed with cured bacon, this is not a vegan or vegetarian option. The beans are slow-cooked with cured bacon, enriched with brown sugar in a signature blend of spices, making it a winner.
Since it does not include any fat or gluten, you can blindly add these beans to your diet as they are a healthy option.
Highlighted Features
Who doesn’t love the rich, sweet flavor of molasses paired with slow-baked beans? B&M’s Original Flavor Baked Beans offer the taste you love along with a thick, rich sauce. They’re low in fat and can work with any number of meals.
These beans are cooked the New England way, in large pots for extended periods to ensure that the flavors meld perfectly. They are high in fiber and protein, while also offering a decent amount of calcium and iron per serving. Note that because of the inclusion of pork, these beans are not suitable for vegetarians. However, B&M do have vegetarian version, as well as numerous other varieties, such as maple, red kidney beans, country-style, bacon and onion, and more.
Also, it is important to note that the beans are processed with ingredients that contain high fructose corn syrup which may not be a highlighted feature of these beans.
Highlighted Features
Looking for baked beans with a subtle sweetness that isn’t quite as overpowering as the one found in recipies involving brown sugar? If so, this could be the option for you. This is a true classic made by Heinz, so you know it’s going to be good.
This is a 12-pack of cans, each of which contains 14.1 ounces of baked beans. They are cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, with hints of vinegar and sugar. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index compared to other types of baked beans on the market.
Also, these baked beans are vegetarian (may not be vegan due to the use of sugar; this will be addressed later on). They contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Simply heat and eat for a delicious and healthy snack, or add them to your favorite meal.6. 365 Everyday Value Organic Traditional Baked Beans
Highlighted Features
Quality is very important when it comes to food. These 365 Everyday Value Traditional Baked Beans are certified organic, certified vegan, and certified non-GMO, meaning that they are not only delicious, but of high quality as well. Distributed by Whole Foods, these baked beans offer all the flavor that you love without any drawbacks. In addition to being very high in iron and fiber, you also get plenty of potassium and calcium in each serving (3.5 servings per can).
These beans are fully cooked already, making them easy to prepare. They’re great when paired with your favorite burger recipe, but make sure to try them with other meals as well – the sky’s the limit.
7. Campbell’s Canned Beans
Highlighted Features
Campbell’s Canned Beans offer amazing and flavorful sweet and savory beans slow-cooked with chunks of pork in every bite. They are a great addition to any diet while still tasting great. It comes in a pack of 12, and each bean container can hold up to 4.5 servings.
By buying this can of beans, you will never have to worry about the safety of your health as it does not come with any added preservatives, artificial flavors, or synthetic colors. You can serve the beans heated, chilled, or at room temperature, whichever way you prefer, straight out of the can. Just the addition of these beans enhances the taste of any BBQ to a whole new level.
8. Amy’s Vegetarian Organic Baked Beans
Highlighted Features
Amy’s has been synonymous with delicious, high-quality, certified-organic food for decades, and these beans are no exception to that rule. Amy’s beans are cooked slowly to allow enough time for their signature flavor to develop. The recipe includes tomato, mustard seed, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
Note that these baked beans are suitable for vegetarians and vegans as they contain no animal products or byproducts. They are soy-free, lactose-free, and gluten-free so those with allergies or sensitivities can eat without concern. On top of that, they’re also a good source of both fiber and protein.
9. Bush’s Best Vegetarian Baked Beans
Highlighted Features
Want a vegetarian baked bean option? Bush’s can help. These baked beans feature a completely vegetarian recipe that includes brown sugar, spices, and no animal products or byproducts. The plum navy beans are slow-cooked in a rich tangy sauce with a signature blend of spices.
Each can include 11g of plant-based protein (260 calories), making this both a great addition to any meal, and a healthy snack to boost your protein intake. Also, the 8g of fiber that each can offer is great for your gut health. Not only that, the recipe is 100% gluten-free.
Note that this product is not certified vegan. Each can contain two servings, with 550mg of sodium per serving, which is by no means low.
10. Grandma Brown’s Home Baked Beans (3 Pack)
Highlighted Features
Want the classic mild flavor of Grandma Brown’s Home Baked Beans in a smaller package? This is exactly what you’re looking for. With this option, you get the exact same flavor and nutrition in a three-pack of 16-ounce cans. Grandma Brown’s Home Baked Beans are high in fiber, iron, and are completely cholesterol-free. They offer plenty of calcium, and both vitamin C and vitamin A.
They’re also made with bacon and brown sugar, creating that subtle richness that you expect from baked beans. Note that because they contain bacon, these beans are not suited for vegetarians or vegans.
11. Van Camp’s Original Baked Beans
Highlighted Features
Van Camp’s is another brand that has been synonymous with great baked beans for a very long time. This 12 pack of 15-ounce cans is a great addition to any pantry. Each can contains delicious beans that have been slow-cooked in brown sugar and a blend of secrete spices and seasonings. Salt, molasses, vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder round out the list of ingredients, making these beans vegetarian.
These baked beans are almost fat-free and offer plenty of iron, potassium, and calcium. There’s also a good amount of iron and fiber per serving, making the beans not only satisfying, but healthy as well.
Key Considerations When Buying the Best Baked Beans
Whether you’re building up a survival pantry, or just want to make sure that you have access to a high-protein, high-fiber food that tastes great, baked beans are an outstanding option. However, with the wide range of brands and recipes out there, it can be a little confusing to find the right variety to suit your tastes and dietary needs. To help you, we’ve included a quick walk-through of the key considerations that will make it easier for you to decide on which beans to purchase.
Recipe
The first thing you’ll want to think about here is flavor, which means paying attention to the recipe used. There are several variations of baked bean recipies out there, all of which are slightly different due to the ingredients they use.
- Molasses – Molasses is used in several baked bean recipes to impart richness and sweetness. Its presence is unmistakable, but some people prefer their beans to be a little less sweet.
- Brown Sugar – Brown sugar is a little less sweet than molasses, but still carries that familiar taste. Recipes using this instead of molasses usually have a lower glycemic index, too, which means they’ll have less impact on your body’s insulin production.
- Mustard and Vinegar – Most baked bean recipes include both mustard and vinegar as ingredients, with some using them more than others. These beans will have a tangier taste. This is particularly true for recipes that use apple cider vinegar, either by itself or in addition to white vinegar.
- Seasonings and Spices – Every brand out there has a different list of spices and seasonings, most of which are kept secret. Onion, garlic, peppers and cinnamon are some of the most frequently used ones, but that’s barely scratching the surface of what really goes into each can.
Note that if you have dietary restrictions, you’ll need to look at the ingredient list, the recipe, and the nutrition label before making a purchase. Recipes that include molasses or brown sugar often have higher sugar content, which may make them unsuitable for those with blood-sugar-related health problems.
If you haven’t tried many baked bean recipes in the past, the best advice is to “eat around” and find ones that you prefer. You might learn that you love the rich sweetness of molasses, or that you prefer the zing of mustard and vinegar, everyone’s different. Whatever your preference might be, there’s a bean option out on the market to suit it.
Quantity
Quantity here applies to the number of cans per package. In our reviews, we covered single-can purchases, three-packs of beans, and even entire cases. You need to know how many cans you want, which will require some additional planning.
Household Size – How many people will you be feeding? How often do you intend to eat baked beans? A household of four would require two 8.3-ounce cans per meal, if you wanted everyone to have a full serving.
Purpose – Why are you buying the baked beans? Are you stocking a pantry that you’ll pull from regularly? Are you stockpiling for a weather-related emergency or a survival kit? Are you buying for a church, an outreach group, or a nonprofit organization? The purpose will play a role when selecting the number of cans you’ll want to purchase.
Can Size
You’ll notice that we covered several different can sizes in our reviews. Which one is the right fit for your needs? A 15-ounce can contains 3.5 servings, while an 8.3-ounce can contains two servings. A 16-ounce can contains almost four servings.
Determining the can size requires thinking about some of the factors we’ve mentioned above. For instance, how many people will you be feeding at a time? Will you be using the baked beans in another dish, serving them on the side, eating them by themselves, or doing something else? Does everyone who will be eating them want a full serving or would some be happy with a smaller portion?
Can Construction
While it might seem like all cans are the same, that’s not entirely true. Yes, all cans are made from metal, but the difference is internal. All cans use a lining. This prevents the food from touching the metal and ensures that your beans don’t taste metallic.
The issue is that some cans are lined with BPA-based plastic. This means that your food could contain BPA, which is a known health hazard. Many companies have moved to eliminate these liners, but not all of them have.
Organic
If food quality is of particular importance to you, you’ll want to buy certified-organic beans. We covered a few such options on our list. Note that when buying organic products, only FDA Certified Organic labeling proves that a product is truly organic. Watch out for misleading labels like “all-natural”, which have no real meaning and are not regulated by the government.
Bean Type
While the types of beans used do not play a huge role in flavor, they’re still not identical. Different types of beans have slightly different flavors, textures and sizes. The most common types of beans used in baked bean recipes include the following:
- Navy/haricot beans
- White beans
- Great northern beans
- Kidney beans
Most commercially-produced baked bean recipes use navy/haricot beans, but this is not the case for all of them. If the bean variety makes a difference to you, check the ingredients list before making a purchase.
Nutrition
All baked bean recipes are high in fiber and iron. Many also contain a high amount of protein and other nutrients. However, there’s a great deal of variation across the board as the actual nutritional values will depend on the type of bean used, as well as the ingredients within the sauce. Most canned baked beans are good sources of the following:
- Iron
- Fiber
- Protein
- Calcium
- Potassium
Vegetarian/Vegan
While you might think that baked beans are vegetarian by default, this is not always the case. That’s because many manufacturers use animal products and byproducts in their recipes. Bacon is perhaps the most obvious, but others include ham, casein from milk, eggs and more.
However, several brands do offer vegetarian versions, including Heinz and Bush’s. Note that a can that is labelled as vegetarian isn’t automatically vegan. Some types of sugar are refined using bone char. On top of that, certain enzymes used in some foods are sourced from animal hair or fur, making the finished product non-vegan.
Sugars/Carbs
Baked beans pack quite a nutritional punch. However, that doesn’t mean that everything they contain is beneficial to you. This is particularly true when it comes to sugars/carbs. To be clear, there are two things to consider here:
- Natural Carbs – Beans contain natural carbohydrates. These are slow-burning and are good for your body. However, if you’re following a keto diet or the Atkins diet, they’re not admissible.
- Added Sugars – Many recipes call for additional sugar, such as brown sugar and molasses. These are used to sweeten the recipe. However, if you have diabetes or another blood-sugar-related health concern, it’d better to choose a low-sugar option or go with a recipe based on mustard and vinegar instead.
Sodium
Salt plays a huge role in most baked bean recipes. It augments both the sweet and savory sides of the dish, fusing them togehter. However, if you are on a reduced-sodium diet, you’ll need to opt for a recipe that uses less salt. We’ve included some options in our reviews.
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