Aldi’s Bramwells Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 41p for a 410g can achieved a top score of 76% from 66 tasters selected by the watchdog to rate 10 versions from supermarkets such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco alongside their branded counterparts.
The panel said Aldi’s beans looked good and had an appealing aroma, with three-quarters agreeing that the strength of flavour was perfect.
Branston’s beans, costing £1 for the same-sized can, followed closely behind with a score of 75%.
Co-op’s Baked Beans In Tomato Sauce at 49p for 400g can took third place with a score of 74%, while Asda’s version at 42p for 410g can achieved 73%, although some of the panel were unsure about the colour of the beans and 29% found the orange hue “too vibrant”.
Heinz Beanz at £1.40 for a 415g can scored 72%, with the panel approving of the beans’ appearance and texture but finding their aroma less pleasing than other versions, while 35% of the panel thought the sauce was too thin.
Which? noted that households consuming two tins a week could save more than £100 a year by switching from Heinz beans to Aldi’s offering.
M&S Baked Beans In A Rich Tomato Sauce costing 50p for a 400g can impressed the panel least, with a score of 67%, with less than half satisfied with the strength of flavour and a third wanting them to be sweeter.
Which? head of home products and services Natalie Hitchins said: “Baked beans are a staple for many households and our results show you don’t have to pay a premium for the best taste.
“Choosing supermarket own-label groceries is not only a great way to save money, but our tests prove that you can end up with a better tasting product and can save over £100 a year by making the switch.”
Julie Ashfield, managing director of buying at Aldi UK, said: “If Aldi stands for one thing, it’s that low prices doesn’t mean compromising on quality or taste.
“Which? recognising our Bramwells Baked Beans as a Best Buy and Great Value and rating them above so many higher cost options on the market, is testament to that.”
In a separate taste test by Which? earlier this month, Asda beat big-name brands such as PG Tips, Tetley and Twinings to find Britain’s best cup of tea.
Asda’s Everyday Tea Bags achieved the top score of 72% in a blind tasting by 79 “experienced and committed” tea drinkers assembled by the consumer group.