HEINZ BAKED BEANS
€1.04 for 415g, €2.52 per kg
Most of us will have had our fair share of baked beans over the years. They are cheap, healthy and very easy to prepare, which is why they are virtually ever-present in many Irish homes. But with familiarity comes preconceptions, and we all have them. Because of its brand recognition, many people will swear Heinz are the best by a country mile. But Pricewatch is unconvinced. They are good for sure: lovely and sweet, with a nice tomato flavour. Utterly reliable. They are also comparatively low in calories: there are 78 calories per 100g serving.
Verdict: Hard to beat.
Star rating: ★★★★
BATCHELORS BAKED BEANS
€1.10 for 420g, €2.62 per kg
Pricewatch is often kindly disposed to Irish products, which gives Batchelors an edge. As the tin reminds us – more than once – Batchelors is a local product and has been since 1935. The beans have a nice texture – some of the rivals are too mushy – and the sauce is rich and full of flavour. These seem to be a little sweeter than the rest, which only adds to their comfort-food appeal. However, we take issue with the manufacturer's claim that one tin serves three people. As if.
Verdict: A winner.
Star rating: ★★★★★
BUNALUN ORGANIC BAKED BEANS
€1.29 for 400g, €3.22 per kg
People with a preference for organic food might prefer this offering, but Pricewatch is more interested in flavour and price, and this product is found wanting on both counts. The sauce had a washed-out colour, which would have been okay had the flavour not been so insipid – it is not exactly bland but it lacks the sweetness of its main rivals. The beans are small and lack texture and we aren't overly impressed by the price, either.
Verdict: Not for us.
Star rating: ★★
0 of 3
DAILY BASICS
€0.32 for 420g, €0.76 per kg
Our first impressions of this product are not good: the packaging and very low price see to that. Things get worse when we realise there is no ring pull to open the can, forcing us to go rummaging for a tin opener. Eventually we get to try the beans. They taste okay. The tomato sauce is thinner and lighter on flavour than the more expensive brands, but the beans are pretty and have a decent texture and the flavour is fine. We would not rush out to buy them again, but they are by no means as bad as the price or packaging suggest.
Verdict: Very cheap.
Star rating: ★★★
