They are a staple in many cupboards, but they’re actually not British in origin – and people are only just realising
Baked beans, a beloved British kitchen staple, have been causing quite a stir among foodies who’ve just discovered their true origins. This popular dish actually hails from Native American cuisine and was later adopted by Western colonists.
The humble bean only made its way to British shores in 1901, thanks to American entrepreneur Henry Heinz. The iconic tinned cans we see on supermarket shelves today were first introduced with pork, but wartime rationing during World War II saw the meat removed, making them vegetarian-friendly ever since.
This revelation has sparked conversations online, with one surprised bean enthusiast posting on Mumsnet: “I just found out that baked beans aren’t even British -they actually originated in the US!
“I always thought they were one of our national treasures, up there with the full English and fish and chips. I mean, beans on toast is basically a British institution!
“Apparently, they were brought over from America, but they never really took off over there the way they did here. In the US, they have a different version with a sweeter, smokier sauce, but our tomatoey Heinz ones are just chef’s kiss.
“Am I the only one who thought they were 100% British? I feel slightly betrayed but also still very proud that we made them our own.”
Adding to the surprise, it turns out that Heinz baked beans were initially considered a luxury item, with Fortnum and Mason being the first British retailer to stock them.
Baked beans soared in popularity during World War II, thanks to their long shelf life and minimal prep time. Since then, they’ve become a beloved fixture in British kitchens, often featuring in student meals and family fry-ups.
Richard Price, a grocery expert at BritSuperstore, commented on the humble bean’s unexpected American roots, he said: “Baked beans are one of the most popular items we ship to British expats around the world, especially to those living in the US.
“There’s something about a tin of Heinz that brings a taste of home, whether it’s for a full English breakfast or the classic beans on toast. What surprises many people, though, is that baked beans actually originated in the US – yet they’re nowhere near as popular over there as they are in the UK.
“While Americans tend to favour barbecue-style beans with a sweeter, smokier flavour, Brits have fully embraced the savoury tomato sauce version, turning it into a household staple. It just goes to show how food traditions can evolve in completely different ways!”