2 weeks Ago By Isobel Pankhurst
While baked beans are a staple in many British kitchens, fans have recently realised that they aren't actually British in origin. The popular food actually comes from Native American cuisine and later spread across the West after being adapted by colonists. In fact, they only arrived in the UK in 1901, when American Henry Heinz first launched the tinned cans that you can still find in supermarkets today.
When first launched, they also contained pork, but this was removed during the World War II due to meat rationing, and they have remained vegetarian ever since. This surprising history came to light when one shocked beans lover took to Mumsnet to share their discovery, writing: "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 & 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." Perhaps even more surprisingly, Heinz baked beans started off as a luxury product, and Fortnum & Mason was the first British shop to stock them.
They then increased in popularity during World War II due to their non-perishability and the fact that they required very little preparation. Since then, baked beans have remained a staple in many British households, becoming a go-to for university students and families alike. They have even become a staple part of many households' fry-ups.
Commenting on the surprising origin of baked beans, BritSuperstore grocery expert Richard Price 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!".
