Shoppers comparing sugars
For a cupboard stock-up, you want to compare what is in the tin, not just whether its label says “no added sugar” or “reduced sugar”. The sugars figure per 100g gives you the same basis across different tin sizes.
Who is choosing these beans?
Shoppers comparing sugar and salt
You want to consider both figures before choosing a recipe. A tin with a lower sugars figure need not also have a lower salt figure, so check the nutrition panel and the portion you expect to eat.
Household cupboard planners
You are deciding between individual tins and multipacks for regular meals. Think about how many tins you will use and whether an opened tin will leave leftovers to store.
What should you check?
Start with the per-100g nutrition panel, then check the ingredients and pack format against how your household will use the beans.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Sugars | Compare sugars per 100g, not just the claim on the front. Marks & Spencer lists 1.2g for M&S No Added Sugar; Tesco Groceries lists 1.9g for Heinz No Added Sugar and 3.0g for Tesco Reduced Sugar and Salt. | I want to compare recipes on the same basis, even when the tins are different sizes. “No added sugar” does not mean the nutrition panel will show zero sugars. |
| Salt | Read salt per 100g and for your intended portion. Sainsbury's lists 0.29g per 100g for its Reduced Sugar & Salt beans; Tesco Groceries lists 0.4g per 100g for Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz. | Sugar is not my only consideration, so I want to see how much salt is in the amount I would actually serve. |
| Ingredients | Check the exact tin for sugar, sweeteners and allergen statements. Marks & Spencer labels its No Added Sugar beans vegan but says they are not suitable for people with milk or egg allergy. | I need the ingredient and allergen information to suit my household; a vegan label alone does not answer every allergy question. |
| Pack and storage | Compare the number and size of tins with your usual servings. For the Branston 4 x 410g pack, the product instructions say to cover and refrigerate transferred leftovers and use them within two days. | A multipack suits my cupboard only if we will use the tins and can deal with leftovers from each opened can. |
Common buying mistakes
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Treating “reduced sugar” and “no added sugar” as identical
These phrases describe different claims, not one fixed sugars figure. For example, Marks & Spencer lists 1.2g sugars per 100g for M&S No Added Sugar, while Tesco Groceries lists 3.0g for Tesco Reduced Sugar and Salt.
Compare the per-100g panel, then check what any stated reduction is measured against.
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Checking sugar but overlooking salt
Tesco Groceries lists 0.4g salt per 100g for Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz. A sugars comparison alone will not tell you its salt content.
Check salt on the same per-100g basis and for the portion you intend to eat.
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Stocking up without planning for opened tins
A multipack may be convenient to store, but each opened tin still needs to be used according to its own storage instructions.
Match tin size to your usual servings. For the Branston 4 x 410g pack, transfer unused contents to a suitable covered container, refrigerate and use within two days.
Unused leftovers may be wasted if you cannot use them within the stated period.
Brand and product-line references
These label details concern the named recipes, not every baked-bean product made by each brand.
Heinz
Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz is a 415g recipe listed by Tesco Groceries.
- The listing gives 1.9g sugars and 0.4g salt per 100g.
- The recipe contains sweetener; “no added sugar” does not mean it contains no sugars.
M&S
M&S No Added Sugar Baked Beans come in a 390g tin.
- Marks & Spencer lists 1.2g sugars and 0.43g salt per 100g.
- Although labelled vegan, this product is stated to be unsuitable for people with milk or egg allergy.
Waitrose Essential
Essential Reduced Salt & Sugar Baked Beans are listed in a 420g tin.
- Waitrose & Partners lists 2.0g sugars and 0.30g salt per 100g.
- Its stated 30% reductions in sugar and salt are comparisons with regular Waitrose Essential Baked Beans, not with other brands.
Sainsbury's
Sainsbury's Reduced Sugar & Salt Baked Beans are listed as a 4 x 400g pack.
- Sainsbury's lists 2.8g sugars and 0.29g salt per 100g.
- Its stated 30% reductions in sugar and salt are relative to Sainsbury's standard baked beans.
Tesco
Tesco Reduced Sugar and Salt Baked Beans are listed in a 420g tin.
- Tesco Groceries lists 3.0g sugars and 0.29g salt per 100g.
- Tesco states 30% less sugar and 25% less salt than its standard baked beans; those claims use Tesco's own comparator.
Joybuy product options
This Branston multipack is a reduced-sugar-and-salt option for stocking several tins; compare its per-100g figures with any no-added-sugar tins you are considering.
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Branston Reduced Sugar & Salt Baked Beans, 4 x 410g
The four-tin pack offers a multi-tin option for cupboard stocking. Its product information lists 2.8g sugars, 0.39g salt and 5.1g fibre per 100g. The recipe contains sugar and steviol glycosides; its stated 30% reductions in sugar and salt are relative to standard Branston beans. After opening, transfer unused contents to a suitable covered container, refrigerate and use within two days.
Frequently asked questions
Does “no added sugar” mean baked beans contain no sugars?
No. Marks & Spencer lists 1.2g sugars per 100g for M&S No Added Sugar Baked Beans, and Tesco Groceries lists 1.9g for Heinz No Added Sugar Beanz. Check the nutrition panel rather than reading the claim as “sugar-free”.
Which of these reduced-sugar-and-salt tins lists less salt per 100g?
Sainsbury's and Tesco each list 0.29g salt per 100g for their named reduced-sugar-and-salt beans; Waitrose & Partners lists 0.30g for Essential Reduced Salt & Sugar. Compare sugars and your intended portion as well, since a salt figure alone does not settle the choice.
How should I store beans left in an opened tin?
Follow the instructions on the exact product. The Branston 4 x 410g pack directs you to transfer unused contents to a suitable covered container, refrigerate and use within two days.
Does a vegan label settle allergy suitability?
No. Marks & Spencer labels its No Added Sugar Baked Beans vegan but states that they are not suitable for people with milk or egg allergy. Read the allergen statement on the exact tin you buy.