Lifestyle
Are Baked Beans Healthy?
1min read
A staple in a full english, jacket potato, or simply on a slice of toast, baked beans are loved by many. But are they healthy? Find out everything you need to know about the store cupboard favourite and whether baked beans are good for you.
What are baked beans?
Baked beans are beans that are parboiled in a tomato-based sauce and are typically made using haricot beans. Baked beans are originally American, and were actually created by Native Americans and have subsequently become eaten widely and with different variations of the original.
Do baked beans have nutritional value?
Baked beans do have a good nutritional profile:
- Haricot beans are high in fibre
- They are also high in protein, and haricot beans themselves are low in calories
- They are also a good source of minerals such as iron and zinc
- They are a good source of B vitamins
Are baked beans healthy?
Baked beans can be healthy as part of a balanced diet — but there are important things to note. Baked beans found in cans, such as Heinz, contain added salt and sugar that are a significant amount of the recommended daily intake. If buying baked beans, try to look for cans with lower salt and sugar for the healthier options. Better still, have a go making your own baked beans if you can, to really control the amount of salt and sugar. We love this recipe by Connoisseurus Veg, as it’s a little bit less traditional but absolutely delicious.
Got any other questions for us? Let us know in the comments below!
By Toni Olukiran
Toni is one of our lovely Content Marketing Assistants, and when she’s not writing posts about everything from Jamaican cooking to vegan champagne, she’s making a Spotify playlist (she was at 200, at her last count) or playing tennis in the park.
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