I decided to write this because recently, while working as an accountability and weight loss coach, a few of my coaching clients asked if baked beans are healthy. When tracking their food, they noticed baked beans were a good source of fibre, but they also weren’t sure how to think about the fact that they come in a tin with added ingredients.
Yes, baked beans can be healthy. They are high in fibre and contain plant-based protein, but they also come in a processed sauce that can include added sugar and salt. Whether they support your weight loss and health goals depends on the type you choose and how much you eat.
Keep reading to learn which canned beans are healthiest, how baked beans fit into weight loss, and whether they count as ultra-processed food.
A Quick History of Baked Beans
Baked beans as we know them today are a British staple, but they actually started life in the US. Native American tribes were cooking beans with maple syrup long before Europeans arrived. The version we now know, haricot beans in tomato sauce, became popular in the UK in the early 20th century thanks to brands like Heinz. So while we think of them as part of a full English breakfast or a classic beans-on-toast meal, their roots go back much further.
What’s in Baked Beans?
Standard baked beans, especially the kind you find in most UK supermarkets, usually contain haricot beans (also called navy beans), tomatoes, water, sugar, salt and a few thickeners or preservatives depending on the brand. Some brands include added ingredients like paprika or flavourings. But in general, it’s a relatively simple list.
Nutritional breakdown (Regular Heinz Baked Beans in Tomato Sauce – 415g Tin):
Per 1/2 Tin:
Calories: 81 kcal
Protein: 4.8g
Carbohydrates: 15.5g
Sugars: 4.3g
Fibre: 3.9g
Fat: 0.4g
Salt: 0.6g
Ingredients:
Beans (50%), Tomatoes (36%), Water, Sugar, Spirit Vinegar, Modified Cornflour, Salt, Spice, Extracts, Herb Extract
Source June 2025: Heinz
Are Baked Beans Processed or Ultra-Processed, and Which Canned Beans Are the Healthiest?
This is a common question, especially with all the recent focus on processed and ultra-processed foods. Yes, baked beans are a processed food. That means they’ve been altered in some way from their original form. In this case, the beans are cooked, tinned and preserved in tomato sauce. But that doesn’t automatically make them unhealthy.
There’s a difference between processed and ultra-processed. Ultra-processed foods are usually high in added sugars, unhealthy fats or artificial additives. They tend to be made with ingredients you wouldn’t use at home, like emulsifiers, colourings or flavour enhancers. Think packaged snacks, sugary cereals or ready meals with long ingredient lists.
So where do baked beans fit in?
Most regular Heinz baked beans (and other brands too) would technically be classed as ultra-processed, simply because of how they’re made and the fact that they contain added sugar and a few additives. That said, they’re nowhere near the worst offenders, and they still offer nutritional benefits like fibre and plant-based protein. I’m using Heinz as an example here because they’re the most popular beans as far as I’m aware in the UK, and they’re what most of my clients are having. Other brands are available 😉
If you’re aiming to reduce ultra-processed foods but still enjoy baked beans, there are better options within the Heinz range – and with other brands. Heinz No Added Sugar is one choice, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake. It has a shorter ingredient list. You could also try Heinz Organic or Heinz 50% Less Sugar and Salt, depending on your taste preferences. Both are a step in the right direction and still taste familiar.
Look for no added sugar or reduced sugar versions, products without artificial sweeteners or flavours, and a short, simple ingredient list. Or, if you prefer, you can make your own. Just heat a tin of haricot or cannellini beans with passata, garlic, herbs and a little smoked paprika. It takes about ten minutes and lets you control exactly what goes in.
Are Baked Beans Good or Bad Carbs?
Carbohydrates get a bad name sometimes, but not all carbs are created equal. Baked beans are a source of complex carbohydrates, which means they digest more slowly and help keep you full. They also contain fibre and a small amount of plant-based protein, which supports this further.
Yes, they have sugar, especially the standard versions, but unless you’re eating huge amounts, it’s not a deal breaker. A portion with toast or a jacket potato is completely fine in most diets.
Can You Eat Baked Beans When Trying to Lose Weight?
Absolutely, yes. Losing weight comes down to calories in versus calories out. No single food is going to stop you losing weight unless you’re eating more calories than your body needs.
That said, baked beans can actually be helpful when you’re in a calorie deficit. They’re filling due to the fibre and protein. A standard portion is moderate in calories. They pair well with other low-calorie foods like salad, veg or eggs.
If you’re tracking your food, they’re easy to log and usually already in most calorie apps. Just be mindful of portion size and what else you’re eating with them. Two slices of buttery toast and a full fry-up adds up quickly.
If you’re not sure how many calories you need to lose weight, or if you’re eating too much without realising, download my free fat loss guide. It includes a simple calorie and protein calculator.
So, Should You Eat Baked Beans or Not?
If you like them, and they fit into your usual meals, there’s no reason to cut them out. They’re high in fibre, surprisingly filling and genuinely convenient. Just pay a bit of attention to the label if you’re trying to cut back on added sugar or ultra-processed foods. The no added sugar versions are usually your best bet, and they still taste like the beans you’re used to.
The bigger picture always matters more. If most of your meals are built around whole foods, decent protein, plenty of veg and sensible portions, a tin of baked beans here and there is not going to derail your progress. You don’t need to eat like a monk to get results, just stay consistent with the basics.
Want to Lose Weight Without Cutting Out Foods Like Baked Beans?
If you’re tired of the all-or-nothing diet approach and want a realistic, balanced way to lose weight, I can help. I work with busy people who want to feel healthier, get stronger and still enjoy proper food.
Book your free consultation here or learn more about my weight loss coaching programmes for everyone.
