How did the humble baked bean end up a controversial staple additional to the traditional English breakfast? Since it’s #sundaybrunch let’s unwrap it 🧵
Baked beans in the English breakfast are believed to have originated in the late 19th century. Introduced to the UK from the US, baked beans were already a popular staple in American cuisine - traditionally made in New England with navy beans, molasses, and pork.
Expanding trade relations between the US and Britain in the 19th century helped introduce baked beans to the U.K. As trade routes improved and global commerce expanded, food products from the United States, including canned goods, began to make their way to British shores
During the Industrial Revolution, there was a need for convenient and affordable sources of protein to feed the growing urban population. Baked beans provided a nutritious and filling option that was easy to prepare and relatively inexpensive for the working classes.
Enter Heinz: In the late 19th century, H.J. Heinz Company, known for its baked beans, began marketing its products in the United Kingdom. The company first established a presence in the UK in 1886 when it opened its first overseas office in London.
Heinz played a significant role in popularizing baked beans in the UK through effective marketing campaigns. Heinz capitalized on its reputation for quality and reliability, making its baked beans a household name across Britain, mass producing and marketing them.
Here’s a section of a Heinz baked beans ad from 1910. Heinz have always sold the brand values of convenience, nutrition, low cost and quality.
How did baked beans market their way into breakfast? In the US baked beans were often served as a hearty and filling meal for breakfast, especially on cold winter mornings. Heinz combined this with convenience- the ease of preparation made beans appealing for busy mornings.
While baked beans were initially introduced as a standalone dish, they underwent cultural adaptation in the UK to suit local preferences. Over time, they became associated with traditional British breakfast fare, often served alongside items like bacon, eggs, sausages, and toast.
Heinz promoted beans as a breakfast staple by selling the idea of the combination of nutrients providing sustained energy throughout the morning, making them a popular choice for starting the day. Beans also could add substance to a meal, making the ideal breakfast addition
The (often controversial) inclusion of beans as part of the traditional English breakfast in the UK and other countries is a result of their perceived nutritional value, convenience, cultural adaptation, and successful marketing efforts by food companies.
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