I Asked 5 Experts To Name the Best Canned Baked Beans—They All Said the Same Thing

Few things scream “spring!” like a barbecue. My ideal Sunday BBQ includes getting the whole family together in the park, handing out paper plates full of ribs, corn, slaw, and (of course) baked beans, so we can revel in togetherness as we gobble down bites of deliciousness.

My family does these picnic adventures potluck style, with each of us claiming a main or a side. The side I always avoid? Baked beans. Why? I’ve little experience in making them and, honestly, they’re one of my favorites, so I just don’t want to mess them up!

Recently, I chatted with some trusted culinary experts, and it turns out that bringing baked beans to the barbecue is simpler than I thought. All it requires is buying the right can of beans. And there’s a single brand that all four of the experts prefer. 

The Experts I Spoke To

• Jessica Formicola: Emmy-nominated food judge, recipe developer, founder of Savory Experiments and author of Beef It Up!
• Toby Amidor: Registered dietitian and author of 10 cookbooks, including The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook and Up Your Veggies
• Ken Tobby: Food expert, researcher, and CEO of Organic Solace
• Melinda Keckler: Founder and recipe developer at the Crinkled Cookbook

The Best Canned Baked Beans, According to Experts

“The answer is easy!” Keckler exclaims. “I always choose Bush’s Best Baked Beans.  The brand is consistent. The beans are creamy and tender, not chalky and hard, and each can is packed with actual beans, not just sauce or syrup.” The sauce that is there, she adds, is thick enough, not too sweet, and unlike other brands, not loaded down with tomatoes or molasses.

“These beans have the best balance of texture and flavor with a rich, slow-cooked taste and a viscous, savory-sweet sauce that is not too overpowering,” Tobby agrees. She also praises Bush’s for its “short, identifiable list” containing “natural seasonings, such as brown sugar, and spices rather than artificial additives.” Formicola, whose non-negotiables are “BPA-free cans and no preservatives,” seconds Tobby.

Amidor loves that Bush’s helps cater to dietary restrictions. “For those looking to cut back on added sugar, Bush’s makes Zero Sugar Added Baked Beans, which provide the full flavor of their Original option without the added sugar,” she notes.

How to Enjoy Bush’s Baked Beans

When it comes to eating the beans, the experts indulge in Bush’s in a variety of ways. As Formicola says, “Bush’s beans are awesome because you can literally eat them right out of the can, and they will taste pretty great, but they are also the perfect base for a little doctoring.”

As Amidor sums it up, “Whether it’s their Original, Brown Sugar Hickory, or any other flavor, Bush’s versatility, quick preparation, and rich flavor make them the perfect complement to a variety of dishes and occasions.”