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UK artisan bean company Bold Bean Co has launched its first range of ‘gourmet baked beans,’ made with specially selected beans chosen for their size and flavour.

Bold Bean Co was established in 2021 by founder Amelia Christie-Miller, aiming to change the public perception of beans and provide higher-quality, more sustainable jarred varieties.

The brand's new baked beans range launches with three flavours: classic, rich tomato, and smoky chilli. They are made with Mediterranean tomatoes and high-quality beans, aiming to provide a flavourful and nutritious new take on the traditionally canned classic.

The classic baked beans come in a tangy tomato sauce simmered with sweet-sour tamarind and a touch of apple cider vinegar. The rich tomato variant is inspired by the flavours of sunny southern Europe, slow-cooked with the addition of ingredients such as oregano and virgin olive oil. Finally, the smoked chilli baked beans are described as ‘earthy and gently smoky,’ flavoured with smoked chipotle chilli and smoked paprika.

Christie-Miller commented: “Our initial range is essentially very high-quality ingredients, and while some people eat these beans straight from the jar, the majority of people turn to these when they have time to think about a recipe or are in that cooking mindset. Our mission is to make people bean-obsessed, so we wanted to create something for those short on time or less confident in the kitchen.”

She added that the new launch aims to provide “something gourmet that could sit in your store cupboard while providing a quick and nutritious meal”.

“Baked beans are synonymous with British food culture, they provide comfort and satisfaction, they're healthy and plant-based – but for some reason, many still see it as a ‘childish’ meal once they ‘grow up’… We're not trying to compete with the classic that we all love, because we're going after a different occasion and are trying to win back all those who have ‘grown out’ of baked beans.”

Bold Bean Co’s baked beans line is available for £3.50 per 325g jar at Sainsbury’s, Ocado and through the company’s website.

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