What are the ingredients in Bush's brown sugar baked beans?
Bush's Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans are a popular side dish known for their sweet and savory taste. The primary ingredient is prepared navy beans, cooked in a sauce that includes brown sugar and hickory flavor. Other key ingredients in the vegetarian variety are water, sugar, tomato puree, salt, white mustard, modified corn starch, onion and garlic powder, vinegar, caramel color, spice, and natural flavor. These ingredients contribute to the flavor and texture of the beans.
The nutritional breakdown of Bush's brown sugar baked beans
While navy beans provide beneficial fiber and protein, the sauce contributes significantly to the added sugar and sodium content. A standard ½-cup serving typically contains around 160 calories, 7 grams of protein, and 5 grams of dietary fiber. However, it also includes about 14 grams of added sugar and approximately 560 mg of sodium. This means the product is high in both added sugars and sodium relative to daily recommendations.
Potential health considerations for canned baked beans
Canned baked beans, while convenient, have health considerations, primarily due to high levels of added sugar and sodium. Excessive consumption of added sugar is linked to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes, while high sodium intake can raise blood pressure. Additionally, some cans may contain BPA, a chemical linked to potential health issues, although the FDA considers current approved uses safe. Bush's offers alternatives like Zero Sugar Added Baked Beans (using sucralose) and Organic Baked Beans, which may address some of these concerns.
Healthier baked bean alternatives
For a healthier option, making baked beans from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, including the amount of sugars, sodium, and additives. You can use dried beans or low-sodium canned beans as a base.
Common ingredients for homemade baked beans often include:
- Dried or canned navy beans
- Onions and garlic
- Natural sweeteners like molasses or maple syrup
- Spices and herbs
- Tomatoes
- Mustard and vinegar
- Flavor additions like smoked paprika
Comparison of canned vs. homemade baked beans
| Feature | Bush's Brown Sugar Hickory Baked Beans | Homemade Baked Beans (Control Recipe) |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Prepared navy beans, water, sugar, brown sugar, tomato puree, salt, white mustard, modified corn starch, onion/garlic powder, vinegar, caramel color, spice, natural flavor. | Dried navy beans, fresh onions/garlic, low-sodium tomato paste, maple syrup/molasses (minimal), apple cider vinegar, spices. |
| Control | Limited control over ingredients and proportions. | Full control over all ingredients, including sugar, salt, and fat. |
| Processing | Canned and may contain additives and BPA. | Uses fresh ingredients; BPA-free containers can be used. |
| Convenience | Easy to heat and serve. | Requires more preparation time. |
| Nutritional Profile | High in added sugar and sodium, moderate in fiber and protein. | Can be customized to be lower in sugar and sodium, higher in fiber and protein. |
| Flavor | Consistent, manufactured taste. | Customizable flavor based on ingredients and preference. |
Healthier alternatives to try
If making baked beans from scratch is not feasible, consider these alternatives:
- Bush's Zero Sugar Added Baked Beans: A lower-sugar option using sucralose, but still high in sodium.
- Canned organic baked beans: Look for brands with simpler ingredients and potentially lower sodium, like Bush's Best Organic Baked Beans.
- Simple canned beans: Low-sodium canned beans, rinsed well, can be added to dishes or seasoned at home.
- Other bean recipes: Explore healthy recipes using legumes, such as smoky chickpeas or vegan bean stews.
Conclusion
Understanding what are the ingredients in Bush's brown sugar baked beans reveals a product that provides fiber and protein from navy beans but is also high in added sugar and sodium. While convenient, the processing and added ingredients in canned versions present health considerations. For better nutritional control, preparing homemade baked beans or choosing lower-sodium and lower-sugar alternatives is advisable. Checking ingredient labels allows for informed dietary choices to support health goals. For more information, refer to Healthline's resource on baked bean nutrition: Baked Beans Nutrition: Are They Healthy?.
