Do all baked beans have pork? The truth about what's in your can

December 15, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 80% of canned baked beans in the United States are sold by Bush's, but not all varieties include pork. The answer to "Do all baked beans have pork?" is a definitive no, though it depends heavily on the brand and regional tradition.

Quick Summary

This article explores the question of whether all baked beans contain pork, detailing the significant differences between American and British styles, and providing practical tips for consumers with dietary restrictions. It discusses how to read product labels, identifies popular brands with vegetarian options, and explains the traditional use of pork in some recipes versus the modern availability of meat-free alternatives.

Key Points

Not all baked beans have pork: Many modern and regional varieties, especially popular British versions, are meat-free.
Regional differences are key: Traditional American recipes, like Boston baked beans, commonly include pork or bacon, whereas standard UK Heinz beans are vegetarian.
Check the ingredients list: For dietary restrictions, always read the product label and look for terms like 'pork,' 'bacon,' or 'salt pork'.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available: Most major brands now offer meat-free varieties, using spices like smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
DIY options are simple: You can easily make homemade baked beans from scratch without pork to control the ingredients.

A Tale of Two Beans: American vs. British Traditions

The perception that all baked beans contain pork is largely due to regional differences in how the dish is prepared and sold. The distinction is most noticeable between American and British versions, where the entire culinary tradition for this humble dish diverges dramatically.

American baked beans, particularly those from the New England tradition, are characteristically sweet, smoky, and often cooked with salt pork or bacon. This sweet and savory profile is a staple at barbecues and potlucks. Brands like Bush's Best offer a variety of options, but their "Original" recipe and others do contain pork. The pork or bacon is used to add a rich, deep flavor during the slow-cooking process.

In contrast, British baked beans, epitomized by the Heinz brand across the UK, are famously vegetarian and have a savory, tomato-based sauce. The pork was removed from the recipe during World War II rationing and, due to a rise in sales, was never reintroduced. This makes the vast majority of canned baked beans sold in the UK, including those used for the popular 'beans on toast,' completely meat-free. Therefore, if you're in the UK, you can generally assume the standard canned beans don't contain pork.

How to Tell if Your Baked Beans Have Pork

For those with dietary restrictions, or anyone simply curious, it's crucial to know how to identify products that contain pork. Always check the ingredients list on the product's label, as manufacturers are legally required to list all ingredients in descending order of weight.

Common Pork Ingredients to Look For:

Pork: Often listed explicitly as "pork and beans".
Bacon: Bacon is a common ingredient in many American-style baked beans for a smoky flavor.
Salt Pork: A traditional ingredient used to flavor Boston baked beans.
Natural Flavorings: In some cases, pork-derived "natural flavorings" might be included, though most reputable vegetarian and vegan brands will be very clear about their status.
Lard/Pork Fat: Some recipes may use pork fat, which can also be labeled as lard, for a rich, savory taste.

A Quick Guide to Popular Baked Bean Brands

This table outlines the typical ingredients found in different baked bean varieties, helping you make an informed decision at the grocery store.


Brand	Product Variety	Contains Pork?	Notes
Bush's Best	Original Baked Beans	Yes	The classic version contains cured bacon.
	Vegetarian Baked Beans	No	A popular alternative for vegetarian diets.
	Homestyle Baked Beans	Yes	Contains pork.
Heinz (US)	Pork & Beans	Yes	Often contains a small piece of salt pork.
	Vegetarian Beans	No	A meat-free option offered in the US.
Heinz (UK)	Standard Baked Beanz	No	The iconic British version is vegetarian.
Amy's Kitchen	Organic Baked Beans	No	A certified vegetarian and vegan option.
Store Brands	Most standard "Baked Beans"	Varies	Always check the ingredients list. Some are vegetarian, others contain pork.

The Rise of Vegetarian and Vegan Baked Beans

As dietary preferences have shifted towards plant-based foods, the market for pork-free baked beans has expanded dramatically. Today, almost every major brand offers a vegetarian or even vegan version of their popular beans. These alternatives often use spices like smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate the savory, smoky flavor traditionally provided by pork. This innovation ensures that people following kosher, halal, vegetarian, or vegan diets can still enjoy this classic comfort food. You can also make your own at home using simple, plant-based ingredients for full control over the flavor and health benefits.

Conclusion: Read the Label, Know Your Bean

To definitively answer the question "Do all baked beans have pork?" is to understand that the answer is no, and the context—traditional American vs. modern, or British—is key. While the classic American baked beans often feature pork, the evolution of the food industry and a growing demand for plant-based options means that there are now plenty of meat-free varieties widely available. For consumers, the simple rule is to always read the label. By doing so, you can be certain you're purchasing a product that aligns with your dietary needs and preferences, whether you're seeking the traditional meaty flavor or a vegetarian alternative.

Resources

FDA Labeling Information: The Food and Drug Administration provides guidance on labeling requirements for products like "Pork and Beans".
History of Heinz Beans: The Wikipedia entry on baked beans offers insight into the UK's wartime removal of pork from the recipe.
Vegan Baked Bean Recipes: Nora Cooks offers an excellent recipe for those who want to make a homemade vegan version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, standard Heinz baked beans sold in the UK are vegan-friendly. However, it's always best to check the label for specific varieties, as some might contain non-vegan ingredients.

Bush's Original Baked Beans contain specially cured bacon, but the company also offers popular vegetarian and vegan varieties that are clearly labeled.

The tradition of adding pork, such as salt pork or bacon, to baked beans dates back to classic American and Southern recipes where it was used to impart a rich, smoky flavor.

To confirm if baked beans are vegetarian, check the product label for specific dietary claims like 'vegetarian' or 'vegan' and review the ingredients list to ensure no pork or other animal products are included.

UK baked beans have a savory, thinner, and less sweet tomato sauce with no meat, while US versions are typically sweeter, thicker, and often contain pork or bacon for a smoky flavor.

No, not all canned beans contain pork. Many plain bean varieties, such as navy, pinto, or kidney beans, are sold without added meat. The presence of pork depends on the specific recipe and branding.

Many brands offer vegetarian baked beans. You can also make your own homemade baked beans using liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or a vegetarian sausage to achieve a similar smoky flavor.