Do baked beans count as ultra-processed food?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to research from the British Nutrition Foundation, many people are unaware that common foods like canned baked beans are classified as ultra-processed food (UPF), highlighting a significant knowledge gap. This classification can be surprising, given baked beans' reputation as a nutritional staple, especially in many diets.

Quick Summary

Commercial baked beans are generally classified as ultra-processed foods under the NOVA system due to industrial processes and additives. Despite this, their high fibre and protein content means they can be part of a balanced diet, especially lower-sugar and salt versions. Nuance is needed when assessing packaged foods.

Key Points

UPF Classification: Commercial baked beans are generally classified as ultra-processed foods (UPF) under the NOVA system due to industrial processes and additives.
Not All UPF Are Equal: Despite the UPF label, baked beans are considered one of the healthier ultra-processed options, offering high fibre and protein content.
Check Labels: The healthiness of canned baked beans largely depends on the amount of added salt and sugar; choosing reduced versions is recommended.
Processing vs. Nutrition: The NOVA classification focuses on the extent of processing, not just the nutritional value, which is why a nutrient-dense food like baked beans can still be a UPF.
Homemade is Healthiest: Making baked beans from dried beans at home is the least processed and healthiest option, allowing full control over ingredients.
Rinsing Reduces Sodium: For canned versions, rinsing the beans before use can significantly decrease their sodium content.

Understanding the NOVA Classification System

To answer the question of whether baked beans count as ultra-processed food, it is essential to first understand the NOVA classification system. Developed by Brazilian scientists, this system categorizes foods based on the nature, extent, and purpose of their processing, rather than solely on nutritional content. The four categories are:

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods. These are foods in their natural state, or those minimally altered to extend shelf life, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and frozen vegetables.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients. These are substances like oils, fats, salt, and sugar derived from Group 1 foods. They are not meant to be eaten alone but are used for cooking and seasoning.
Group 3: Processed Foods. Simple processed foods are made by adding Group 2 ingredients (salt, sugar, oil) to Group 1 foods. Examples include canned vegetables in brine, simple cheeses, and freshly baked bread with minimal ingredients.
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Food and Drink Products. These are industrial formulations with multiple ingredients, including many additives not typically used in home cooking. They are designed to be convenient, highly palatable, and have a long shelf life. Examples include sugary cereals, packaged snacks, and soft drinks.

Why Canned Baked Beans Are Classified as UPF

Based on the NOVA system, most commercially produced canned baked beans fall squarely into the ultra-processed category. While they start with minimally processed beans and tomatoes (Group 1), their transformation involves a mix of ingredients and processes that move them far beyond simple processing.

Multiple Ingredients: Standard recipes for canned baked beans often include more than five ingredients. Beyond the beans and tomatoes, a typical can will contain sugar, salt, and various additives, including modified starches, flavourings, and thickeners.
Additives Not Used in Home Cooking: Ingredients like modified cornflour or spice extracts are common in commercial brands but are not part of typical home cooking. These are included to achieve a specific texture, flavour, and consistency that mass-produced products require.
Industrial Formulation: The overall process, including large-scale cooking, canning, and sterilisation, is an industrial formulation designed for convenience, shelf life, and profit, which is the very definition of a NOVA Group 4 product.

The Nutritional Nuance: A "Healthier" UPF?

While the UPF label might sound alarming, the story of baked beans is more complex. Nutrition experts highlight that not all UPFs are created equal, and baked beans represent one of the better options.

Nutrient-Dense Base: At their core, baked beans are legumes, which are packed with fibre and plant-based protein. A half-can of baked beans provides a significant portion of the recommended daily fibre intake.
Hidden Concerns: The main drawback lies in the sauce, which is typically high in added sugar and salt. Many brands offer reduced-sugar and salt versions, making them a healthier choice. Rinsing canned beans can also significantly reduce their sodium content.
Overall Diet: Baked beans are often a vehicle for adding legumes to the diet, and when paired with other whole foods like wholemeal toast, they provide a well-rounded, affordable, and convenient meal.

Comparing Commercial vs. Homemade Baked Beans

To illustrate the processing difference, consider the journey of commercial baked beans versus a homemade version from scratch. The table below outlines the key differences.


Feature	Commercial Baked Beans	Homemade Baked Beans
NOVA Classification	Group 4 (Ultra-Processed)	Group 1 (Minimally Processed)
Ingredients	Beans, tomato puree, sugar, salt, modified starch, flavourings, sometimes preservatives	Dried beans, tomato paste, onions, garlic, natural sweeteners (e.g., maple syrup or molasses), spices
Processing Steps	Soaking, partial cooking, sauce preparation, canning, sterilisation, sealing.	Soaking, cooking, combining ingredients.
Added Sugar	Often high, but reduced-sugar options are available.	Controlled by the cook; can be significantly lower or use natural alternatives.
Added Salt	Often high, though low-salt versions exist.	Controlled by the cook, typically much lower.
Convenience	Ready to eat or heat instantly.	Requires advanced preparation, including soaking and cooking.

Tips for Making a Healthier Choice

If you want to include baked beans in your diet while minimising the negatives associated with ultra-processed foods, here are some actionable tips:

Read Labels Carefully: Choose brands that offer reduced-sugar and reduced-salt options. Compare the nutritional information on different cans to find the healthiest version.
Rinse and Drain: If buying regular canned beans, drain and rinse them thoroughly to wash off a significant portion of the added sodium.
Opt for Plain Canned Beans: Consider buying plain canned beans (like cannellini or haricot beans) and making your own tomato-based sauce at home. This allows full control over the amount of sugar, salt, and spices used.
Batch Cook from Scratch: For the lowest level of processing, buy dried beans and make your own batch of baked beans. This requires more time but is the healthiest and freshest option.
Mindful Consumption: Remember that even a healthier UPF should be part of a varied diet that includes plenty of minimally processed whole foods, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Conclusion

Yes, most commercially produced baked beans are classified as ultra-processed foods under the NOVA system because of their multiple additives and industrial processing. However, this label does not tell the whole story. The core ingredients provide valuable fibre and protein, which can be part of a healthy and balanced diet when consumed in moderation. By choosing reduced-sugar and salt varieties or making them from scratch, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits while mitigating the downsides of excessive processing. Ultimately, the context of your overall diet and the choices you make at the supermarket determine the health impact of this popular cupboard staple.

For more detailed information on food processing and health, consult resources from organisations like the UK's National Health Service (NHS), which provides guidance on eating a balanced diet that includes both processed and minimally processed foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processed food involves simple alterations to extend shelf life or improve taste, like canning beans with salt. Ultra-processed foods are industrial formulations with multiple additives, often designed for convenience and a long shelf life, and contain ingredients not used in home cooking.

Yes, standard Heinz baked beans are considered ultra-processed because they contain additives like modified cornflour and spice extracts. However, they are still highlighted for their fibre and protein benefits.

Yes, baked beans, being a type of legume, are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre, contributing significantly to daily nutritional goals.

To make baked beans healthier, choose reduced-sugar and salt versions from the store. You can also drain and rinse regular canned beans to lower the sodium content. The healthiest option is to make them from scratch using dried beans.

No. Canning itself is a form of processing, but it doesn't automatically mean a food is ultra-processed. Simple canned foods like plain beans or tomatoes in water are minimally processed. It's the addition of multiple additives that pushes a food into the ultra-processed category.

No. While it is generally advised to reduce UPF intake, baked beans are a complex case. Their high fibre and protein content make them more nutritionally valuable than many other UPFs. The best approach is mindful consumption and opting for healthier versions.

Yes, a portion of baked beans does count towards your five-a-day, though due to their lower nutrient density compared to other fruits and vegetables, you can only count them once per day, regardless of the quantity.