What are the Ingredients in Bush's Grillin Beans?

Did you know that Bush's has been a family-owned company for over 110 years? When planning your next cookout, it's helpful to know what are the ingredients in Bush's Grillin' Beans, so you can choose the perfect smoky side dish.

Quick Summary

Bush's Grillin' Beans recipes begin with prepared beans, water, and brown sugar, with additional spices, sauces, and flavorings depending on the specific variety, such as Smokehouse or Southern Pit Barbecue.

Key Points

• Base Ingredients: Most Grillin' Beans varieties include prepared navy or white beans, water, brown sugar, tomato puree, salt, and modified corn starch.

• Flavor Differentiation: Flavor profiles are created by the addition of specific spices, vegetables like peppers and onion, and flavorings such as natural smoke or bourbon flavors.

• Smokehouse Tradition: This flavor contains pork fat, bacon, onions, and natural smoke flavor for a sweet and smoky taste.

• Southern Pit Barbecue: Features red bell pepper, molasses, mustard seed, and natural smoke flavor for a bold, smoky taste with a mustard tang.

• Dietary Considerations: While many Bush's beans are gluten-free, not all are vegetarian or vegan, as some, like the Smokehouse Tradition, contain pork fat.

• Product Specifics: Different flavors use different types of beans; for example, Smokehouse uses white beans, while Southern Pit Barbecue uses navy beans.

Bush's Grillin' Beans are a popular side dish known for their rich, hearty flavors, which vary depending on the variety. While every can is built on a base of high-quality, slow-simmered beans and a signature sweet and smoky sauce, the unique blend of spices and added ingredients distinguishes each flavor profile. Examining the ingredients helps you pick the perfect complement to your grilled chicken, steak, or burgers.

The Common Base Ingredients

At the core of every can of Bush's Grillin' Beans are several foundational components that give them their signature texture and sweetness. These ingredients are consistent across most varieties.

• Prepared Beans: The primary ingredient is either prepared white beans or navy beans, which are known for their tender texture and ability to absorb flavor.
• Water: Used to create the sauce and to cook the beans to a soft consistency.
• Brown Sugar: This is a crucial ingredient for providing the molasses-rich sweetness that is a hallmark of baked beans.
• Tomato Puree: Adds a tangy, savory depth to the sauce base.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning for flavor enhancement.
• Modified Corn Starch: A thickening agent used to create the thick, rich sauce.
• Spices: A proprietary blend of spices adds a complex, savory, and often smoky layer of flavor. Specific spices vary by flavor.

Ingredients by Flavor Variety

To understand the full range of Bush's Grillin' Beans, it's essential to look at the unique ingredients that differentiate each flavor. Here’s a breakdown of some popular varieties:

Smokehouse Tradition Grillin' Beans

This variety is built on the classic beans, water, and brown sugar base. What makes it special is the addition of smoky, savory elements.

• Onion and Bell Pepper
• Pork Fat
• White Distilled Vinegar
• Autolyzed Yeast
• Molasses
• Caramel Color
• Natural Smoke Flavor

Southern Pit Barbecue Grillin' Beans

This version delivers a bold, smoky flavor with a distinct mustard tang.

• Red Bell Pepper
• Onion
• Mustard (water, vinegar, mustard seed, salt, paprika, turmeric)
• Molasses
• Natural Smoke Flavor
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika

Bourbon and Brown Sugar Grillin' Beans

This variety features a hint of bourbon flavor for a rich, sophisticated taste. It's important to note that the product is non-alcoholic.

• Brown Sugar and Sugar
• Onion
• White Distilled Vinegar
• Natural Flavor
• Natural Bourbon Flavor
• Garlic Powder

Steakhouse Recipe Grillin' Beans

Designed to pair perfectly with grilled steaks, this flavor features a rich, robust sauce.

• Green Bell Pepper
• Onion
• Tomato Powder
• Mustard (water, vinegar, mustard seed, salt, paprika, turmeric)
• Caramel Color
• Garlic Powder

Comparison Table of Grillin' Beans Flavors

Feature	Southern Pit Barbecue	Smokehouse Tradition	Bourbon & Brown Sugar	Steakhouse Recipe
Beans	Navy Beans	White Beans	White Beans	Navy Beans
Dominant Flavor	Bold and smoky with mustard tang	Sweet and smoky with bacon notes	Rich brown sugar with a hint of bourbon	Robust and savory, steakhouse style
Bell Pepper	Red Bell Pepper	Bell Pepper	None	Green Bell Pepper
Meat Ingredient	None listed	Pork Fat	None listed	None listed
Other Unique Notes	Molasses, Mustard Seed	Bacon, Molasses	Natural Bourbon Flavor	Tomato Powder

Conclusion: Navigating the Grillin' Beans Selection

Understanding the ingredient differences between the various Bush's Grillin' Beans is key to selecting the perfect flavor for your meal. While they all share a sweet and hearty foundation, the unique spice and sauce additions create distinct flavor profiles. Whether you prefer the classic smokiness of Southern Pit Barbecue, the rich flavor of Bourbon and Brown Sugar, or the savory depth of the Steakhouse Recipe, you can be confident that you're getting a quality product crafted with a specific flavor experience in mind. The variety allows for easy pairing with a range of grilled meats and main courses. Always remember to check the specific can's ingredient list for the most accurate information. For more product details, you can visit the official Bush's Beans website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bush's Grillin' Beans gluten-free?

Yes, according to Bush's, all of their canned bean products, including Grillin' Beans, are gluten-free, making them suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Are all Bush's Grillin' Beans vegetarian?

No, not all Grillin' Beans are vegetarian. Some varieties, such as the Smokehouse Tradition flavor, contain pork fat as an ingredient. Always check the label for specific ingredients.

How do the flavors of Grillin' Beans differ?

The flavors are differentiated by specific additions like bell peppers, mustard, molasses, or natural smoke and bourbon flavorings. For example, Southern Pit Barbecue has a mustard tang, while Smokehouse is sweeter and smokier.

What kind of beans are used in Grillin' Beans?

The type of bean can vary depending on the flavor. Many use plump navy beans, while others, like Smokehouse Tradition, use prepared white beans.

Does the Bourbon and Brown Sugar flavor contain alcohol?

No, despite the name, the Bourbon and Brown Sugar flavor is non-alcoholic. It uses a natural bourbon flavor to achieve its rich taste.

Why is modified corn starch an ingredient?

Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent to give the sauce its rich, hearty texture and consistent consistency.

Can Grillin' Beans be heated in the microwave?

Yes, according to the product directions, you can empty the contents into a microwave-safe container, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring before serving.