Branston Baked Beans in a Rich, Thick, Tomatoey Sauce — TREAT

Munch or Dump rates Branston Baked Beans in a Rich, Thick, Tomatoey Sauce by Branston TREAT — score 45/90.

Real beans and tomato at the core, but added sugar, modified maize starch, and a double dose of salt push this into processed-comfort-food territory.

Why this verdict

• Added sugar sweetens the tomato sauce beyond what the beans need
• Modified maize starch is a refined thickener, a marker of ultra-processing
• Salted twice (reduced-sodium sea salt AND plain salt) plus vague 'flavourings'
• Still, the core is real beans and tomato with genuine fibre and protein

Ingredients (12)

• Beans (51%) (safe) — Navy/haricot beans are a whole-food source of plant protein and soluble fibre that feeds gut bacteria.
• Tomatoes (38%) (safe) — Real tomato brings lycopene, potassium and vitamin C to the sauce.
• Water (safe) — Bulking agent that keeps this a low-fat spread; inert.
• Sugar (moderate) — Added refined sugar; spikes blood sugar and turns a milky base into a dessert.
• Modified Maize Starch (moderate) — Industrial texturizer/thickener; a NOVA-4 marker that signals processing, not nutrition.
• Reduced Sodium Sea Salt (moderate) — Lower-sodium salt, but still adds sodium and here it's stacked with a second salt.
• Spirit Vinegar (safe) — Adds tang and helps preserve; negligible health impact.
• Salt (moderate) — Adds sodium; fine in moderation but the main reason to watch portion size.
• Paprika (safe) — Natural spice used for a hint of color and flavor.
• white pepper (safe) — Spice for flavour, no health concern.
• Spices (safe) — Real seasoning blend; the flavor backbone, no additives.
• Flavourings (moderate) — Undisclosed added flavor compounds engineered to mimic BBQ ribs.

Healthier alternatives

• Bramwells Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce
• Heinz Beanz in a Rich Tomato Sauce