Campaign Aims to Double UK Bean Consumption by 2028 to Improve Health and Cut Costs
The 'Bang in Some Beans' campaign seeks to double the UK's consumption of various beans, including black, borlotti, butter, cannellini, fava, haricot, and kidney beans by 2028, with backing from major supermarkets.
Beans are highlighted for being sustainable, abundant, nutritious, and more affordable than meat, aiming to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of dinners.
Pricing and nutrition comparisons show that a 400g can of red kidney beans costs about 49p at Tesco and provides 36% of the daily protein and a quarter of the fiber needs for a woman. In contrast, a 150g sirloin steak costs £6–£8 and offers about 25g of protein, while 200g of butter beans provide approximately 14g of protein for around 50p. A 100g chicken breast provides about 48% of daily protein for roughly 72p but contains no fiber.
Home-cooked beans cost about 8p–12p per high-protein serving, with dried beans being cheaper per kilogram (70p–90p after cooking) compared to tins (around £1.50/kg).
Practical advice includes cooking a large pot of dried beans weekly and freezing them in 250g portions. Dried beans have a long shelf life but require soaking and cooking, with a recommendation to select salt-free tins when using canned varieties.
Cooking suggestions involve substituting beans for some meat portions in familiar dishes like spaghetti bolognese, shepherd's pie, and chili con carne. Beans are also used in desserts and spreads, such as chocolate bean spread and blondies made with chickpeas.
The campaign features contributions from Ali Honour, chef and author of 'Beans,' and Rebecca Tobi from the Food Foundation. Veg Power promotes related recipes developed by chefs Prue Leith, Tom Aikens, and Joe Wicks.
