Why do the English eat beans on toast?
The English eat beans on toast because it is a quick, cheap and filling meal made from canned baked beans in tomato sauce served on buttered toast. It became popular in the 20th century and is now a comfort food classic.
Canned baked beans were first sold in Britain in the early 1900s by the American company Heinz. They were sold at Fortnum and Mason in London as a luxury item at first.
Heinz began making beans in Britain in the 1920s, and they became an affordable everyday food. Heinz advertised beans on toast in the 1920s as a convenient meal.
A student favorite
Beans on toast is popular with students, families and people who want a fast meal. It is often eaten for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner.
Many people add grated cheese, a fried egg or Worcestershire sauce. Beans are also part of a full English breakfast.
British baked beans are different from American baked beans. They are cooked in a sweet tomato sauce rather than a molasses-based sauce.
Britain eats more baked beans than any other country, and beans on toast has become a symbol of simple British home cooking.