Most classic baked beans are made from small white navy beans, also known as haricot beans in the UK.

Quick Scoop

  • In American‑style “Boston baked beans,” the traditional bean is the navy bean.
  • Popular British‑style canned baked beans (like the famous Heinz type) also use navy/haricot beans.
  • Other white beans such as Great Northern or cannellini sometimes substitute, but navy/haricot is the standard in most canned baked beans you see on shelves.

So when you’re asking “what bean is a baked bean?”, the usual answer is: a navy (haricot) bean that’s been cooked slowly in a sweet, tangy sauce.

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