First, the stats. These baked beans are sweetened with Splenda and as a result they have **90%** less sugar than regular baked beans. That really scares me. Just how much sugar do manufacturers pump into our food? No wonder there's an obesity problem!
For a half cup of these baked beans you get 120 calories, no fats, no cholesterol, 410mg sodium. There is 21g of carbs minus the 8g of fiber leaves 13g of net carbs. Think of how many carbs there must be in most commercial baked beans! That fiber number is *huge*. Getting enough fiber into your daily diet is critical for your health. beans are definitely a way to go.
Also, you get 10% of your daily iron. Very important.
Of course, it wouldn't help if this was a super-food if it tasted badly. I was very pleased with how it tasted. For me, baked beans is a "comfort food" treat that I have when I'm sick, along with hot dogs. So I want them to taste good, since it's a special treat for me to eat them. They were very nice! I don't have any issue at all using these rather than the sugar-filled varieties. It's not a "sacrifice". It's just as tasty, and it's much healthier for me.
I'm not sure how to answer a question of "how" does it taste. Different baked bean companies all have a slightly different version of taste - some are tangier, some are smoother, some are earthier. I know every person out there has a favorite. I've tried numerous baked beans over the years and I find these to be average, in with the others. So I'm fairly certain if you like any of the standard brands that you'll like this one.
Highly recommended. Baked beans provide great fiber, and they're a comfort food for many people. With the B&M option, you can have those occasional treats and get the fiber into you, without ingesting tons of unnecessary sugar.
UPDATE: I received email on 10/10/10 that these beans have been discontinued. Sure enough, I checked the B&M website and they are no longer on the website. What a shame!
Lisa Shea's Library of Low Carb Books
