Bold Bean Co is a premium UK-based food brand on a mission to make the world obsessed with beans through high-quality, slow-cooked jarred legumes. Founded in 2021 by Amelia Christie-Miller, the company differentiates itself by sourcing specific heirloom varieties—such as the “Queen” butter bean—and cooking them gently in small batches to preserve texture and flavor. As of 2026, Bold Bean Co has transitioned from a niche startup to a major supermarket staple, securing a £50,000 investment from Deborah Meaden on Dragon’s Den and expanding its product range to include gourmet baked beans and collaborative releases with culinary icons like Yotam Ottolenghi.
The Origin of Bold Bean Co
Amelia Christie-Miller founded the company after a “lightbulb moment” in Madrid, where she realized the stark quality difference between British tinned beans and Spanish jarred varieties. Working previously in food sustainability, she recognized that beans are a vital tool for soil health and a low-carbon protein source.
The brand officially launched in 2021 with a focus on “obsessive” quality, targeting foodies who were tired of the mushy texture of standard canned legumes. By 2024, the brand’s growth was accelerated by a successful appearance on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, where the founders’ passion for “changing the way we think about beans” won over investors and the public alike.
The Queen Bean Product Range
The “Queen” range is Bold Bean Co’s flagship collection, featuring larger, creamier varieties of legumes than those found in standard supermarket tins. These beans are slow-cooked in their jars with just water and a pinch of salt, resulting in a rich “bean stock” that is intended to be used in recipes rather than drained.
Queen Butter Beans
Often cited as the brand’s bestseller, these large heirloom butter beans are sourced from specific regions in Poland and Spain known for their thin skins and creamy interiors. They are frequently used by professional chefs as a meat substitute due to their substantial “bite” and rich mouthfeel.
Queen Chickpeas and Black Beans
The Queen Chickpeas are notably larger than standard varieties, making them ideal for salads or hummus where texture is paramount. The Queen Black Beans are prized for their deep, earthy flavor and are a staple in the brand’s more adventurous “beanspo” recipes, such as black bean chocolate brownies.
Sustainable Sourcing and B Corp Status
Bold Bean Co is a certified B Corp, a designation that reflects its commitment to high social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The brand focuses on legumes because they are nitrogen-fixing crops, which naturally improve soil health and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.
Sourcing is primarily conducted in Spain and parts of Europe where jarred bean culture is historically established, ensuring that the beans are harvested at peak maturity. The company also works closely with UK farmers to explore the potential for more domestic pulse production, aligning with 2026’s increased focus on local food security.
The Gourmet Baked Bean Innovation
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Bold Bean Co disrupted the “beans on toast” category by launching a range of gourmet baked beans. Unlike traditional versions that rely on heavy sugar and salt, these versions use premium haricot and butter beans in sophisticated sauces like Rich Tomato and Smoky Chilli.
These products were specifically designed for the “elevated breakfast” market and are now stocked nationwide in retailers like Sainsbury’s and Ocado. They represent the brand’s move toward “convenience without compromise,” providing a healthy, high-protein meal option for busy consumers.
Culinary Influence and Cookbooks
The brand’s influence extends beyond the pantry through its best-selling cookbooks, including the titular Bold Beans and the 2025 follow-up Full of Beans. These books focus on “center-of-the-plate” bean recipes, moving the ingredient from a side dish to the main attraction.
A significant milestone in 2026 was the official collaboration with Yotam Ottolenghi, which saw the creation of limited-edition bean sets and shared digital content. This partnership solidified Bold Bean Co’s status as a “chef’s choice” ingredient, appearing on the menus of several high-end London restaurants.
Practical Information and Shopping Guide
For consumers looking to switch from tins to jars in 2026, here is the essential information for purchasing and using Bold Bean Co products.
Where to Buy: Major UK stockists include Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Whole Foods Market. They are also available via online platforms like Ocado and the official Bold Bean Co website.
Pricing: Standard 570g jars typically retail between £3.50 and £4.50, while the gourmet baked bean range is priced around £2.50 to £3.00 per jar.
Storage: Once opened, the jars should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days. The bean stock should always be kept as it acts as a natural thickener for stews and sauces.
What to Expect: Expect a much creamier texture and a thinner skin than canned beans. The “bean stock” in the jar is cloudy and viscous—this is a sign of quality and should not be rinsed away.
Seasonal Bean Trends for 2026
In 2026, the brand has seen a surge in “seasonal bean-eating,” with light, citrusy white bean salads trending in the summer and hearty, “brothy beans” becoming a winter staple. The “Brothy Bean” movement, popularized on TikTok and Instagram by Bold Bean Co, encourages users to create 10-minute meals using just a jar of beans, some greens, and a flavorful fat like pesto or chili oil.
FAQs
Why are Bold Beans in jars rather than tins?
Jars allow for a slower, gentler cooking process that preserves the beans’ shape and texture. It also allows consumers to see the quality and size of the heirloom varieties before purchasing.
Do I need to drain Bold Beans?
No, you should never drain them. The liquid in the jar is a rich, flavorful bean stock (aquafaba) that is packed with nutrients and acts as a natural sauce thickener.
Who owns Bold Bean Co?
The company was founded by Amelia Christie-Miller, who remains the CEO. It received investment from Deborah Meaden following a successful pitch on Dragons’ Den.
Are Bold Beans organic?
The brand offers a specific Organic Range, including organic white beans and chickpeas, alongside its core “Queen” heirloom range.
Where are the beans sourced from?
Most are sourced from Spain and Poland, where the climate and soil are optimal for growing high-quality heirloom pulses.
Can I eat them straight from the jar?
Yes, they are fully cooked and seasoned with a touch of salt, making them safe and delicious to eat cold or hot.
What is the “Queen” bean?
“Queen” is a brand designation for extra-large, premium varieties of legumes, such as their signature large-scale butter beans.
Is Bold Bean Co vegan?
Yes, all of their beans and gourmet baked bean products are 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly.
How long do they last once opened?
Keep them in the fridge and use them within 3 to 5 days for the best flavor and safety.
Why are they more expensive than canned beans?
The higher price reflects the premium heirloom varieties, the slow-cooking method, and the sustainable sourcing practices involved in production.
What is “Beanspo”?
It is a term coined by the brand to describe “bean inspiration”—creative, modern ways to cook with beans beyond traditional recipes.
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