The Story of Heinz in the UK

A British Story, Born in America

Henry John Heinz began in Pittsburgh in 1869 with bottled horseradish. By 1886, Heinz Baked Beans had crossed the Atlantic, landing in London’s Fortnum & Mason. Soon after, Heinz built factories in Britain, and by the early 20th century it had become a fixture of British kitchens.

During the Second World War, Heinz foods were even classed as “essential supplies,” cementing their role as part of daily British life. What began as an American import became something the British saw as their own.

Quirky Heinz Facts

The slogan “Beanz Meanz Heinz” (1967) was once voted Britain’s best advertising slogan of all time.

Heinz Baked Beans were originally a luxury, sold only in high-end department stores.

Today, more than a million tins of Heinz Beanz are eaten in the UK every day.

Heinz UK produces over 150 varieties of soup, many of which never leave Britain.

Why the British Love Heinz

British food culture has always valued meals that are quick, filling and comforting. Beans on toast is perhaps the ultimate example, cheap, easy, but strangely beloved. Tomato soup with bread was a winter school dinner classic. A dollop of Salad Cream in a lunchbox sandwich was an everyday taste of childhood.

Heinz didn’t just sell food; it shaped habits and traditions. For generations of schoolchildren, students and workers, Heinz tins meant a warm meal with little fuss. That reliability made Heinz part of Britain’s identity at the table.

British-Only Heinz Products

Heinz Salad Cream
Launched in 1914, it pre-dated mayonnaise in Britain. Its tangy sharpness makes it a love-it-or-hate-it classic, especially on sandwiches and salads.

Heinz Sandwich Spread
A quirky post-war invention: chopped vegetables in a tangy sauce, spread straight onto bread. For many Britons, it’s pure nostalgia in a jar.

Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup
A national favourite, instantly recognisable in its red tin. Millions of Britons grew up with it at school, in cafés, or at home on rainy days.

Heinz Pasta Shapes
From alphabets to cartoon characters, tinned pasta in tomato sauce has been a childhood staple since the 1960s. It’s food as fun as it is familiar.

Heinz Oxtail Soup
Distinctly British, this flavour reflects local tastes that never caught on elsewhere, proof of Heinz’s ability to adapt to the culture it served.

Conclusion

Heinz may be American in origin, but its cultural home is arguably Britain. From catchy slogans to comfort food traditions, Heinz helped define everyday British eating. For Filipinos curious about UK food culture, Heinz products offer more than flavour, they’re a window into British life itself.

Explore Heinz UK Classics in the Philippines

For those curious to try these uniquely British products, Buy British PH brings a small selection direct from the UK, available with nationwide delivery.

Heinz Salad Cream – the sharp, tangy dressing that pre-dated mayonnaise in Britain.

Heinz Sandwich Spread – a nostalgic favourite with its quirky mix of vegetables in tangy sauce.

Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup – Britain’s most famous canned soup, a staple for generations.

Heinz Oxtail Soup – a traditional British flavour, rarely found outside the UK.