SPC launches new BIG Bean Bar and Pocket

Karen Collier, Jonno Nash
September 19, 2012
Herald Sun

Construction worker Mick Vandenesse, 53, said the new baked bean pocket was the best thing since the invention of black jelly beans.

THE humble baked bean has been transformed into a pastry-covered breakfast or snack, but does the Aussie public have the stomach for it?
Even SPC Ardmona managing director Vince Pinneri admits the company’s new BIG Bean Bar and Pocket creations may sound a bit strange.

But he says the proof is in the eating, and market testing has been far from flaky.

“Everybody … is probably thinking ‘how gross’, but they have been pleasantly surprised,” Mr Pinneri said.

A tweaked production method also meant no sloppy bean or tomato sauce spillage.

This is the best invention since black jelly beans – and I love my black jelly beans.

The products are officially released at various convenience outlets from next Wednesday and several tradies salivated when offered a sneak taste test yesterday.

Construction worker Mick Vandenesse, 53, enthused: “This is the best invention since black jelly beans – and I love my black jelly beans.”
SPC is banking on the baked beans twist appealing to tradies, university students and the 18 to 29-year-old market, who traditionally eschew beans because they don’t have time.

“We are going after the consumer who wants a snack that can be eaten in one hand and doesn’t need a fork,” Mr Pinneri said.

Baked Bean pie.

SPC’s Big Bean Pocket – a baked bean pastry. Source: Supplied

SPCsays the snacks have far less fat than a similar-sized sausage roll or pastie.

Dietitian Karen Inge agreed it was a nutritious option compared with usual pie-warmer fare.

“My first reaction was, ‘Oh no, what have they done?’. But they actually are a better alternative because of the fibre in baked beans and the lower fat content,” Ms Inge said.

However, the sodium is steep at 30 to 48 per cent of an adult’s recommended daily intake.

Baked Bean pie

Melbourne tradesman Greg Gorioan gave SPC’s Bake Bean bar a big thumbs up. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun

Baked beans sales dipped 4 per cent to $112 million in the past year.

Australians eat about 2.3kg per head of tinned baked beans and spaghetti annually, well behind New Zealand’s 4.2kg and the United Kingdom’s 4.7kg.

The baked beans bar and pocket will be available at convenience stores.

We asked some Melbourne tradies to taste test the baked bean snack food. Here’s what they had to say:

Mick Rousch, 35, from Beaumaris, tried the Bean Pocket: “It’s really nice. The pastry isn’t too heavy, unlike other traditional pies and pasties. It’s packaged conveniently and tastes pretty good.”

Gregor Gorioan, 26, South Yarra, tried the Bean Bar: “This is really good. I prefer something like this over a sausage roll. It’s crispy, fresh and the baked bean sauce tastes great.”

Mick Vandenesse, 53, Frankston, Bean Pocket: “This is going to save me filling my rolls with baked beans early in the morning. This is sensational. A simple idea that tastes great.”

Harry Augostinos, 26, St Albans, Bean Bar: “It’s better than I expected. It’s a lot better than sausage rolls, which is a tough market to crack. IT’s not dry and I’d definitely get one again.”

Baked Bean pie

Mick Rousch takes a break from work and tries out SPC’s new Big Bean pocket yesterday. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun