A SUPERMARKET’s own-label baked beans have beaten family-favourite brands including Heinz and Branston in a taste test.

The favourite cupboard staple was ranked top by a team of 66 testers, put together by consumer experts Which?.

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The panel ranked 10 variations of baked beans from top supermarkets including Aldi, Asda, Co-op, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, as well brands Branston and Heinz.

Each was given a score out of 100 based on 50% flavour, 20% appearance, 20% aroma and 10% texture.

In the final scores, there was less than 10% between the winner and lowest scorer.

However, the top spot was taken by Aldi Bramwell’s Baked Beans, with an overall score of 76%.

The panel thought the beans looked good, had an appealing aroma, and three-quarters said the strength of flavour was perfect.

Just behind with a score of 75% was Branstons Baked Beans.

The panel said these beans looked appetising and the strength of flavour satisfied seven 70% tasters. The level of sweetness was enjoyed by a similar number of tasters.

In third and fourth spots were the Co-Op’s Baked Beans and Asda’s Baked Beans, with scores of 74% and 73%, respectively.

Heinz Beanz was voted into fifth place with an overall score of 72%.

The panel thought the big brand beans looked good and had a pleasing texture, but the aroma was less well liked than others, and just over a third (35%) thought the sauce was too thin. 

If you get through two tins per week, switching from Heinz beans to Aldi’s offering could save you over £100 per year, as a year’s supply of Aldi baked beans comes in at £42.64 versus £145.60 for Heinz – a £103 saving.

The overall scores were close, but there were bigger variations on individual parts of the scoring.

For example, M&S Baked Beans had a score of 67%, but less than half (45%) were satisfied with the strength of flavour, while a third wanted them to be sweeter. 

Aldi and Branston have now both earned Which?’s Best Buy  endorsement and Aldi also has the Great Value backing too.

Lidl‘s own-label items are usually included on taste tests, but the supermarket told Which? there is variation in the product recipe due to dual supply, so it wasn’t tested this time.

Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: “Baked beans are a staple for many households and our results show you don’t have to pay a premium for the best taste.

“Choosing supermarket own-label groceries is not only a great way to save money, but our tests prove that you can end up with a better tasting product and can save over £100 a year by making the switch.”

The Sun team has recently taste tested tinned pasta and boxed wines.

AS we head into October and the temperature drops, many of us are thinking about putting the heating on and preparing for winter.

But several key financial changes this month, including higher energy bills thanks to a new energy price cap, mean we need to keep an eye on our cash, too.

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The next 31 days are very busy from a monetary perspective, with everything from the first Labour government’s Budget – where it will announce new money and tax policies – to the last days to take advantage of supermarket Christmas savings schemes.

Fortunately, we’ve rounded up all the important deadlines you need to be aware of, as well as anything you need to do.

October 1 – Energy price cap

Every three months, energy regulator Ofgem sets its new price cap. This is the maximum that people on variable tariffs can be charged per unit of energy.

The next cap kicks in on October 1.

From that date until the end of the year, a typical household using both electricity and gas and paying by direct debit will see their energy costs rise by £149 per annum.

This is a 10% increase, which means an extra £12 added to the average monthly bill.

However, the new cap is 6% cheaper than this time last year, saving you about £117 compared to last year’s price of £1,834. 

Your bill will vary based on how much energy you use, where you live, and what kind of meter you have.

So, while the new headline cap is around £1,717, this can vary depending on whether you use more or less energy than a typical household.

You can find more details about the new price cap here, including costs per unit of energy and when to take a meter reading.

October 1 – Ofcom new rules for phone providers

Starting from October 1, new rules from the communications regulator, Ofgem, will help mobile phone users avoid surprise charges when using their phones abroad. 

The new rules require mobile providers to inform customers when they start roaming and to protect them from accidental roaming, which happens when you unintentionally connect to another country’s network while travelling near a border. 

They will also need tell you about spending caps and direct you to free information about roaming costs in your current location.

You can read more about the legislation and what it means for you in our round up here.

October 5 – deadline to register for self-assessment

If you need to do a self-assessment tax return for the first time this year, you must register by October 5. 

Reasons you might need to self-assess include if you’ve become self-employed, if your side hustle earned you more than £1,000 in a tax year, if you need to pay the high-income child benefit charge, if you’ve made money from savings and investments, or if you’ve started earning more than £150,000.

If any of these things happened to you between April 6, 2023 and April 5, 2024, then you must register.

Failure to do so may mean you cannot file your return and pay on time, which could lead to a hefty fine.

Find out exactly what you need to do and how to register in our guide. Applying is quick and easy using the Government’s online tool. 

October 7 – Fraud APP rules

Starting from this month, people who fall victim to Authorised Push Payment (APP) scams will be able to get as much as £415,000 back from their banks. 

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is now requiring financial institutions to pay back scam victims, which is a change from the previous system where reimbursement was voluntary.

The rule change has also put more onus on the banks that receive APP fraud money as they will be responsible for repaying half.

Victims need to let their banks know about the scam within 13 months and provide any information the bank needs to investigate. 

Learn more about the new rules here.

October 16 – inflation figures announced

On October 16, we find out the inflation rate for September, which is very important for a two key reasons. 

First, it helps decide how much the State Pension will go up by from April next year as part of the Government’s triple-lock promise.

The triple lock ensures the State Pension rises each year in line with inflation, average earnings of 2.5% – whichever is highest. 

Second, it affects how much benefits, like Universal Credit, and Tax Credits for working age people, will increase by from next year.

October 4 – Winter Fuel Payment phone applications open

From this date, the Winter Fuel Payment Centre will accept phone claims from people who are eligible to receive the payment for the first time.

This year, only people who claim Pension Credit and certain other benefits will be eligible, so check if you could benefit.

You can call the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.

October 16 – Last day for Tesco Christmas Clubcard Saver

Tesco’s Clubcard Christmas Saver lets customers save money and earn bonuses.

How much you get depends on what you save, and to get the maximum amount of £12 you need to stash away at least £200.

In November, customers will get vouchers matching the value of the money saved and any bonuses received.

These can then be used during the Christmas season, either in stores, online, or through the Tesco Grocery & Clubcard app.

You can also use them for fuel at Tesco and Esso stations with Tesco Express. 

The last day to add qualifying savings is October 17, 2024.

The Clubcard and top-up vouchers are good for 2 years, while the bonus vouchers are good for 3 months.

Find out more about supermarket saver schemes and their pitfalls here. 

October 30 – Budget (also called Autumn Statement)

On October 30, Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, will give her first Budget.

This is when the government’s shares updates on its tax and spending plans – which could impact your finances.

At this time of year it would normally be called an Autumn Statement, but as it is the new government’s first, it is being called a formal Budget.

Ms Reeves has already warned that there will be tax rises, which experts speculate could include changes to inheritance tax, pensions rules, capital gains tax, and even fuel duty. 

This is to plug a £22billion “black hole” in the country’s finances, Ms Reeves has said.

You can read more about what changes are expected here. 

October 31 – deadline for paper tax returns

Around half a million people still fill in a paper tax return each year. If you’re one of them, you need to hand it in by October 31.

If you want to do an online return instead you have until January 31.

Missing both deadlines means a fine, and if you don’t pay up on time, you’ll have to pay interest and further fines.

October 31 – Last chance to buy Morrisons Christmas saver stamps

The Morrisons Christmas saver scheme gives you a bonus for the money you save.

The maximum bonus is £6 if you save £197 through the programme.

To earn the extra cash, you need to make sure your savings are in your account by October 31. 

Christmas Saver stamps bought after that date will count towards your savings for Christmas 2025.

Once you’ve saved your money and received your bonus, you’ll get a voucher that you can use to shop in-store or online.

Read more about the downfalls of saver schemes and how to avoid them here.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories

THE clock is ticking for millions of households to submit a meter reading to avoid paying over the odds for their energy use.

Bill payers have until October 1 to get an up-to-date reading before the energy price cap jumps by 10%.

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Under the changes, the average dual fuel bill paid by direct debit will jump by £149 from £1,568 to £1,717, under the cap set by industry regulator Ofgem.

It’s important to submit a meter reading as rates change to make sure all energy use up to that point is charged at the lower rate.

The exact deadline for submitting readings differs depending on your supplier and some will allow you to backdate the reading from the date it was meant to be submitted.

In some cases, you have an extra two weeks to submit a reading.

If customers don’t provide a meter reading, they will be given an estimated bill.

In this case, some of your energy usage ahead of October 1 could be charged at the new higher rate.

Giving an exact reading at the time the rates change prevents this from happening.

If you have a smart meter, you don’t need to take a reading as information is automatically sent to your supplier.

However, you should do a quick check to make sure it is working properly and reporting your usage accurately.

There’s also no need to submit a meter reading if you’re on a fixed energy tariff or have a traditional prepayment meter.

The looming price rises are a blow for struggling households after energy bills fell to a two-year low at the beginning of July.

The energy price cap is reviewed every three months and it’s important to submit a reading each time.

This stops you being overcharged or even underpaying, which could mean having to pay more further down the line.

Here are the deadlines suppliers have confirmed to The Sun for submitting meter reads as the energy price cap changes.

British Gas customers can submit their meter readings up until October 14.

This can be done through an online account, through the British Gas app, over the phone or through a form on the firm’s website.

You can call British Gas on 0330 100 0056 Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

EDF customers will be able to back date their meter reads at any time up to and including Wednesday October 9.

Customers will be able to leave meter reads via the EDF App, or online via their MyAccount. Readings can also be submitted via telephone, email or by text and WhatsApp.

Octopus Energy customers have until the end of October 8 to submit their meter readings.

Meter readings can be submitted through online accounts, a form on the provider’s website, app or email.

Customers can submit their meter readings via the app, online account, phone, Whatsapp or webchat at any time. 

Scottish Power has no deadline for meter readings. Customers can update meter readings as and when they wish to provide them.

If you are on a standard variable or default tariff with Scottish Power, then the energy price cap will automatically apply.

However, if your prices need to increase as a result, there’s no need to contact them.

Scottish Power said: “We’ll write to you by letter or email to let you know what your new prices will be before the change takes place.”

HOW TO TAKE A METER READING

If you don’t your supplier a regular meter reading your bills will be based on estimated energy use.

This can mean paying more than necessary or underpaying and then having to make bigger payments later.

Taking a meter reading should only take a minute, and once you have noted down the figures you can usually give to your provider by text, online or through an app.

Look up the individual options with your own supplier.

It’s a good idea to take a quick picture of your meter reading when you submit it – just in case you need it as evidence in any disputes that arise.

Exactly how you take a meter reading depends on the type of meter you have.

Electricity meters

If you have a digital electricity meter, you will just see a row of six numbers – five in black and one in red.

Take down the five numbers in black-you don’t need the red number.

If you are on an Economy 7 or 10 tariff which gives you cheaper electricity at night – you will have two rows of numbers and need both.

If you have a traditional dial meter you will need to read the first five dials from left to right, again you don’t need the red ones.

If the pointer is between two numbers, write down the lower figure and if it is between nine and zero write down the number nine.

If the dial is directly over a number, write down that number and underline it.

If you’ve underlined a number, check the next dial to the right.

If the pointer on that dial is between nine and zero, reduce the number you’ve underlined by one.

For example, if you originally wrote down five, change it to four.

Gas meters

If you have a digital metric meter showing five numbers and then a decimal place, you only need to write down the first five numbers from left to right.

If you have a digital imperial meter, your meter will read four black numbers and two red numbers – note down the four black numbers only.

If you have a dial gas meter, follow the same steps as the dial electricity meter, but you don’t need to follow the process of underlining figures.

CHOCOLATE lovers have been left thrilled after discovering a “strange combo” hidden within a new Cadbury’s bar.

The expert chocolate makers have tried their hand at creating a bold new flavour that has got shoppers going wild online trying to hunt down the sweet treat.

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Customers have finally started getting their hands on Cadbury‘s new Dairy Milk Pink Lemonade edition which has recently hit some shelves across the globe.

Described as being the classic Dairy Milk chocolate on the outside with a “flowing raspberry lemonade flavoured centre”, the snack is sure to attract chocolate fans.

A picture of the oozing pink creme coming from the choc soon went viral online with hundreds curious as to what it tastes like.

One intrigued shopper said: “Oooh i wanna try this.”

A second said: “Need to try that.”

As a third simply said: “Yummy.”

Despite the seemingly global appeal for fresh new flavours of chocolate the pink delight is actually only available in one country so far.

Australia is the lucky nation who currently sell the Dairy Milk variation with it being seen in various stores including the iconic Woolworths.

They have the 46g bar’s flying off the shelves at the moment.

For those Brits who are interested in trying out exactly what a mixture of fizzy raspberry and smooth milk chocolate is like then the best bet is to order a bar online.

Ebay are currently advertising a bulk order of the bars online with other companies such as WorldSnacks also having them in stock for a range of different prices.

How to save money on chocolate

WE all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don’t have to break the bank buying your favourite bar.

Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs…

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Go own brand – if you’re not too fussed on flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you’ll save by going for supermarket’s own brand bars.

Shop around – if you’ve spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it’s cheaper elsewhere.

Websites like Trolley.co.uk let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Look out for yellow stickers – supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they’ve been reduced.

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They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best before date or the packaging is slightly damaged.

Buy bigger bars – most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar.

So if you’ve got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger.

More chocolate bargains

It comes as shoppers are racing to stock up on their chocolate treats for Christmas – don’t miss out.

Choccie fans were thrilled to see tubs of the nation’s favourites at amazing slashed prices in Tesco ahead of the festive period.

The mega deal starts online and in stores tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25.

Customers will need a Clubcard to bag the discount – which will see Cadbury Heroes, Celebrations, Cadbury Roses and Quality Street reduced from £6.00 to £3.95.

This means shoppers will be pocketing a 34 per cent discount on the sweet treats and saving £2.05.

Meanwhile, Asda shoppers were delighted after discovering a Cadbury chocolate advent calendar is selling for just 85p in stores.

The deal has been shared on the Extreme Couponing and Bargaining Facebook group and users are shocked by the reduced price.

It is a Cadbury Dairy milk advent calendar, containing 24 milk chocolates in various festive shapes.

On the Cadbury website, the calendar sells for £2.25, meaning this Asda bargain is 62% discounted from the original price.

Plus, B&M shoppers are rushing to buy festive chocolate treats that are perfect for kids’ Christmas Eve boxes.

The bargain retailer’s festive selection box has social media users going wild as they plan ahead for Christmas.

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STRICTLY Come Dancing has returned to our screens for its 20th anniversary.

If you have the bug for all things swing, samba and salsa, why not try the moves yourself.

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Here’s how to keep dancing on a budget . . . 

SILVER SWANS: The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) offers free online ballet classes targeted at older learners from around the age of 55, though there is no strict age limit.

There are also in-person Silver Swan lessons across the UK, some of which are free or low-cost.

Take part and find out more at royalacademyofdance.org.

FREE ZUMBA: Get moving with high-energy Zumba Latin dance classes.

If you are a member of a gym, check if it is part of regular schedules you can access.

Or sign up for a seven-day free trial of the Zumba Dance Fitness Workout app.

Set a reminder to cancel after the promo period or you will be charged.

CHEER FROM THE SIDES: Strictly is mostly filmed with a live audience at Elstree Film Studios in Hertfordshire.

The public can soak up the atmosphere with free tickets allocated at random.

The majority for 2024 have gone, but tickets for the Christmas Special could soon be released.

Sign up to the mailing list at bbc.co.uk/showsandtours.

TICKETS FOR A TENNER: Sadler’s Wells runs dance productions from flamenco to hip-hop and everything in between at venues across London.

If you are between 16 and 30, you can get a free Barclays Dance Pass, which unlocks cut-price £10 tickets across Sadler’s Wells venues.

Sign up at sadlerswells.com.

TEA DANCES: Some local authorities run free or low-cost tea dances for older residents.

Contact your local council to find out more.

Or many of the over 120 local Age UKs across the country hold dance classes that vary from line dancing to ballet.

All are low cost, if not free.

Ask at your local branch or call 0800 678 1602.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability

Deal of the day

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BAT those lashes with a Benefit mascara trio, which is now on offer for £16.20 at lookfantastic.com, down from £27.

SAVE: £10.80

Cheap treat

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MIX up a tasty refreshment with Robinsons ginger and orange fruit cordial, £3, at Sainsbury’s.

What’s new?

ASDA has partnered with influencer Erica Davies to create a capsule clothing collection for autumn.

Prices start from £9 and include this leopard-print cardigan, in stores now.

Top swap

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GET salon-style locks with Dyson’s limited-edition pink supersonic hair dryer, £329.99, from John Lewis.

Or bag a serious saving with Mark Hill’s Pick ’n’ Mix Flexi Air styler £169.99, from Boots.

SAVE: £160

Little helper

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RELIVE classic blockbusters including Twister and Despicable Me 4 in immersive 4DX at Cineworld for just £5 a ticket until October 3.

Find your nearest venue at cineworld.co.uk.

Shop & save

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FILL your home with a delicious seasonal scent from this pumpkin ceramic candle, down from £8 to £5.60 at Dunelm.

SAVE: £2.40

PLAY NOW TO WIN £200

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JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.

Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.

Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.

The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!

MOST firms measure their “return on investments”, known as ROI, but does your company measure “return on experience?”

ROE is a new phrase coined to explain the value added by older workers, by sharing their skills and helping train younger staff.

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With the axing of winter fuel payments and the pension age rising to 67 from 2026, more pensioners are having to go back to work to top up their incomes.

But this “unretirement” has also led to mature staff offering their advice and wisdom to millennial and Gen Z employees.

The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics show the number of over-65s in employment has almost tripled since 2000, with 1.4million — equivalent to one in nine older people — now working. Just like Bob Lawrence, 72 at B&Q.

As a result, increasing numbers of firms are now actively seeking to build “inter-generational workforces” to capitalise on ROE, with hotel chain Hilton recently launching a recruitment drive to target over-50s.

Lyndsey Simpson, founder of 55/Redefined said: “Many people lack purpose in retirement and are keen to be productive, work and learn new skills. This is driving a huge wave of older adults coming back to their previous profession on a more flexible or part-time basis, or applying for roles to do something completely new.”

Many older workers are still seeking to expand their skillset, either taking on a new second career in a different industry or doing an apprenticeship, most of which are open to any age.

Firms including B&Q, Govia Thameslink and British Gas have all hired apprentices in their 60s and 70s.

While workers aged 65 and above mostly work part-time, a growing number are going full-time employment beyond the state pension age.

Dr Karen Hancock of the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Workers with up to 50 years of workplace experience have an incredible wealth of knowledge to share.” Find out more at 55redefined.co and restless.co.uk.

IMPRESS A.I. WITH YOUR CV

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MOST firms now use AI to screen job applicants, so how can you stand out?

Aarti Uplenchwar, at software firm Workday, knows. She says: “Your CV is still the most important tool.”

Here are her CV tips . . . 

• Tailor it to the job: This may be time-consuming but is essential.
• More is not always better: Consider what experience you do and do not include, and which skills and certifications. Address what the employer wants, as they may use AI to look for specific skills.
• Make your skills shine: Organisations are shifting from a focus on job experience to looking at skills, so put these at the top of your CV. Create a section below your profile, then also highlight what skills you gained in your experience section – maybe problem-solving or creativity. The employer may have used AI to find the skills they need.
• Be specific about achievements: Keep them brief but detailed enough to showcase the problem you solved and how. You could say how much you increased revenue, or cut costs.
• Show personality: Hobbies and interests are key here. Sport, for example, suggests you may be good at teamwork, as well as healthy.
• Make your CV easy to read: Ensure it is clearly laid out. Whether a human will be looking over it, or AI, it must be easy to scan.

KNOW YOUR HEART

ONE patient every five minutes is hospitalised with a heart attack – and employer support is vital to recovery.

This Sunday is World Heart Day and Travelodge manager Mark Wenlock has told how the hotel chain helped him after a recent triple heart bypass op.

He said: “I was itching to get back to work but they wouldn’t hear of me returning early. My manager visited me in hospital and the team got someone in to cover my role. They were world-class.”

Now he is campaigning to raise awareness. He said: “If any-thing feels out of the ordinary around the chest, get checked.”

Travelodge staff have raised over £970,000 for the British Heart Foundation, and rolled out the charity’s CPR training tool RevivR.

See bhf.org.uk/revivr