The New ‘Make Beans Bold’ Campaign
There’s an exciting new campaign happening across the UK, funded by The National Lottery, celebrating one of the most affordable, nutritious and sustainable foods we have: beans.
The Make Means Bold campaign is encouraging people to make small but meaningful changes for their health and the planet, and bring more beans into our diets.
Here’s why this humble staple deserves a permanent place on your plate.
1. Beans Are Incredibly Good for Your Health
If you’re trying to improve your energy, digestion, metabolism or overall wellbeing, beans are your friend.
They’re naturally high in fibre
Most people in the UK fall dramatically short of the recommended 30g of fibre per day. Beans offer an easy fix; just half a cup of cooked beans contains around 7–9g of fibre, depending on the variety.
That includes:
Soluble fibre – helps lower cholesterol
Insoluble fibre – supports digestion
Resistant starch – feeds your gut bacteria and supports metabolic health
This combination makes beans brilliant for:
Gut health
Blood sugar balance
Feeling fuller for longer
Reducing cravings
A steady energy source
Because they digest slowly, beans help keep your blood sugar stable, meaning fewer mid-afternoon slumps and less reaching for quick fixes.
Packed with nutrients
Beans are rich in:
Folate
Iron
Magnesium
Potassium
Plant-based protein
All are essential for energy, mood regulation, and long-term health.
2. Beans Are One of the Most Sustainable Foods on Earth
The Make Means Bold campaign isn’t just about personal wellbeing; it’s also about choices that support the planet.
Low carbon footprint
Growing beans produces far fewer greenhouse gases compared to animal protein.
Good for the soil
They naturally “fix” nitrogen into the soil, reducing the need for fertilisers and supporting healthy farmland.
Minimal water use
Beans need significantly less water to grow than many other protein sources.
Affordable and accessible
Tins of beans are cheap, widely available and have a long shelf life, making them an easy everyday staple.
In other words, beans nourish you and nourish the planet too.
3. Easy Ways to Add More Beans to Your Week
You don’t need complicated recipes. Try adding beans to:
Soups
Salads
Stir-fries
Stews
Pasta dishes
Traybakes
Homemade dips (like hummus or butter bean mash)
Or simply mix a handful into whatever you’re already cooking; they’re incredibly versatile.
The Make Means Bold campaign is a wonderful reminder that small everyday choices, like adding a scoop of beans to your meal, can transform your health and support a more sustainable food system.