The low-priced source of protein and fibre is back on the menu in many households as families feel the pinch.

Proudfoots supermarket, which has stores in Scalby Road, Eastfield and Seamer, has seen sales of value beans go up 25 per cent in the last five to six weeks.

Valerie Aston, a buyer at Proudfoots, said: "Sales of the value beans are noticeably up, but with Heinz we've seen a steady rate of sale.

"The increase is certainly there, but really it could be down to anything – maybe people have just discovered a new beans recipe!

"But in general we are seeing that value items are growing in popularity."

However, Richard Oglesby, manager of Morrisons in Scarborough, has not noticed bumper sales of beans.

He said: "We've had some store promotions on beans which may have hidden an actual increase in sales, but we've certainly noticed an increase in sales of value brands in general. People are feeling the pinch at the moment."

The humble baked bean is back in vogue on a national level as well as in Scarborough – sales have risen by over 12 per cent during the past year, passing the £300 million mark for the first time.

This could buy each household in Britain more than 22lb – or 23 large cans worth – of high quality baked beans.