Tesco tinned beans shortage sparks chaos as supermarket forced to issue major apology

Supermarket Tesco issued an apology after customers were left empty-handed when trying to buy tinned beans, including butter beans, borlotti beans, and even black beans

Tesco has issued an apology following a shortage of tinned beans on store shelves. The shortage reportedly affects butter beans, borlotti beans, black beans as well as chickpeas.

The problem is understood to be a temporary one that only affects a small number of Tesco's own-brand beans. Frustrated customers took to social media to share their concerns about the situation. One customer took to X/Twitter, writing: "What's happening to your range of own brand tinned beans? Nothing is in stock and for the last few weeks?" Another added: "Why is no one talking about the fact there is a bean shortage in Tesco? I want my beans." While a third posted: "How come your Lisburn store doesn't have any tinned beans? Like kidney or black etc?"

Another added: "Why is no one talking about the fact there is a bean shortage in Tesco? I want my beans." While a third posted: "How come your Lisburn store doesn't have any tinned beans? Like kidney or black etc?"

One customer reported having seen "empty shelves" for tinned chickpeas, black beans as well as cannellini beans at two different locations in the past week. One other customer said: "The Tilbury Calcutta Road shop is not being restocked, four days now, no chickpeas no butter beans no kidney beans."

Tesco reportedly said: "We are experiencing some temporary availability issues on a small number of our own-brand bean lines. We apologise for the inconvenience caused."

Tesco shoppers were recently left gobsmacked earlier this month after a customer revealed the stores latest anti-theft tactic. Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have soared 23 per cent to more than 490,000 incidents being recorded between September 2023 and September 2024, according to the office of National Statistics.

Region Security Guarding reports that supermarkets most frequently lose packed meat, razor blades, alcohol, beauty cosmetics, and cheese to thieves. One TikTok user turned heads by posting a video showing Tesco's transparent locked cabinets in the alcohol section.

They captioned the clip: "New security in Tesco," showcasing a touch screen that instructs: "Hello. The cabinet is locked for security reasons. Please tap the arrow below for access."

One TikTok viewer hit our at the measure: "That's what happens when Tesco prices are too high and people are resorting to theft (not that I condone it)." Meanwhile, another sceptic predicted: "Shoplifters will just wait for the door to open and then nick everything and just walk out in front of security. Like they always do."

Another praised the measures adding: "It has facial recognition - if you've shoplifted from anywhere else and got caught, it won't open." While another shopper posted: "If the door stays open for a few seconds or more security are alerted, shelves are 'weighted' so Tesco knows what bottle has just been removed. Also checks door is closed. For pricey alcohol only cabinets."