SHOPPERS have been left perplexed by a mysterious tin of “Boris Beans” that was photographed in a supermarket.

A member of the public said the product, an apparent protest against the current cost-of-living crisis, was found in a Tesco Express.

The "Boris Beans" are said to come in a tasty “austerity sauce” with “misery guaranteed”.

It comes after a Tory minister said hard-up families should switch to supermarket value brands to survive.

Warrington Guardian: Boris baked beans in austerity sauceBoris baked beans in austerity sauce

Jess Tilley, who discovered the beans in the store in Tesco, said: “I had popped into Tesco Friday afternoon on my way home to grab a few items when I noticed the tin on the shelf.

“I had a closer look and was surprised to see that it was an artistic protest - no doubt over recent comments from the Conservative minister saying that those who cannot afford food should eat 'value range'."

The reverse of the can instructs potential buyers to ditch the product and suggests a donation to charity instead.

The cost-of-living crisis has seen many people across the UK choose between purchasing food or paying their bills, as energy prices suddenly increased.

Many believe Boris Johnson's government should be doing more to help those in need.

Warrington Guardian: Do not buy this product, it saidDo not buy this product, it said

 

Environment Secretary George Eustice was recently branded "out of touch" after he used an interview with Sky News to urge cash-strapped households to buy cheaper products.

He admitted soaring food and energy bills would “undoubtedly put a pressure on household budgets” but he maintained it could be managed by shopping more wisely.

He told Sky News: “Generally speaking, what people find is by going for some of the value brands rather than own-branded products – they can actually contain and manage their household budget.”

Warrington Guardian: The tin on a shelf in a Tesco Express, BrightonThe tin on a shelf in a Tesco Express, Brighton

His comments came as the latest figures show shop prices are up 2.7 per cent on last year, marking their highest rate of inflation for more than a decade.

While energy company BP recorded a profit of £4.9 billion in the first three months of this year.

Tesco has been contacted for comment.