Tesco shoppers have been left frustrated as a shortage of popular tinned beans sparks empty shelves and online complaints.

The supermarket giant has confirmed it is currently facing "temporary availability issues" with several of its own-brand bean products, including butter beans, black beans, borlotti beans, and chickpeas. The shortage, believed to be caused by supply chain disruptions, has hit customers hard, particularly those who rely on these staples for everyday meals. While Tesco insists the problem is affecting only a small number of its own-brand lines and will be resolved soon, shoppers are taking to social media to express their dismay.

One X (formerly Twitter) user asked: "What's happening to your range of own brand tinned beans? Nothing is in stock and for the last few weeks?" 

Another posted: "Why is no one talking about the fact there is a bean shortage in Tesco? I want my beans."

Others reported localised issues in stores. One customer wrote: "The Tilbury Calcutta Road shop is not being restocked, four days now, no chickpeas, no butter beans, no kidney beans."

Another said: "Empty shelves for tinned chickpeas, black beans and cannellini beans in two different stores in the last week."

Despite the shortage, Tesco’s popular own-brand baked beans in tomato sauce remain unaffected, offering some relief to loyal bean-lovers.

Tesco said in a statement: “We are experiencing some temporary availability issues on a small number of our own-brand bean lines.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused and are working with our suppliers to resolve this as quickly as possible.”