Canned foods are a great way to stretch your budget. They last a long time and can be just as nutritious as fresh or frozen options. Canned foods are already cooked during the canning process, making them very easy and convenient. The store has lots of canned food options, like fruits, vegetables, beans, meat, seafood, soups, and more!
Canned Produce
Canned fruits and vegetables are picked at their peak and canned right away, so they are nutritionally similar to fresh or frozen options. They are also available year-round, making them a budget-friendly choice for any season.
Know Before You Go: Canned Produce
- Drain and rinse vegetables to reduce extra salt or look for “no salt added” or “low-sodium” options.
- For fruit, look for items that are canned in water or 100% juice rather than syrup.
- Canned vegetables are a quick and easy way to add veggies to any meal, either as a side dish or as an addition to casseroles or soups.
Canned Proteins, Soups and Other Foods
Canned proteins like beans, fish, and meats are affordable and ready to use. Canned meats and seafood can be served right out of the can or added straight to any meal of your choice. Other popular canned goods include coconut milk, broths, and soups.
Know Before You Go: Canned Proteins, Soups and Other Foods
- Canned meats, fish and beans are great protein options to add to a casserole, soup, or salad, or use them as a base for burgers.
- Try to pick low-sodium soups and broths when you can. Mix in veggies, beans, or seasonings to add your own flavor and creativity to the meal.
- Creamy soups tend to be higher in saturated fat than broth-based soups.
- Bulk up canned meals like soup or pasta by stirring in some canned vegetables. For example, add canned tomatoes or chickpeas to tomato soup, or canned spinach to ravioli.
Tip: Watch out for dented or buckled cans. Sometimes these cans are damaged during shipping or packing, but in other cases, this may mean that the food inside the can has spoiled.