Everyone knows how convenient canned foods can be, but that doesn’t mean they’re all as healthy or appetizing as they make out. A lot of options are overly processed, loaded with additives, or just plain gross compared to fresh or frozen alternatives. To make sure you’re only going for options you’ll actually want to eat, let’s take a look at some canned goods that are best left on the shelf.
Canned Asparagus
Asparagus is healthy and has a nice mild flavor many people love. But unfortunately, the canned variety tends to be overly soft and soggy, making it far less appealing than its fresh or frozen counterparts.
That natural crispness and vibrant flavor we love so much? It usually gets completely lost in the canning process. So if you’re craving asparagus, it’s best to pass up on the can and go for fresh stalks or frozen spears.
Canned Pasta
Yes, canned pasta can be very convenient, but it’s also very mushy and overly processed. These products are often swimming in salty, sugary sauces that completely overpower the dish. Preparing pasta from scratch or even opting for frozen versions will usually offer a much tastier and healthier alternative.
Canned Spinach
It’s hard to understand why anyone thought canned spinach would be a good idea. It tends to take on a disgustingly slimy consistency that can ruin your recipe before it even begins. The fresh, vibrant taste you get from using fresh or frozen spinach simply doesn’t compare.
Canned Fruit in Syrup
You might think that canned fruits should be pretty healthy, but they’re actually often packed in syrup that’s loaded with unnecessary sugar, turning a healthy snack into something closer to dessert. If you’re health-conscious, fresh fruit is always a better choice. On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a shelf-stable option, choose canned fruit packed in water or 100% fruit juice to keep things natural and nutritious.
Canned Tuna in Oil
Many people enjoy can-packed tuna, so what’s the big problem? Well, it may be okay to eat, but it’s often packed in oil that can feel heavy and greasy, overpowering its natural flavor. Tuna in water is a lighter and more versatile option that works well in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. It also tends to have fewer calories, making it a better choice for anyone who’s serious about their health.
Canned Mixed Vegetables
Vegetables should be healthy enough to eat in any form, right? Well, they may be reasonably healthy, but cans of mixed veggies often end up tasting more like the can itself. The textures are inconsistent—some overly mushy, others oddly firm—and the added salt doesn’t help much either!
Frozen mixed vegetables maintain their crunch and vibrant flavor, making them a much better choice overall.
Canned Cheese Sauce
Okay, we can all agree that canned cheese sauce is convenient and comforting when you’re having a rough day. But still, the overly processed taste and artificial ingredients are hard to overlook. Whipping up a simple homemade cheese sauce is surprisingly quick and far more flavorful. In our opinion, it’s worth the extra effort for a fresher, creamier result.
Canned Chicken
Chef Ramsay would be absolutely appalled by this one. The texture of canned chicken often leaves a whole lot to be desired—it’s stringy, overly salty, and simply lacks the juiciness of fresh meat. If flavor and texture matters to you at all, stick with fresh or frozen chicken.
Canned Soup
You might be surprised to see this one on the list, as it’s one of the most popular canned foods out there. However, many canned soups are loaded with sodium and preservatives, making them a pretty unhealthy choice. While they’re convenient, you’ll find that homemade soups, or even lower-sodium boxed versions, taste fresher and allow you to have greater control over the ingredients.
Canned Mushrooms
If you’ve ever tried canned mushrooms, you may be familiar with the rubbery texture and briny taste they tend to have. This unappetizing experience is far removed from the earthy richness of fresh varieties. Fresh mushrooms can be sautéed, grilled, or roasted to bring out their natural flavor, while canned ones rarely add anything of substance to a dish and may even detract from it.
Canned Chili
While canned chili can be a big time-saver, it often comes with a heavy dose of sodium and artificial flavors too. Making your own chili from scratch lets you pick out your own seasoning and ingredients, resulting in a much fresher and tastier dish that’s worth the effort.
Canned Potatoes
Nobody enjoys the mealy texture of canned potatoes, which simply can’t hold a candle to the fluffy or creamy consistency you get with fresh ones. No matter whether you’re eating them mashed, roasted, or boiled, starting with fresh potatoes makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Canned Crab Meat
Canned crab meat will always fall flat when compared to its fresh or even frozen counterparts. It can be very watery and lacks the sweet, briny flavor that makes crab so delicious and unique. For recipes that call for crab, you’re much better off investing in fresh meat.
Canned Corned Beef
Corn beef is an American staple, but the highly processed and often overly salty canned versions simply don’t offer the flavor or texture of freshly prepared options. Cooking corned beef from scratch certainly takes a bit more time, but it also delivers a far superior taste that’s well worth the effort.
Canned Sausages
A lot of people reach for canned mini sausages when they’re doing their weekly shop. But sadly, they’re typically packed with preservatives and artificial flavors that make them far less appealing than fresh options. If you’re craving sausages, fresh or frozen varieties are not only tastier but also healthier.
Canned Beets
The best thing about beets is their earthy sweetness and firm texture, and the canning process kills that completely. On the other hand, roasting or steaming fresh beets brings out their natural flavors. For salads or side dishes, fresh beets are definitely worth the extra effort.
Canned Pumpkin Pie Mix
When the colder months roll in, canned pumpkin pie mix can feel like a comforting and convenient option. But the thing is, these pre-sweetened and spiced mixes limit your ability to adjust flavors in recipes. That’s why plain canned pumpkin is a better alternative, allowing you to customize the sweetness and spice levels for a more balanced and homemade taste.
Canned Tomato Sauce
Most people chuck their canned tomato sauce into a sauce or chili, so does it really matter if it comes from a can? Well, basic canned tomato sauce is often overly processed and salty, meaning it lacks the depth of flavor you can achieve with a homemade version. By starting with canned tomatoes and adding your own seasonings, you can create a richer, fresher sauce that will take your dish to the next level.
Canned Green Beans
Like asparagus, canned green beans are often limp, mushy, and overly salty, making them a less-than-ideal addition to your meals. Fresh or frozen green beans are a lot better at retaining their crispness and flavor, so we’d recommend sticking to the good stuff.
Canned Gravies
As you may have noticed, pre-made canned gravies often have a salty, processed taste that can overpower your meal. Making your own gravy using pan drippings or a simple stock base is not only easy but also makes for a much fresher and more flavorful result.