Surveys suggest that 8 out of 10 Americans consume some sort of canned food regularly. While canned goods offer a seemingly endless shelf life and unquestionable convenience, not all were created equal. In fact, some are so full of preservatives, sodium, and sugar while also lacking the flavor and freshness of their homemade counterparts, that they might leave you wondering why you even bothered to buy them in the first place.
Before you grab a canned good off the grocery store shelf, it’s worth considering whether you’re truly getting your money’s worth—both in terms of flavor and nutritional value. In many cases, homemade alternatives can be healthier, tastier, and ultimately more cost-effective. Better yet, the satisfaction of coming up with your own culinary creations is priceless, adding a personal touch that no can could ever replicate.
We’ve compiled 15 canned foods that you might want to reconsider buying. From soups and sauces to fruits and vegetables, we’re exploring healthier, fresher, and often tastier alternatives that you can easily prepare at home.
1. Soup
Canned soups are often notorious for their high sodium content, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. Additionally, many canned soups contain preservatives and artificial ingredients that detract from their nutritional value, offering little more than empty calories and a salty aftertaste.
Making your own soup from scratch is a healthier and tastier option that allows you to control exactly what goes into your bowl. You can use fresh, seasonal produce for optimal flavor, adjust the sodium level to your liking, and avoid the questionable additives found in many canned varieties.
2. Pasta Sauce
While convenient, canned pasta sauce often lacks the vibrancy and depth of flavor found in homemade sauce. They can also be high in sugar and sodium, contributing to unhealthy diets and masking the natural flavors of your pasta dish. Moreover, some store-bought sauces are made with overly processed tomatoes and lack the freshness of homemade alternatives.
Making your own pasta sauce is simple and surprisingly quick, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices create a sauce that’s both delicious and nutritious, bursting with authentic flavors.
3. Fruit Cocktail
Canned fruit cocktail is typically packed in sugary syrup, adding unnecessary calories and masking the natural sweetness of the fruit. The fruit itself is often mushy and lacks the texture and flavor of fresh fruit, making it a less satisfying and less nutritious option.
Opt for fresh or frozen fruit instead. You’ll enjoy a more vibrant flavor, better texture, and the full nutritional benefits of the fruit without the added sugar. Plus, fresh or frozen fruit offers more versatility, allowing you to create a wider range of dishes, from smoothies to pies.
4. Baked Beans
While canned baked beans are a common pantry item, they often come with a high content of sugar, sodium, and artificial flavors. They might be a quick fix for a side dish, but their nutritional value is questionable. The high sugar content can cause spikes in blood sugar, and excessive sodium can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues.
Preparing your own baked beans from scratch is a healthier and tastier alternative. You have control over the ingredients, can reduce the sugar and sodium, and add your own unique flavor to the recipe. Plus, homemade baked beans are incredibly satisfying and can be prepared in large quantities for meal prep.
5. Corn
Canned corn is a handy ingredient for salads, soups, and side dishes. However, it often lacks the sweetness and crunch of fresh corn, resulting in a bland and mushy substitute. Some brands may also contain added sugar and preservatives, reducing their nutritional value.
If fresh corn is available, it’s a better choice. You’ll enjoy the crisp, sweet kernels and the satisfaction of consuming a whole food without any unnecessary additives. If not, frozen corn is a good alternative that retains much of the flavor and texture of fresh corn.
6. Chili
Canned chili can be a quick meal, but it often contains high levels of sodium and fat, which can lead to health issues. Many brands use fillers like soy protein concentrate and low-quality ingredients, resulting in a less satisfying and nutritious meal.
Preparing your own chili from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, adjust the spice level, and use leaner proteins and healthier beans. Plus, you can prepare a large batch and freeze leftovers for later, ensuring you always have a healthy and delicious meal ready.
7. Tuna in Oil
Canned tuna packed in oil is significantly higher in calories and fat than tuna packed in water. The oil also adds an unnecessary flavor that can mask the natural taste of the fish, making it less versatile for various dishes.
Choose canned tuna packed in water for a healthier option. You can add your own healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, for flavor and nutritional value. This way, you have control over the type and amount of fat you consume.
8. Cream of Mushroom Soup
Canned cream of mushroom soup is a popular ingredient in casseroles and other dishes, but it’s often high in sodium, fat, and processed ingredients. It also contains artificial flavors and thickeners that can detract from the natural taste of mushrooms.
Preparing your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch is a healthier and tastier alternative. You can use fresh mushrooms, milk or cream, and herbs to create a rich and flavorful soup without the added sodium and unhealthy fats. Plus, the homemade version allows you to control the consistency and texture, ensuring a more satisfying culinary experience.
9. Refried Beans
Canned refried beans are a common convenience food, but they’re often high in sodium and can contain lard or other unhealthy fats. They’re also typically made with processed beans that fall short of the flavor and texture of freshly cooked beans.
Making your own refried beans is a healthier and more flavorful option. You can use dried beans, which are more affordable and nutritious, and control the amount of fat and sodium you add. Homemade refried beans are a delicious and versatile addition to tacos, burritos, or nachos.
10. Green Beans
Canned green beans are often mushy, overcooked, and lack the vibrant flavor and crispness of fresh green beans. They can also be high in sodium and may contain preservatives, which can detract from their nutritional value.
Opt for fresh or frozen green beans instead. They’re easy to cook, either by steaming, roasting, or sautéing, and offer a more satisfying texture and flavor. Plus, fresh or frozen green beans retain more nutrients than their canned counterparts.
11. Tomatoes
While canned tomatoes are a pantry staple for many, they often lack the vibrant flavor and sweetness of fresh tomatoes. Canned tomatoes can also be acidic and may contain added salt, which can be a concern for those watching their sodium intake. Additionally, the canning process can sometimes affect the texture of the tomatoes, making them less appealing for certain dishes.
If fresh tomatoes are in season, opt for those instead. You’ll enjoy a burst of flavor and a juicier texture that canned tomatoes simply can’t replicate. You can also use canned tomatoes that are labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added” to reduce your sodium intake.
12. Chicken or Meat
While canned chicken or meat can be convenient for quick meals, it often misses the mark on the flavor and texture of freshly cooked meat. The canning process can make the meat mushy and dry, and it often contains added sodium and preservatives.
Opting for fresh or frozen chicken or meat allows you to cook it to your preferred level of doneness and season it with fresh herbs and spices. You’ll enjoy a more satisfying meal with better flavor and texture, while also avoiding the unnecessary sodium and preservatives found in canned versions.
13. Ravioli
Canned ravioli might seem like a quick and easy meal solution, but it often falls short in terms of taste and quality. The pasta can be soggy, the filling bland, and the sauce overly sweet or salty.
Making your own ravioli from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience. You can choose your preferred filling, whether it’s cheese, meat, or vegetables, and create a flavorful sauce to complement it. Homemade ravioli is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s worth the effort.
14. Pumpkin Pie Filling
Canned pumpkin pie filling is often loaded with sugar and spices, making it overly sweet and less versatile for other uses. It also lacks the depth of flavor that comes from using fresh pumpkin.
Preparing your own pumpkin puree is simple and allows you to control the sweetness and spice level. You can use it for pies, soups, or other savory dishes.
15. Gravy
Canned gravy is often made with artificial flavors, thickeners, and preservatives. It lacks the richness and depth of flavor found in homemade gravy.
Making your own gravy from scratch is simple and only requires a few ingredients, such as pan drippings, flour, broth, and seasonings. You can customize the flavor to complement your dish and avoid the artificial ingredients found in canned gravy.
20 Things Poor People Waste Money on, According to Suze Orman
If you’ve ever watched her show, you know Suze Orman pulls no punches. She’s all about calling out bad money choices, urging people to take control of their financial destinies and ditch those pesky spending habits that derail progress. While her advice can be blunt, she aims to empower folks to build wealth and protect their financial futures.
It’s important to note, Suze Orman gets flak sometimes for being too harsh. She’s not shaming people, but highlighting how certain expenses can sabotage big goals like homeownership or a comfortable retirement.
20 Things Poor People Waste Money on, According to Suze Orman
These 14 Old Items Are Worth More Than You Realize
Wait! Don’t throw away your old stuff; they could be worth a fortune (or at least a tank of gas). Some of the largest sales in history were generated from the most unexpected items. Let’s look at 14 old items that might be tucked away in your home, covered in dust, or hidden in a box with more value than you realize.
These 14 Old Items Are Worth More Than You Realize
14 Everyday Purchases That Aren’t Worth The Rising Costs Anymore
Remember when a dollar felt like it stretched further? Sadly, inflation is making everyday things surprisingly expensive. It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, though! A few smart changes can go a long way. While nobody wants to feel deprived, it’s getting ridiculous when the price of basic necessities outpaces our paychecks.
14 Everyday Purchases That Aren’t Worth The Rising Costs Anymore
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
