When it comes to grocery shopping, canned foods are a convenient and often affordable choice. They have a long shelf life and can be a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch. However, not all canned goods are created equal. Some can be a poor choice for your wallet, your taste buds, and even your health. So, let’s unmask these canned culprits and find out why they should be avoided.
1. Canned Soup
Canned soup may seem like a great option for a quick and easy meal, but it can be a hidden source of unhealthy ingredients. Many canned soups, such as those from Campbell’s, are loaded with sodium. This can lead to increased blood pressure and other health issues if consumed in high quantities.
Moreover, canned soups are often packed with preservatives and artificial flavorings to maintain their shelf life. These additives can have a negative impact on your health over time. It’s also worth mentioning that canned soup tends to be less filling than fresh or homemade versions, so you may find yourself reaching for snacks sooner than expected.
Lastly, canned soups often don’t provide a good bang for your buck. They’re less nutritious than homemade soup, and for the price of a few cans, you could easily make a larger batch of soup from scratch.
2. Canned Vegetables
While canned vegetables may seem like a convenient way to get your daily greens, they can be a nutritional letdown. The canning process often depletes vegetables of their vitamins and minerals, meaning you’re not getting as many nutrients as you think.
Like canned soup, canned vegetables are often high in sodium. They also frequently contain preservatives to increase their shelf life. If you’re trying to limit your intake of these additives, canned vegetables may not be the best choice.
When it comes to cost, canned vegetables can be more expensive than fresh or frozen options. So, unless you’re in a situation where fresh or frozen vegetables aren’t available, it’s best to skip the canned versions.
3. Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a pantry staple for many, but it can be a less-than-ideal choice for a couple of reasons. First, canned tuna can be high in mercury, a heavy metal that can lead to health problems if consumed in excess.
Second, the quality of canned tuna can vary significantly. Some brands, like Bumble Bee and StarKist, have been involved in scandals related to the quality and sustainability of their tuna. And let’s not forget about the taste – canned tuna doesn’t hold a candle to fresh when it comes to flavor.
Lastly, canned tuna often contains added salt and vegetable broth, increasing its sodium content. For a healthier option, look for canned tuna in water with no added salt.
4. Canned Pasta
For many, canned pasta like Chef Boyardee is a nostalgic childhood favorite. But when you look at the nutritional content, it’s clear that this is one canned food to avoid. Canned pasta is typically high in sodium and sugar, and it doesn’t offer much in the way of nutrition.
Furthermore, canned pasta often contains artificial colors and flavors. These additives are used to make the pasta look and taste more appealing, but they don’t offer any health benefits.
Canned pasta also tends to be more expensive than making pasta from scratch, and the taste can’t compare to a home-cooked meal.
5. Canned Baked Beans
Canned baked beans, like those from Heinz, might be a BBQ staple, but they’re not the best choice for your health or your wallet. They’re often loaded with sugar and salt, and the nutritional content doesn’t make up for these unhealthy additions.
Plus, canned baked beans often contain artificial flavors and preservatives to ensure a long shelf life. If you’re trying to avoid these additives, canned baked beans should be on your “do not buy” list.
When it comes to cost, canned baked beans can be pricier than making your own. And if you’ve ever tasted homemade baked beans, you know the flavor is far superior to anything you’ll find in a can.
6. Canned Fruit
Canned fruit might seem like a quick and easy way to get your daily servings of fruit, but it’s not the best choice. Many canned fruits are packed in heavy syrup, which is loaded with added sugar.
Furthermore, much like canned vegetables, the canning process can deplete fruits of their nutrients. So, while you might think you’re making a healthy choice, you’re not getting as many vitamins and minerals as you would from fresh fruit.
Finally, canned fruit is often more expensive than fresh or frozen options. So, for the sake of your wallet and your health, it’s best to stick with fresh fruit whenever possible.
7. Canned Meat
Canned meat, such as SPAM or canned chicken, might be convenient, but it’s not the healthiest or most cost-effective choice. Canned meats are often high in sodium and contain preservatives to extend their shelf life.
Moreover, the quality of canned meat can be questionable. The meat used is often lower quality, and the taste and texture can leave a lot to be desired.
When it comes to cost, canned meat is often more expensive than fresh meat, especially when you consider the quality you’re getting. It’s worth spending a little extra for fresh meat that you can cook and season to your liking.
8. Canned Chili
Canned chili, like the ones from Hormel, might seem like a warm and hearty meal option, but it’s another canned food to avoid. Canned chili is often loaded with sodium, and some brands contain high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener linked to health issues.
Moreover, canned chili often contains textured vegetable protein, a highly processed soy product, instead of real meat. And the taste? Let’s just say that homemade chili is in a league of its own compared to the canned version.
When it comes to cost, canned chili can be more expensive than making your own chili from scratch. Plus, with homemade chili, you can control the ingredients and make it just the way you like it.
9. Canned Sausages
Canned sausages, like Vienna sausages, might be a quick snack or meal option, but they’re not the best choice for your health or your wallet. These sausages are often high in sodium and fat, and they contain preservatives to extend their shelf life.
Moreover, canned sausages are typically made from a mix of meats and are not the highest quality. The taste and texture are also not comparable to fresh sausages.
When it comes to cost, canned sausages can be more expensive than buying fresh sausages. So, while they might be convenient, they’re not the best choice for your health or your wallet.
In conclusion, while canned foods can be a convenient choice, they’re not always the best option for your health or your wallet. By choosing fresh or homemade alternatives, you can enjoy more nutritious meals and save money in the long run. So, next time you’re tempted to reach for a can, consider these points and make a more informed choice.
