Canned foods don’t always get the love they deserve, but some really do beat out fresh. When it comes to consistency, flavor, and ease, a few pantry staples actually work better straight from the can. With no soaking, peeling, or endless chopping required, these foods make cooking easier without sacrificing taste. Here’s a rundown of canned options that might just surprise you with how good they are.
Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are a pantry hero whether they’re in diced, paste or crushed form. They’re picked and canned at peak ripeness, which gives them a rich, concentrated flavor that’s perfect for sauces, soups, and stews. Fresh tomatoes can’t always offer the same consistency and depth, especially out of season. Plus, canned tomatoes break down easier, making sauces smoother and more flavorful.
Chickpeas
Canned chickpeas are ready to go—soft, creamy, and perfect for hummus or tossing into salads. Fresh chickpeas require soaking and long cooking times, and even then, they don’t have that same instant, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The canning process helps soften them to the ideal consistency.
Pineapple
Canned pineapple packs a punch of sweetness without the hassle of peeling and cutting. It’s perfect for baking, cocktails, and even pizza (yes, pineapple on pizza!). The canning process mellows out any acidity, giving it a consistent sweet-tart balance that’s hard to beat with fresh.
Pumpkin
Canned pumpkin puree is thick, smooth, and perfect for baking. Fresh pumpkin can be watery and inconsistent in flavor, while canned pumpkin gives you that rich, sweet taste every time. Canned pumpkin is also convenient, saving you from the peeling, roasting, and mashing that fresh requires.
Corn
Canned corn is always tender and sweet, straight out of the can. Fresh corn is great, but out of season, it can be starchy and tough. Canned corn is perfect for soups, salads, and even cornbread, where you want that soft, sweet texture without worrying about what’s in season.
Artichoke Hearts
Fresh artichokes are delicious but require a lot of work to clean and cook. Canned artichoke hearts, on the other hand, are soft and tender, ready to throw into salads, dips, or pastas. They offer a delicate flavor with none of the hassle.
Beans (Black, Kidney, etc.)
Canned beans are a huge time-saver and have a perfect tender texture. Cooking dried beans from scratch takes hours, and they don’t always turn out as soft. Canned beans go from can to plate instantly and are great for everything from chili to tacos.
Green Chilies
Canned green chilies add a mild, tangy spice that’s perfect for salsas, sauces, and dips. Fresh chilies can be unpredictable in heat level and texture, while canned chilies give you a consistent, mellow flavor with just the right amount of heat.
Crab Meat
Fresh crab is delicious but expensive and tricky to work with. Canned crab meat is ready to use in recipes like crab cakes or dips and has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The canning process keeps it tender and easy to incorporate into dishes without all the cracking and picking.
Peaches
Canned peaches are always juicy and sweet, perfect for desserts or adding to breakfast bowls. Fresh peaches are great in season, but they’re hard to find ripe year-round. Canned peaches keep that sunny, sugary flavor, no matter the season.
10 Common Pantry Items You Should Never Store Together
Stacking your pantry with everything in one place might feel efficient, but some foods just don’t get along. The wrong neighbors can lead to faster spoilage, odd flavors, or even unwelcome pests. Certain foods release gases or absorb moisture, while others pick up every smell in their space. Knowing which items need a little distance can keep your food fresh and save you the hassle of wasted groceries.
Read it Here: 10 Common Pantry Items You Should Never Store Together
Out of Ideas? 11 Ways to Make Canned Meat Amazing
Tired of the same old canned meat and fish? It’s time to get creative! We’ve put together 11 easy ways to spice up those canned staples and turn them into tasty meals. These recipes will make you see canned food in a whole new light!
Read it Here: Out of Ideas? 11 Ways to Make Canned Meat Amazing
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
