Canned foods are a great option when you need a quick meal or snack.
When defining a canned item as “unhealthy,” there are several factors that come into play.
When choosing which items to purchase, you might narrow down the better options with the following criteria.
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Look for options with zero added sugar.
For a fool-proof guide to canned food shopping, avoid the following unhealthiest canned food on the planet.
With nearly twice as much fat as protein, theseLibby’s Vienna Sausagesare not a lean option.
Courtesy of Libby’s
What Are Nitrates and Nitrites?
A one-cup serving provides nearly 1,000 milligrams of sodium, whichcan contribute to high blood pressure and heart attacks.
Excess sugar intake canincrease your risk of diabetes, CVD, certain cancers, and other chronic diseases.
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A half-cup serving ofthis fruit cocktailprovides 21 grams of sugar.
In general, baked beans are made with added sugar and are better left on the shelves.
Beans are a source of fiber, protein, and iron, making them a nutritious food.
Courtesy of Hormel
This ingredient is often found in soda and candy, and lurks in processed savory items, too.
You’ll also find nearly 900 milligrams of sodium per one-cup serving.
Eating too much of this nutrient can raise cholesterol levels, increasing your risk for heart disease and stroke.
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While they provide minimal fat and saturated fat, they are quite high in sodium and added sugar.
Additionally, the low protein content makes this less ideal for a complete meal.
In fact, this item has the highest sodium content per serving on our list!
Courtesy of Del Monte
Additionally, you’ll be getting added sugar, caramel coloring, and sodium phosphate.
Additionally, they contain more calories from saturated fat than protein, giving them a less-than-ideal nutrient balance.
Most canned cranberries, jellied or whole form, contain some amount of added sugar.
Courtesy of Serious Bean Co.
For this reason, you are better off making your own at home.
With only two grams of protein per serving, this option doesn’t count as a balanced meal.
Additionally, it provides no fat and minimal fiber, making it lacking in essential nutrients.
Courtesy of Campbell’s
What it does have is too much sodium and added sugartwo ingredients that aren’t known for promoting health.
Rosarita Refried Beans
Whatthis productdoes have going for it is its fiber content.
However, you’re free to get this important nutrient from other canned beans without the added lard.
Courtesy of Libby’s
Refried beans are traditionally made with lard, a source of saturated fat that could deteriorate your heart health.
Not to mention, a half-cup serving contains nearly 600 milligrams of sodium.
Instead, opt for lower sodium, vegetarian beans that are made with oil instead of lard.
Progresso
You’re better off withfresh or frozen fruitor canned options without added sugar or syrup.
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Courtesy of Ocean Spray
Campbell’s
Courtesy of Rosarita
Courtesy of Manwich
Del Monte
