Canned Food Recipes: How to Use Canned Food in Cooking

Canned foods have multiple advantages and applications. They can be used to make a variety of dishes. That’s why the canned food market has seen steady growth over the past. Canning is also a preferred food preservation method as it requires little to no equipment and is suitable for a wide range of products and canned food recipes. Home canning can also be done to extend the shelf life of cooked dishes like soups or stews. When comparing canned vs frozen vegetables, the main benefit of the former is that it doesn't require constantly low temperatures and electricity to preserve the products. In the next paragraphs, we’ll share some recipes with canned food. If you’re interested in the topic, check out our articles on the usage of canned food in restaurants and how to start a canned food business.

Key takeaway: Manufacturers in the canning industry offer a wide variety of products that can be used as ingredients in cooking or dessert making. Canned vegetables are commonly used for salads, soups, and stews. Canned fruits are primarily used for sweets and desserts.

Recipes with Canned Food

As the canned food industry always introduces new products, there is a wide variety of options on the market. Let’s examine some canned food recipe ideas in different categories.

Canned Food Recipes for Salads

Beans and chickpeas are among the common canned foods. These legumes can be used in various salads. Here are a few examples.

1. Bean salad. It combines different types of beans like kidney and black beans with vegetables like bell peppers, onion, and parsley. The dressing can be simply olive oil, vinegar, and garlic.
2. Pantry salad. Little to no fresh ingredients in the fridge? No problem, just make a pantry salad. It includes various ingredients that are commonly stocked by families. An example of such salad can be combining chickpeas, green olives, corn, tuna, lettuce, and sunflower seeds.
3. Tuna salad. This light and fresh salad is among the beloved food classics. Combine canned tuna with mayonnaise, onion, celery, and parsley. The salad can be served alongside bread or an avocado half.

Canned Food Recipes for Main Dishes

There are multiple options for ready-to-eat canned meals. They require little to no preparation and are convenient options for people with busy schedules. The most common canned goods used by households and the restaurant industry for main dishes are canned meat, seafood, and vegetables. Here are a few canned food recipe ideas for main dishes.

1. Chili. Canned kidney beans and tomatoes are among the main ingredients in chili con carne. Meat, chili peppers, garlic, and onions are other important products in the recipe. Besides chili con carne, there are many other chili recipes that can be done with canned vegetables or meat.
2. Tuna Casserole. Cans are the most popular type of packaging for tuna and other seafood. Consider combining canned tuna with cream of mushroom soup, pasta, and shredded cheese. Bake it until golden brown.
3. Pot pie. It’s one of the favorite dishes in the US and Canada. Pot pie can be made with canned poultry, beef, or seafood. Potatoes, carrots, green beans, peas, and other vegetables are among the other common ingredients used to make a pot pie's fillings.
4. Vegetable soup. There are many different ready-to-eat canned soups on the shelves of supermarkets. You can also use various ingredients to make a vegetable or meat soup. Canned tomatoes, corn, beans, and vegetable broth can be combined with herbs, spices, and chopped onions. The result will be a delicious and hearty soup.

Canned Food Recipes for Desserts

Canning fruits is very common among farmers and landowners. It’s an easy way to preserve these delicious but perishable foods. Fruits are the main food group used in canned food recipes for desserts. That’s why a lot of bakery businesses partner with produce distributors and purchase canned fruits in large quantities. This allows them to cut the cost of goods sold and maximize profits. Let’s check some of those dessert ideas.

1. Compote. Canned fruits are basically a type of compote dessert. However, to add additional flavor, you can mix the syrup with vanilla, cinnamon, or grated coconut.
2. Dump cake. This is one of the easiest desserts you can make with canned fruits. All you need is cake mix and canned fruits like pineapple or cherries. You can make it tastier by adding whipped cream on top after it’s baked.
3. Fruit salad. You can combine different types of fresh and canned fruits with Greek yogurt or other yogurt types. You can also make a vegan and lactose-free version of this dessert by using yogurt alternatives such as coconut yogurt.
4. Cornmeal cake. A delicious and rustic cornmeal cake can be combined with peaches, pears, pineapples, and other fruits. Sprinkle with chopped or sliced almonds to add more crunchiness and nutty flavor.

Popular Ready-to-Eat Canned Food Recipes

Besides cooking with canned products, many also buy canned meals. They can be nutritious and usually require no preparation besides heating them. These factors have made them among the high-demand products in grocery stores. Here are some of the most common ready meals you can find in cans.

1. Beefaroni;
2. Spaghetti and meatballs;
3. Beef stew with vegetables;
4. Chili with beans;
5. Chicken noodle soup;
6. Tomato soup.

Frequently Asked Questions about Canned Food Recipes

Throughout the years, BlueCart has helped wholesalers develop and streamline their business processes. On our blog, we regularly share useful information for business owners. If you want to read the answers to common questions regarding canned food recipes, look no further.

What Is the Best Canned Food to Stockpile?

One of the best practices when stockpiling bulk canned food is to diversify. Businesses usually purchase large quantities of wholesale canned goods in order to benefit from wholesale prices. The products that are commonly purchased depend on the company’s needs. Stockpiling canned products is popular in households too. When preparing an emergency food supply or purchasing in bulk to restock your pantry, make sure you buy a wide range of canned goods. Here are the common canned goods found in household pantries.

• Ready-to-eat meals;
• Vegetables;
• Fruits;
• Poultry, beef, or pork meat;
• Canned soup and sauces;

How Long Can Canned Food Last?

The standard shelf life of canned products is between 12 and 18 months. However, if prepared and stored properly, they can safely be consumed even a couple of years after canning. Keep in mind that the canning process changes the texture and flavor of food. That’s especially true for products like beans or pulses. They might be safe to eat a few years after they’ve been canned but their structure would have changed.

The main advantage of canned foods is their prolonged shelf life. But the process extends it differently for separate products.

Are Canned Food Recipes Healthy?

Yes. Although canned food is commonly associated with low quality, it is a popular myth that canned products are unhealthy. They retain the majority of their nutritional value and can be preserved for a prolonged period of time. The only nutrients lost during the canning process are some vitamins and minerals. That’s why the excess consumption of canned products can lead to avitaminosis.

It’s important to keep in mind that there are low quality and less healthy options on the market as well. These canned goods are made with a lot of additives like sugar and salt. Increased exposure to BPA is also among the main disadvantages of canned foods. That’s why it is highly recommended to buy BPA-free types of canned food.