The 3 Generic Brands This Nutritionist Swears by When Buying Canned Goods

When it comes to canned goods, I’ve learned two main things from buying them over the last decade. For starters, they’re pretty darn helpful for getting dinner on the table and other meals made — even when you think you have nothing in the house. And second, the brand really does matter. Not all generic canned products are the same, and name-brand doesn’t always mean better quality.

I’ve tried all sorts of brands for canned veggies, soups, and pantry staples in order to find my favorites (that won’t totally bust my budget). What I’ve discovered is that a few big stores have amazing generic canned options that help save me money, eat well, and keep my pantry stocked at all times.

I was so excited when Walmart released their organic line several years back. I mean it when I say that I haven’t had anything from the line that’s disappointed me. The organic, no-salt-added and low-sodium canned veggies are my favorite to date and are ones that always end up in my cart.

For just a few cents more than the non-organic generic options and lower prices than some top organic name brands, these are a great option to help me eat well. Plus, Walmart has so many options within the line, so I never get bored trying new ones! P.S.: This same line of frozen veggies is a great buy, too, by the way!

• No-Salt-Added Organic Tomatoes
• Organic Green Beans
• Organic Pumpkin
• Tomato Paste
• Tomato Sauce
• Organic Green Peas

I consistently keep an eye out each week for when Target releases new Cartwheel savings coupons, because I can almost always find one for their Simply Balanced canned veggies. I’m a sucker for the pretty blue packaging, but it’s obviously the flavor and quality of this brand that keeps me coming back for more.

One of my die-hard, must-have brands of canned diced tomatoes have even been replaced by Target’s Simply Balanced Organic option! I save money on this brand (compared to others). The only problem is that I end up stopping by the store to grocery shop and definitely get tempted by some of the cute home stuff.

• Organic Low-Sodium Chickpeas
  
• Organic No-Salt-Added Diced Tomatoes
  
• Organic Green Beans
  
• Organic Green Peas
  
• Organic Pumpkin

Believe it or not, after comparing several of Whole Foods’ 365 organic offerings against the other two stores above, I’ve learned that the prices are pretty great. For just a few cents more (and sometimes even for the same price, depending on sales) I can buy top-quality, non-GMO canned goods at a great price. So if I pop in to pick up a few items, I know I won’t regret it.

• Canned Artichokes
• No-Salt-Added Green Beans
  
• No-Salt-Added Diced Tomatoes
  
• Chickpeas
• Pumpkin

I realize there are cheaper generic options at other stores — especially if you’re not concerned with eating organic or eating low-sodium items. But for me, these generic brands help me live a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing a lot of money and have never disappointed me. And I have to say, my pantry and wallet thank me for it all year long!

What are your go-to brands? Share them in the comments below!