5 Canned Goods Kitchn Editors Never Buy
I am not ashamed to admit that I consider Shop Rite’s annual Can Can Sale to be a national holiday. The blowout promotion has been around for almost 50 years, and for nearly half of that I’ve either witnessed (or participated in) the sacred ritual of loading up as many cans as can fit into one cart. Consider my pantry STOCKED.
While I love canned tomatoes for sauces, canned beans for chili and meal prep, and canned tuna for salads and melts, there are a select few canned items that I just can’t bring myself to buy. My fellow Kitchn staffers agree.
Here are the canned items you probably won’t see us stocking up on anytime soon.
1. Canned Soup
“Canned soups are just way too salty for me. I even find the low-sodium versions to be over-salted. The ones that are considered ‘the best’ still taste processed to me. I’d rather just make a quick soup myself (like this roasted tomato soup).” — Sheela Fiorenzo, Assistant Food Editor
2. Canned Fruit
“I usually stay far away from canned fruit because it’s often drowning in syrup, which is just a code word for copious amounts of added sugar. I’d rather buy the frozen stuff instead.” — Lisa Freedman, Lifestyle Director
3. Canned Mushrooms
“It took me awhile to come around to fresh mushrooms, so the thought of buying them in a can really freaks me out. I imagine them to be slimy and gray. Maybe I am missing out, but I don’t see myself trying them anytime soon.” — Grace Elkus, Senior Food Editor
4. Canned Beets
“I grew up eating canned beets doused in vinegar and sprinkled with dried oregano. Is that weird? But ever since I figured out the best way to peel roasted beets (hint: you’ll need some paper towels!), I refuse to make them any other way. Also, in adulthood, I find canned beets to be way too mushy.” — Lauren Masur, Staff Writer
5. Canned Pasta Sauce
“I firmly believe that you should either buy canned tomatoes and make sauce yourself or get it in a jar. I don’t know why this middle ground of canned tomato sauce exists.” — Ariel Knutson, News & Culture Editor
What about you? Are there any canned goods you just don’t ever buy?