But in a 1997 study by the University of Illinois Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, canned fruits and vegetables have as much dietary fiber and vitamins as the same corresponding fresh foods, and in some cases, even more.
Some companies take advantage of this and charge more for fresh and organic fruits and vegetables than their canned counterparts.
Obtaining key nutrients from canned foods can save consumers money
Amid the steady drumbeat from nutrition experts and others to consume a healthier diet – particularly one rich in fruits and vegetables – there often is a bias to eat more of the fresh variety for optimal nutrition. But is fresh always best? Not necessarily.
Dr. Cathy Kapica, PhD, RD, adjunct professor of nutrition at Tufts University, and Wendy Weiss, MA, RD, both with Ketchum Global Health and Wellness, conducted a market-basket study comparing the cost of obtaining key nutrients from canned, fresh, frozen and dried varieties of common foods. The study found that when price, waste and preparation time are considered, canned foods almost always offered a more affordable, convenient way to get needed-nutrients. The results of this research, funded by the Canned Food Alliance, was presented at a poster session at Experimental Biology 2012 in San Diego, CA.
