The #1 Underrated Canned Food You Should Be Buying, According to a Food Writer

Packed with nutrients and flavor, this affordable canned food is a culinary cornerstone for busy cooks.

Here’s why it deserves a spot in your cart.

Never had I been more attuned to what I was stocking in my kitchen.

a photo of a grocery basket with canned food it in

Photo:Getty Images

Now, that way of living has become the norm.

I’m talking, of course, about canned tomatoes.

Here’s why they deserve a top spot on your grocery list.

Up in Canada, where I’m from, that’s most of the time!

And that’s where canned tomatoes genuinely shine.

I love how canned tomatoes bring a hint of summer to my cooking, no matter the season.

Each pop in lends itself well to different dishes.

This is also a fun, kid-friendly job!

Then, there are also the specialty tomatoes.

Convenience

I’d be remiss not to talk about the (obvious) convenience factor.

There’s no washing, chopping or seeds to scoop out.

But this accessible pantry staple couldn’t be more versatile.

Come summertime,pico de gallois a frequent flier in our house.

Aside from straight-up tomato sandwiches, it might be my favorite way to use tomatoes fresh.

But you haven’t lived if you haven’t made canned-tomato salsa.

It’s so easy and delicious that I keep a jar in my fridge at all times.

Here’s a tip that might surprise you: Try roasting canned whole tomatoes.

Then, add those canned tomatoes to your favorite dishes.

The result is akin to fire-roasting and transforms the flavor, making you forget all about their fresh counterparts.

Beyond their culinary capabilities, canned tomatoes offera lot of nutrients.

With rising food costs, canned tomatoes offerexcellent value.

Plus, their long shelf life means less food waste.

From a sustainability standpoint, they’re also a win.

They’re processed close to where they’re grown, reducing transportation emissions.

And the cans themselves are widely recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Canned tomatoes are an A-plus pantry staple.

EatingWell.com, July 2024

U.S. Department of Agriculture.

FoodData Central.Tomatoes, crushed, canned