Although retailers are warning that a no-deal Brexit could lead to temporary food shortages, with people already stockpiling with packet food, including tins of food, the government has said food supplies will be secure whether we leave the EU with or without a deal. But when it comes to tinned foods, we tend to think tinned food is less nutritious than fresh or frozen, but according to diet experts – that isn’t always the case.

British Nutrition Foundation

Bridget Benelam, a Nutrition Scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation confirmed that although there wasn’t a lot of data about nutrients in canned food, versus frozen, some canned foods are nutritionally better than others. When it comes to nutrition, not all canned foods are created equal. While there isn’t extensive research comparing canned and frozen foods, some options stand out as more nutritionally beneficial than others.

Tinned oily fish, such as salmon, along with beans, lentils, and chickpeas, provide a valuable source of fibre and are naturally low in fat, making them a healthy addition to your diet. However, the canning process does have its downsides. Some water-soluble vitamins – essential for healthy skin, strong bones, and a well-functioning nervous system are lost along the way, as they aren’t stored in the body. Choosing the right canned foods can help you maintain a balanced diet while ensuring you get the most nutritional value from your meals.

Loss of Certain Nutrients in Tinned Foods

With tinned foods there may be losses of certain nutrients like vitamin C and thiamine, which can also be lost when cooking fresh food, but it depends on your diet overall on whether this would have an impact. It’s important we get a good balance of food in your diet and not just rely on tinned foods.

Researchers' Findings

Researchers have attempted to measure the loss, by comparing frozen, fresh and tinned fruit and vegetables. Their findings suggest that although frozen foods lose fewer nutrients initially when they are packaged, when you boil them, they can lose a similar amount to the canned version.

Also, freshly picked uncooked fruit and vegetables although they contain lots of nutrients once stored in the fridge they will begin to degrade over time. (Source: bbc.co.uk)