13 Of The Unhealthiest Store-Bought Canned Foods

What are the health concerns related to canned foods? Such a question might arise while navigating the canned goods aisle during your weekly grocery shop. Upon closer examination of the nutritional labels, one common issue that emerges is the high sodium content found in many of these products, which can increase blood pressure and lead to other heart-related issues. Also, the high amounts of saturated and trans fats can be a problem as they can raise cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

When it comes to ingredients, many canned foods use preservatives and additives to improve taste and texture, or for preservation techniques. However, some of these additives might not be the best for our health. Also, vague terms on the ingredient list like "flavoring" or "natural flavor" can hide more processed or artificial ingredients that might not be good for a healthy diet. Some canned foods also include common allergens like soy, wheat, and dairy, which could be a problem for people with allergies or food sensitivities.

Lastly, canned seafood products sometimes have mercury and other unwanted substances. There's also a noticeable lack of essential nutrients in some canned goods, even if they provide a good amount of protein. And, the high-calorie content in some of these products could lead to overeating and obesity, especially if not balanced with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Like its namesake, Manwich Bourbon BBQ Sloppy Joe Sauce is a sauce that promises a blend of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors to elevate the taste of ground meat in your homemade Sloppy Joe sandwich. Upon closer examination of its nutrition facts, a ¼ cup serving contains 60 calories, with no fats or cholesterol, which may seem positive at a glance. However, it packs 300 milligrams of sodium (13% daily value) and 14 grams of carbohydrates (5% daily value). Among these carbohydrates, a notable 11 grams are sugars, with 9 grams of added sugars (18% daily value). The dietary fiber and protein content are almost negligible at less than 1 gram. 

The ingredient list reveals various types of sweeteners like corn syrup, molasses, high fructose corn syrup, and honey. Dr. Hyman from Cleveland Clinic explains that high fructose corn syrup can "punch little holes in your intestinal lining, causing what we call a leaky gut." He goes on to say that when it's processed in the liver, it sparks fat production, affecting cholesterol levels, and inflammation. He also mentions that this syrup is a significant contributor to obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver failure, which is a main cause of liver transplants.

Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup is a cherished pantry staple, frequently utilized as a quick meal solution or as a base for tomato-infused pasta sauces, casseroles, and stews. It can also enhance comfort dishes like grilled cheese, adding moisture and sweetness to the crunch. The soup boasts six farm-grown tomatoes per can, lending a farm-to-table allure. It provides some vitamin C and potassium, nutrients essential for the body.

A ½ cup serving of this soup has 90 calories, 480 milligrams of sodium (21% daily value), 20 grams of total carbohydrates (7% daily value), inclusive of 12 grams of sugars with 8 grams being added sugars (16% daily value). The high sodium in a single serving is a notable concern as is the quantity of added sugar — especially given it's offset by only 2 grams of fiber. The ingredient list also notes that it contains wheat, which could pose a concern for individuals with gluten sensitivities.

Libby's Vienna Sausage is marketed as a quick snack or a supplementary ingredient to various recipes like casseroles and macaroni and cheese. It's also noted to be keto-friendly, with 10 grams of protein and a net carb count of 1 gram per serving, which might appeal to individuals following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. 

Examining the nutrition facts, a serving size of 130 grams provides 160 calories, with a significant amount of these calories (120) coming from fat. The total fat is 13 grams, with saturated fat being notably high at 20 grams per serving, making up 20% of the daily value. Sodium content is also substantial at 790 milligrams (34% daily value). In addition, the ingredient list reveals the use of mechanically separated chicken and sodium nitrite. 

The potential health complications arising from regular consumption of Libby's Vienna Sausage could be multifaceted. The most obvious being the high saturated fat and sodium. Adding to it, the use of sodium nitrite as a preservative is a concern as it can form nitrosamines, substances found to be carcinogenic, when exposed to high heat or acidic conditions in the stomach, as detailed in a report by the National Toxicology Program. Moreover, a 2021 study by Danika K. Miller, Laura E. Yoder, et al. shows that mechanically separated chicken, which is often created by forcing bones with attached edible meat through an industrial strainer, may not be the most nutritious or high-quality source of protein.

Dinty Moore Beef Stew, on the market for over eight decades, offers a comforting, ready-to-eat meal, especially appreciated during chilly winter days. Its appeal lies in its composition of beef chunks, carrots, and potatoes in a savory gravy. Free from preservatives and gluten, and providing a 10-gram protein boost per serving, It caters to those in search of a quick, nourishing meal.

In a 236-gram serving, the prominent concerns are the sodium content at 990 milligrams (41% daily value), which is the highest on this list, and the 4 grams of saturated fat (20% daily value). Besides increasing the risk of hypertension, per Cleveland Clinic, high sodium intake can lead to water retention, which may cause a sensation of bloating and appearing puffy on the face and stomach.

Despite the favorable protein amount, the ingredient list exposes the presence of several additives, namely disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. Often, these two additives are combined with monosodium glutamate (MSG) to create umami — one of the five basic human tastes. In this soup's case, mushroom extract, a potent source of glutamate, performs MSG's role. According to Allergy Link, this trifecta has the potential to trigger side effects such as migraines, irregular heartbeats, and mouth dryness.

Great Value Clam Chowder Soup is marketed as a warm, savory meal made from wholesome ingredients that bring together clam stock, clam meat, potatoes, celery, and an array of herbs and spices, presenting a flavorful yet easy option for any occasion. 

In a ½ can serving, there are 190 calories, with a significant portion coming from 15 grams of fat (15% daily value), which includes 2 grams of saturated fat (10% daily value) and sodium is quite high at 780 milligrams (33% daily value). Carbohydrate is on the lower side at 6 grams (6% daily value), with only 1 gram each of fiber and sugar. Protein is moderate at 5 grams per serving. Overall, the high level of sodium leads the nutritional concerns, but the main ingredient, canned clams, also pose some risk. 

A 2013 study published in Environment International reported that canned clams have higher cadmium levels compared to fish. Another study by Bo Wang and Yanli Du, in the same year, indicated that cadmium could potentially disrupt the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, impaired smelling, and learning disorders. 

On top of this, Great Value Clam Chowder Soup also includes soybean oil, packed with omega-6 fatty acids.  And, a 2009 American Heart Association study notes that while omega-6 is important, its overconsumption, typical in modern diets, can trigger inflammation, increasing susceptibility to chronic diseases.

Progresso Soup Broccoli Cheese with Bacon is lauded for its creamy consistency with chunks of broccoli and real bacon bits, all packaged for microwave preparation within minutes, all while being gluten-free. While the convenience and taste may be appealing, the overall health benefits seem marginal.

A closer look at the nutritional facts shows that a serving of this soup, which is only 1 cup, contains 170 calories. The total fat is 12 grams, including 4.5 grams of saturated fat (22% daily value). The sodium is high at 800 milligrams per serving, making up 35% of the daily value. This is confirmed by the ingredients list that shows multiple types of cheese and bacon, all high in sodium and saturated fats. Factor in the likelihood of finishing a whole can in one sitting, this soup may not be a top choice for those monitoring their blood pressure and heart health. It's also missing vitamin D.

The soup also contains sodium phosphate to enhance flavor and texture. A 2012 study suggests that consuming artificial sodium phosphate could pose health risks, particularly in individuals with kidney or cardiovascular conditions. Though the soup claims to be free of artificial flavors, the presence of natural flavor might be concealing components that have undergone extensive processing.