Frozen vs Canned Veggies: Which is Better?

  • Thread starter Topher925
  • Start date
In summary, frozen vegetables are better than canned because they have no preservatives and retain their nutrients.
  • #1
Topher925
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Is it better to buy vegetables that are flash frozen or ones that come in a can? I would think it would be better to buy the ones that are frozen as I would imagine would have no preservatives and maintain their nutrients. Canned stuff is a lot more convenient though but I figure since its at room temp they must contain some kind of chemical preservative.
 
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  • #2
The only preservative in canned food is normally sugar or salt - pasturising the content and cans is enough to stop most things going bad.
 
  • #3
Eat whichever one tastes best to you :)
 
  • #4
Eat the frozen ones. Those cans are way too hard on ones teeth.
 
  • #5
Flash-frozen vegetables and fruits are often processed quite promptly, and because of that, nutrients that can be broken down by the enzymes in those foods may be more concentrated in flash-frozen foods than in canned foods, and certainly in foods that are incorporated into processed meals and frozen later as a matter of convenience and presentation. You might want to give frozen convenience food a wide berth, since their labels are very long and contain stuff that you don't necessarily want to eat. Frozen meals are especially high in salt content, for the most part.
 
  • #6
I don't ever go near frozen meals these days but I do eat a lot of vegetables that I buy frozen. If I buy a frozen bag of corn the ingredients are just "corn". The stuff in the can sometimes will say things like "corn, salt, sodium nitrate", or something like that.
 
  • #7
I've spent a little time around food processing operations - flash frozen.
 
  • #8
A quick Google search will tell you that fresh and frozen vegetables are comparable (with frozen edging out "fresh" at times given that "fresh" vegetables can spend considerable time in storage and shipping.)

The arguments between canned and frozen seem to favour frozen because canning requires cooking at high heats that can reduce nutrients.

Personally? Frozen over canned because of flavour and texture. Canned vegetables are invariably squishy and have a disgusting feeling in your mouth. And they don't taste as good. I'd go with frozen.
 
  • #9
I prefer frozen over canned for the flavor too. Whichever one gets you to eat your veggies is probably better than none at all.
 

1. What is the nutritional difference between frozen and canned veggies?

Frozen vegetables typically have higher nutritional value compared to canned vegetables. This is because frozen vegetables are picked at their peak ripeness and then flash-frozen, preserving their nutrients. On the other hand, canned vegetables are often processed and may contain added sodium or preservatives, which can decrease their nutritional value.

2. Does the cooking method affect the nutritional value of frozen and canned veggies?

Yes, the cooking method can affect the nutritional value of both frozen and canned vegetables. Boiling vegetables can cause some nutrients to leach out into the water, while steaming or microwaving can help retain more nutrients. It is important to follow the recommended cooking instructions for each type of vegetable to preserve their nutritional value.

3. Are there any differences in taste between frozen and canned veggies?

Yes, there can be differences in taste between frozen and canned vegetables. Frozen vegetables tend to have a fresher taste and retain more of their natural texture, while canned vegetables may have a slightly mushier texture and can be more bland in flavor. However, the taste can vary depending on the specific vegetable and brand.

4. Are there any environmental considerations when choosing between frozen and canned veggies?

Yes, there are some environmental considerations to keep in mind. Canned vegetables require more resources to produce and transport, leading to a larger carbon footprint. On the other hand, frozen vegetables can also have a significant carbon footprint due to the energy required for freezing and storing them. It is important to consider the source and production methods of both options when making a decision.

5. Which option is more cost-effective: frozen or canned veggies?

In general, frozen vegetables tend to be more cost-effective compared to canned vegetables. This is because frozen vegetables often have a longer shelf life and can be purchased in larger quantities. However, the cost can vary depending on the specific vegetable and brand. It is important to compare prices and consider the nutritional value when making a decision.

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