Ever stared down the grocery aisle, faced with a wall of shiny metal cans, and wondered which one holds the tastiest, most reliable meat inside? It’s a common struggle! Canned meats offer incredible convenience—they last forever and are perfect for quick meals or emergency supplies. But navigating the world of corned beef, Spam, potted meat, and chicken can feel like a guessing game. You want flavor and quality, but you don’t want to waste money on something disappointing.
Fear not, fellow food explorers! This deep dive cuts through the confusion. We are going to break down exactly what makes a great can of meat. You will learn the differences between popular brands, discover smart ways to use these pantry staples beyond just sandwiches, and finally feel confident grabbing that next can off the shelf.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of shelf-stable savory goodness as we explore the best canned meats available today.
Top Canned Meat Recommendations
- Four (4) 4.5 oz cans of Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water
- Ready-to-eat, fully cooked chicken chunks
- Premium white chicken meat with no antibiotics or added MSG
- 98% fat free, gluten free and an excellent source of protein, with 12 grams in each 4.5-ounce can
- Eat it on crackers, add it to salads, or use it in any recipe that calls for diced chicken breast, such as buffalo chicken dip or chicken salad
- Two (2) 12.5 oz cans of Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water
- Ready-to-eat, fully cooked chicken chunks
- Premium white chicken meat with no antibiotics or added MSG
- 98% fat free, gluten free and an excellent source of protein, with 15 grams in each 3-ounce serving
- Eat it on crackers, add it to salads, or use it in any recipe that calls for diced chicken breast, such as buffalo chicken dip or chicken salad
- 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗨𝗠 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗧: Enjoy a highly adaptable grade of crab meat made from smaller white body pieces of wild caught blue swimming crab, ideal for crab cakes, salads, quesadillas, wraps, soups, crab balls, and everyday seafood dishes. A convenient option for home cooks and foodservice use alike.
- 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔: Harvested from blue swimming crabs sourced from tropical Southeast Asia waters, this premium crab meat offers consistent texture and flavor year-round. Ideal for shoppers looking for dependable, high-quality canned seafood for hot or cold dishes.
- 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗: Convenient pasteurized crab meat that is fully cooked and easy to use straight from the can, saving prep time for busy kitchens. Perfect for seafood salads, crab cocktails, pasta dishes, or warm recipes that highlight its delicate flavor.
- 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘: Pasteurization allows this canned crab meat to maintain quality for up to 18 months under proper refrigeration, offering reliable stock for meal planning, restaurant use, home entertaining, and consistent menu preparation year-round.
- 𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦: Special crab meat offers a beautiful presentation when used to stuff fish, chicken, vegetables, or seafood. Its versatile structure holds well in countless recipes, making it perfect for appetizers, entrées, party platters, salads, casseroles, and coastal-inspired cooking projects.
- Six 10 ounce cans of Premium Shredded Chicken Breast
- 19g of protein per serving
- 98% fat free
- Contains: Sulfites
- Amazon Grocery has all the favorites you love for less. You’ll find everything you need for great-tasting meals in one shopping trip
- Six (6) 4.6 ounce cans of Armour star original vienna canned sausage
- Versatile, ready to eat canned sausages offer an easy meal
- Vienna sausage cans contain canned meat that is gluten free and made with chicken, beef and pork
- Eat right out of the can, add to recipes or serve as an appetizer
- Ready to eat meat in a can that doesn’t require any cooking
- Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli is a delicious and convenient meal that is ready to eat in minutes and has delighted families for generations
- Made with enriched pasta, smothered in hearty, Italian-flavored tomato sauce, and stuffed with real beef, Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli has the timeless flavor you'll love
- When you need a quick meal, Chef Boyardee has your back. Just pop the easy-open lid, and in 90 seconds dinner is ready to serve
- Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli is so simple and easy to prepare, anyone can grab it off the shelf for a quick and filling snack
- Each 15 oz, easy-open can of Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli contains 2 servings of ravioli and tomato sauce, with 8 grams of protein and 220 calories per serving. This pack contains 4 cans
- 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗨𝗠 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗣 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗧: This lump crab meat blend combines broken jumbo lumps with smaller whole pieces of wild caught blue swimming crab, creating a hearty, satisfying texture that works beautifully in crab cakes, sautéed dishes, dips, and elevated appetizers. It offers dependable quality for both home cooks and foodservice kitchens.
- 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔: Sourced from sustainable tropical waters, this blue swimming crab offers dependable year-round availability. Each can delivers naturally sweet, delicate flavor that elevates appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and gourmet seafood meals with reliable consistency.
- 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗: Convenient pasteurized crab meat that is fully cooked and easy to use straight from the can, saving prep time for busy kitchens. Perfect for seafood salads, crab cocktails, pasta dishes, or warm recipes that highlight its delicate flavor.
- 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘: Pasteurization allows this canned crab meat to maintain quality for up to 18 months under proper refrigeration, offering reliable stock for meal planning, restaurant use, home entertaining, and consistent menu preparation year-round.
- 𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦: Lump crab offers a beautiful presentation when used to stuff fish, chicken, vegetables, or seafood. Its versatile structure holds well in countless recipes, making it perfect for appetizers, entrées, party platters, salads, casseroles, and coastal-inspired cooking projects.
- One 12 oz can of Libby's Corned Beef
- Ready to eat canned meat offers a convenient snack or meal starter
- Made with beef meat and savory seasonings for traditional flavor
- Cube, slice or crumble canned beef and eat cold or heat
- Fits a low carb lifestyle with 1 gram of net carbs per serving (1 gram total carbs minus 0 grams dietary fiber)
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Canned Meat: Stock Up Smartly
Canned meat is a pantry staple for good reason. It lasts a long time, it’s easy to use, and it provides quick protein. Whether you are building an emergency kit or just need a fast dinner ingredient, knowing what to look for makes all the difference. This guide will help you choose the best canned meat for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a can, several things tell you about the quality inside. Look closely at these features:
1. Meat Type and Cut
- Variety: Canned meats come in many forms—tuna, chicken, ham, salmon, and even beef. Decide what flavor you need first.
- Whole vs. Flaked: Some cans offer large chunks or whole pieces (like corned beef). Others have finely flaked or shredded meat. Whole pieces often look better when served cold, while flakes mix easily into casseroles.
2. Liquid Content (Packing Medium)
- Water or Brine: This is the most common packing liquid. It keeps the meat moist. Check the sodium level if you watch your salt intake.
- Oil: Some fish, like sardines or certain tuna, are packed in oil (like olive oil). This adds flavor and healthy fats but also calories.
- In Gravy/Sauce: Some ready-to-eat meals (like canned stew or chili) come in a thick sauce. This is great for immediate serving but usually contains more additives.
3. Sodium and Additives
Many canned meats use salt to preserve them. Check the nutrition label. If you need low-sodium options, look specifically for those labels. Also, check for added preservatives or fillers.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The material of the can itself is important for safety. The contents are what matter most for taste.
The Can Itself
Most modern cans are made of steel. High-quality cans use BPA-free liners. BPA is a chemical that some people worry about. Always check if the can states it is “BPA-Free” for extra peace of mind.
The Meat Quality
- Source: For fish, look for terms like “pole-caught” or “sustainably sourced” if you care about the ocean.
- Ingredients List: A good can of plain chicken should mostly list chicken and water/salt. If the list is very long with many chemical names, the quality might be lower.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one can taste great and another taste just okay?
Quality Boosters:
- Drain Weight: This tells you how much actual meat is in the can versus the liquid. A higher drain weight means you get more food for your money.
- Processing Time: Meats processed quickly after being caught or prepared often taste fresher.
Quality Reducers:
- Damage: Never buy a can that is dented, bulging, or leaking. This signals that the seal might be broken, which is dangerous.
- Texture: Very soft, mushy meat usually means it has been sitting too long or was packed poorly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Canned meat shines when you need convenience. How you plan to use it dictates the best type to buy.
Quick & Easy Meals:
For fast snacks or lunches, ready-to-eat items like canned chicken mixed with mayo for sandwiches or salmon patties are perfect. They require zero cooking.
Emergency Preparedness:
For survival kits, focus on high-protein, low-water options like canned beef or potted meat. These last the longest and give you sustained energy.
Recipe Integration:
When using meat in hot dishes (like tuna noodle casserole or chili), the texture matters less. You can often save money by buying less expensive, flaked varieties.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Canned Meat
Q: How long does canned meat actually last?
A: If stored properly in a cool, dark place, most canned meat lasts for two to five years past the printed date. Always check the can for damage first.
Q: Is canned meat safe to eat straight from the can?
A: Yes, most commercial canned meats are fully cooked during the canning process. They are safe to eat cold, right out of the can.
Q: Should I drain the liquid before eating?
A: It depends on your recipe and health needs. Draining the liquid removes a lot of the sodium and water, but you also lose some flavor and healthy fats (especially in oil-packed fish).
Q: What is the difference between canned tuna packed in water versus oil?
A: Tuna in water has fewer calories and less fat. Tuna in oil tastes richer and stays moister, but it has more fat content.
Q: Does canning destroy the nutrients in the meat?
A: Some vitamins, especially water-soluble ones, are reduced during the heating process. However, canned meat remains an excellent source of protein, iron, and Vitamin D.
Q: Can I reuse the empty tin can?
A: It is best to recycle the metal can. They are generally not recommended for food storage after they have been opened.
Q: What is “potted meat”?
A: Potted meat is finely ground or pureed meat, often mixed with fat and spices, making it very spreadable, similar to pâté.
Q: Why do some cans bulge or look swollen?
A: A bulging or swollen can usually means bacteria have grown inside, creating gas. Never eat food from a swollen can; it is dangerous.
Q: Are there healthy alternatives to traditional canned meats?
A: Look for canned beans, lentils, or vegetarian protein sources. If buying meat, choose options packed in water instead of heavy oils or sauces.
Q: How should I store unopened cans?
A: Store them in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures (like near a stove or in a hot garage). Keep them off the floor.