# Are there any commercially sold canned foods that cannot be simply opened and eaten safely/healthfully if the situation demands? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 8, 2026, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300 "2026-03-08T16:02:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/21 "2026-03-09T01:51:27Z")
Just a (probably obvious) reminder - but a lot of people start worrying about how much and what type of food and neglect to store sufficient water. If you’re in a wet area or have local wells, fine, but water is likely to fail soonish, even if you’re gravity fed, and is a more immediate need, especially, if like many Americans, you’re already carrying round a emergency external fuel tank around your waist like myself. And water takes a lot of space to store. I also mention this because a ton of canned foods (not all of course) have a metric ton of sodium. Sure, worrying about your sodium to water balance is probably a longer term worry than a SHTF scenario, but… A second question for @StarvingButStrong - you’re seeming to outline a plan for a shelter-in-place sort of thing, where bulk and weight are secondary issues, but having some of your shelf-stable foods prepared in a lighter weight format is a good idea in preparing an emergency evacuation bag. One of the things inherent in a lot of this sort of discussion is heating your emergency food, as seen here. That means a LOT of semi- or unprepared people starting fires, which they may not have prepared for. And if there’s an interruption in power, fuel, and water, and a lot of fires, well, that’s a really bad situation for runaway fires. Otherwise, stock foods that are high in non-sugar energy-to-weight. Soups, or anything watery aren’t going to give you much energy for the weight (though are a secondary source of water), and many canned fruits are the same. I’d go with lower sodium options like canned sardines (though pricey) or tuna (ideally with little to no salt) ideally in oil for more energy density (rather than water), lower-sodium/sugar canned bean options (baked bean options are often the worst), and other higher fat/protein options. @MacDoc’s suggestion is also fine, _especially_ for a bug-out/evac bag, but you’re _generally_ paying higher costs, getting slightly reduced durability, and marginally lower shelf life than quality canned goods. And of course, if shit gets really screwed up and you loose or break your can-opener, well, those cans aren’t going to be fun at all! Otherwise, and back to the explicit ask of the OP, unsafe canned goods are going to be the rare exception not the norm in terms of cooking. But as always plan for careful storage of the cans, and do periodic inspections to check for degradation, swelling, dents or other damage. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/22 "2026-03-09T02:26:48Z")
> [@MacDoc](#): > > Consider sachets instead of cans. Lighter, takes up less space, easy to open…cheap protein ( tuna ) when on sale. StarKist, Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea all sell tuna in foil pouches here in the States. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/23 "2026-03-09T02:31:35Z")
One of my favorite YouTubers, Suttons Daze, endorses fondue pots for heating up things during a power outage. I have yet to acquire one, but it’s a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/24 "2026-03-09T03:07:38Z")
Re. water unless you have a tested and proven source like a well, chances are that “wild” water is unfit for human consumption. Even in wet areas _safe_ water may be hard to come by; in a terrible irony drinking water may be unavailable during a flood. As far as water purification goes, you get what you pay for: cheap filters may not be fine enough to remove viruses (and viral dysentery is a thing), have low throughput, clog fairly rapidly, and if they freeze wet they’ll crack and be worthless. Boiling will kill pathogens but can be fuel intensive and will do nothing for chemical contamination (there are crystal clear streams in the West that are deadly from mine runoff). Bleach, iodine, etc. are useful but again beware of chemical contamination. If you intend to process water of unproven cleanness you’ll need a purification system rated for viral, petrochemical and heavy metal detoxification. Rain catchment systems must themselves not contaminate the water (the runoff from your roof will have chemicals leached from your shingles and/or bird poop). Stored water can be either from your faucet or purchased. For economy’s sake eschew individual servings and buy by the gallon or more; in a true grid down situation you’ll need water not just for drinking but for cooking and washing. Your options depending on expense, storage area and perceived need can range anywhere from a few spare gallon jugs of grocery store spring water to huge cistern storage, or anywhere in-between. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 11, 2026, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/25 "2026-03-11T13:55:42Z")
Split this topic on March 11, 2026, 1:55pm UTC A post was merged into an existing topic: [Nonobaddog cornfielded posts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nonobaddog-cornfielded-posts/1028367/2) ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/26 "2026-03-09T14:12:31Z")
A 2nd line of emergency food is dehydrated. They’re light and easily stored. I’d suggest staring with canned foods and gradually switch to dehydrated as the other supply runs out. > **[Amazon.com: Mountain House 3-Day Emergency Food Supply | Freeze Dried Survival &...](https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-House-Assortment-Freeze-Dried-Preparedness/dp/B0FVMWY31L)** > > Since 1969, Mountain House has been the trusted leader in freeze-dried meals for camping, backpacking, hiking, and emergency food storage. Known as the original and best-tasting brand, Mountain House makes comfort food that feels like home—even when... ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/27 "2026-03-09T14:33:29Z")
> [@Lumpy](#): > > Rain catchment systems must themselves not contaminate the water (the runoff from your roof will have chemicals leached from your shingles and/or bird poop). There’s nothing problematic in the runoff from my roof that can’t be avoided by filtering through an old shirt and then boiling the water. Of course, fuel is a problem. If i don’t have electricity or gas i can’t stay here very long. My home is just not suitable for a survival situation, for a ton of reasons. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/28 "2026-03-09T15:11:43Z")
> [@StarvingButStrong](#): > > I’m not going full on prepper, but I’m starting to think about building up a several month’s worth stash of food – the state of the world and climate irregularities and all. Several months worth of food is a lot to stockpile. I think you should only stock stuff you will readily eat and rotate the stock, so you consume the oldest portions. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/29 "2026-03-09T15:19:14Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > think you should only stock stuff you will readily eat and rotate the stock, so you consume the oldest portions. Seconding. Possible exception for some freeze dried in a go bag; but certainly do this for canned goods. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/30 "2026-03-09T15:21:05Z")
There’s no point in stockpiling stuff that you don’t like to eat and would only eat if there’s no other option. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/31 "2026-03-09T15:39:29Z")
I stockpiled a month of so of food during the pandemic (i bought it early, before the shut downs) and we ate our way through all of it, except some shelf-stable milk and a pound and a half of beans. It was a bit of a nuisance to use the dried beans (i usually prefer canned, which don’t require advanced planning) but i felt good about my choices. We currently have our usual week-or-so in the house. (I had planned to stockpile a week of food for y2k, but looked at my cupboards, and realized i didn’t have room because they were full of canned goods and rice and pasta and lentils and peanut butter and… So i borrowed a few 5 gallon bottles of water from a friend who gets water delivered, and had a lot on his basement, and returned it early that January. I also decided that if things really went south and weren’t fixed within a week i was just screwed, and there was nothing i could do to prevent that.) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/32 "2026-03-09T16:07:06Z")
Yeah, I like the dehydrated stuff for stockpiling. Don’t buy those survival kits. It’s overpriced and they are Fear-selling you. You can replicate anything they sell in packed boxes for a very discounted price if you’re s careful shopper. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/33 "2026-03-09T16:09:23Z")
A better idea of how long canned food is good for is if you look up the codes for the date it was canned and mark that in readable form rather than the presumed expiration date. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2026, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/34 "2026-03-09T17:33:09Z")
The real problem for us would be finding a decent variety of gluten-free products. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/35 "2026-03-10T00:34:25Z")
is woolworths still around where you live? ---
**Author:** ![MacDoc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/macdoc/32/18696_2.png) [@MacDoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacDoc)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/36 "2026-03-10T00:57:27Z")
Yes indeed - one of the majors. Not sure there is a shared history. > Woolworths Australia **began as a “Stupendous Bargain Basement” in Sydney’s Imperial Arcade in December 1924, founded by five entrepreneurs**. Originally a variety store known for fixed-price items, it grew into a national supermarket giant by adopting self-service in the 1950s and expanding into every state ( Australian state) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/37 "2026-03-10T01:08:23Z")
> [@ParallelLines](#): > > Otherwise, stock foods that are high in non-sugar energy-to-weight. Soups, or anything watery aren’t going to give you much energy for the weight (though are a secondary source of water), and many canned fruits are the same. Well, they will need water. For that reason, I like canned fruit cocktail in juice. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/38 "2026-03-10T01:37:40Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > Well, they will need water. For that reason, I like canned fruit cocktail in juice. Which why I brought up water in the first part of the post you quoted. Safely stored water can be used for other purposes including personal hygiene and other cleaning. Fruit syrup really can’t. I’d rather have _more_ pure water and less water-as-food in the situation. In terms of calorie density and utility, I’d rather have fat \> protein \> carbs \> sugar. But as other worthies have said, if you’re not going to eat it, what’s the point of having it. Having some canned fruit that you can reward yourself with and enjoy may be a factor in keeping up your motivation! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/39 "2026-03-10T01:45:01Z")
You can drink the fluid from any canned food. I’d steer away from sauerkraut. It doesn’t taste to good to drink. Then again ..I’m thinking I might like it. I’ll let you know​😵‍💫 ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2026, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300/40 "2026-03-10T02:28:42Z")
Canned peaches are very refreshing after a long days hike. I rarely eat fresh peaches. I have two cases of can peaches in my emergency food supply. Canned soups are another item I stock. They’re better heated but it’s safe to eat them directly from the can. I try to find the regular cans. Pull tops may not have the same shelf life. Any air that gets into the can will cause the contents to spoil. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-commercially-sold-canned-foods-that-cannot-be-simply-opened-and-eaten-safely-healthfully-if-the-situation-demands/1028300.md?page=3)