About The Buzz: Eating Canned Foods Leads To Better Nutrition In Children?

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Children whose diets include canned fruits and vegetables have higher levels of fruit and vegetable intake, because all forms of fruits and vegetables contribute to a healthy diet.

WHY THIS MATTERS

The majority of children are not meeting the Dietary Guidelines for Americans nutrition recommendations. These recommendations encourage everyone, adults and children alike, to fill half their plate – both meals and snacks – with fruits and vegetables each day.¹

Let’s look at the numbers …

• 6 in 10 children do not eat enough fruit.
• 9 in 10 children do not eat enough vegetables.²

A recent analysis looked at the dietary patterns of 17,000 children between the ages of 2 to 18 from 2001 to 2010.³ Researchers compared the diets of children who consumed canned fruits and vegetables compared to children who did not. It might surprise you, but the children who ate canned produce had better dietary outcomes. Here’s what they found …

• Children who ate canned fruits and vegetables ate 22% more veggies than children who didn’t eat canned.
• Children who ate canned fruits and vegetables ate 14% more fruit than children who didn’t eat canned.

Parents who incorporate more canned fruits and vegetables into their diets are able to affordably and nutritiously feed their families. This study demonstrates that children who ate canned produce also consumed a diet higher in nutrients, such as protein, fiber, vitamin A, calcium, and potassium, all of which are necessary for optimal growth and development. It is important that parents understand canned foods provide a convenient, healthy alternative to fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables when they’re making dinner quickly or feeding their family on the go.

OUR ADVICE

Below are resources that provide more information on the benefits of canned foods and how to incorporate them into your diet. Do you have doubts about canned fruits and vegetables?

5 Ways to Learn More about the Benefits of Canned Foods

1. 5 Facts About Canned Foods
2. Are Canned Fruits and Vegetables Good For You?
3. 5 Canned Food Myths – Busted!
4. Sugar in Canned Fruit: Clearing Up the Confusion
5. Canned Food = Better Nutrition

For additional canned food facts, nutritional information and recipes, visit Mealtime.org.