What Canned Food Did Soldiers Eat in WW1?

During World War I, the food that soldiers ate was drastically different than what they were accustomed to. The menu of the average soldier in WWI included canned meats, canned fruits, and canned vegetables.

While these foods were certainly not gourmet fare, they were staples for keeping the soldiers going on a daily basis.

The most common type of canned food eaten by WWI soldiers was corned beef. This was a very popular item as it had a long shelf life and could be easily transported to the frontlines where it could be cooked into a stew or hash.

Other types of canned meats like pork, bacon, and beef tongue were also common.

Canned fruits like peaches and pears were also popular items in the diets of WWI soldiers. These fruits could be eaten right out of the can or cooked into pies or other desserts. Canned vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas became staples in many meals as they did not require much preparation before eating them.

In addition to these canned items, soldiers would often supplement their diets with dried goods such as hardtack biscuits and other grains. Hardtack biscuits in particular became a symbol of World War I as it was an extremely durable form of food that lasted for months without spoiling.

Conclusion:

The staple foods for WWI soldiers consisted largely of canned meats, fruits, and vegetables along with some dried goods like hardtack biscuits. While these items may not have been appetizing at times, they kept the soldiers nourished during their time at war.