Canned and frozen food are two of the most popular types of packaged food available today. They both offer convenience, long shelf-lives, and a variety of flavors to choose from. But what is the difference between canned and frozen food?
Canned food is typically prepared and stored in an airtight container; either a metal can, glass jar or plastic pouch. Common types of canned food include vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, soups and sauces.
The canning process involves heating the contents to a high temperature in order to eliminate bacteria and seal in the flavor. Canned food has a long shelf life of up to three years if stored properly.
Frozen food is preserved through freezing temperatures that prevent microorganisms from growing or spoiling the product. Examples of frozen food include vegetables, fruits, fish, meats, breads and desserts. Freezing locks in the nutritional value and flavor of foods longer than other methods of preservation—up to one year if kept at 0°F or lower.
Nutritional Value
When it comes to nutritional value, both canned and frozen foods can be good sources of vitamins and minerals as long as they are not processed with added sugar or salt. Canned fruits are typically packed with natural sugar while canned vegetables are typically low in fat content.
Frozen fruits often contain more vitamins than their fresh counterparts since they are picked at peak ripeness before being frozen quickly. Frozen vegetables may have fewer vitamins than fresh vegetables since some nutrients can be lost during blanching (a process which involves briefly boiling vegetables before freezing them).
Cost
Canned goods tend to be more affordable than their frozen counterparts due to lower production costs associated with cans. However, frozen foods usually last longer due to their decreased exposure to oxygen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, canned and frozen foods each offer convenience for busy households as well as an array of flavors to choose from. Canned goods tend to be more affordable but have a shorter shelf life whereas frozen food may cost more but last longer due to its decreased exposure to oxygen. When it comes down to nutritional value—both canned and frozen options can still be good sources of vitamins and minerals if they aren’t processed with added sugar or salt.