The Best And Worst Jarred And Canned Shortcuts, Ranked By Nutritionists

The Best And Worst Jarred And Canned Shortcuts, Ranked By Nutritionists

Whether you're suffering from cooking fatigue or you only have 10 minutes to get supper on the table between your seventh Zoom call and the end of the kids' school day, product shortcuts are an efficient way to whip up a meal that's tasty and easy to put together. But not all pre-made options are created nutritionally equal.Processed products like canned soup, salad dressing and even pasta sauce can be full of sodium, refined sugar and fat to preserve their shelf life and enhance their flavor, adding hidden calories to a meal. On the other hand, they can also be an efficient way to get vitamins and nutrients without the hassle of peeling and chopping and cooking. Brands are responding to consumers' desire for healthier options, so reading the label can be an essential step when picking one option over another.Below, nutritionists rate your options and provide healthy suggestions.OlenaMykhaylova via Getty ImagesNutritionists say eating canned fruits and vegetables is better than eating no produce at all.#1 (Healthiest) Canned fruit or vegetables Fiber-rich and vitamin-filled, canned fruits and veggies can boost the nutrient quotient in soups, stews, spreads and more. As registered dietitian nutritionist Karen Ansel pointed out, “Hardly anyone eats