Shoppers can find just about any of their favorite foods in canned varieties. Convenience is a driving force behind the popularity of canned foods, as such items often are affordable, chopped and/or prepared and easily stored for long durations without the need for refrigeration. When a certain ingredient is needed, all one has to do is go to the pantry and select the right item for the meal.

Despite the benefits of canned foods, shoppers may not have all the facts concerning their nutrition and benefits. To set the record straight, here’s the truth about popular canned items.

Canned foods are nutritionally sound

Canning preserves most nutrients. Healthline reports that protein, carbohydrates and fats are unaffected by the canning process. Most minerals and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K also are retained. However, certain water-soluble vitamins may be affected, such as vitamins C and B. Mixing canned foods with other foods rich in water-soluble vitamins can ensure nutritional needs are met.

Canned foods are tasty

Have a Plant, the Plant-Forward Eating Guide, says canned foods offer comparable taste to fresh and frozen alternatives. Recipes will not suffer if canned ingredients are used in lieu of others.

Canned foods cut down on wasted food

The high-heat canning process locks in freshness and flavor so canned items are shelf-stable for many months. While fresh foods are beneficial, they may spoil if not used in a timely fashion, leading to waste. Often canned foods are packaged in manageable portions, meaning a home cook can grab only what’s needed for a recipe, resulting in less waste as well.

Canned foods are affordable

The charitable organization Canstruction says that canned foods help families stretch their budgets. Fresh green beans are nearly 500 percent more costly than canned green beans, according to an analysis from researchers at Michigan State University. Many other canned foods are less expensive than their fresh or frozen counterparts. Canned items also are put on sale frequently, helping people save even more money.

Canned foods provide variety

Canned options are limitless, meaning families can prepare many different recipes even when access to fresh ingredients is limited, such as when produce is out of season.

Canned foods are not necessarily high in sodium

Yes, certain canned items will be sealed in a saltwater solution, but this isn’t always the case. In addition, many reduced sodium varieties are available for those watching their salt intake. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified bread, cold cuts, cured meats, and pizza as food categories that add the most sodium to Americans’ diets. Canned produce did not make the list. Plus, by draining and rinsing canned foods with fresh water, one can reduce the sodium of salt-containing products.