Skip to content
Skip to content
logo

Make smart choices for canned, boxed, and bagged foods.

"I like the convenience of packaged foods, but I'm told they're unhealthy."

Photo of a girl reading the label on a box of cereal

"I like the convenience of packaged foods, but I'm told they're unhealthy."

  • Choose foods made from ingredients that you can picture in their raw state or growing in nature. If you see something you can’t pronounce and think was made in a lab, look out.
  • Don’t be fooled by big health claims on a package. Health claims such as “low-fat” can distract you from something less healthy such as high sugar or sodium.
  • Avoid foods with sugar listed in the first three ingredients. Look out for hidden added sugars.
  • Look for 100% whole grain foods; find this label or the word “whole” in the first ingredient (whole oats, whole wheat, whole corn).
Try This

This week, try one EatFresh.org recipe that uses your favorite canned, boxed, or bagged foods. 

What are ultra-processed foods?
Related Recipes
Tuna Pasta Marinara
15 mins
thumbnail
Whole Wheat Pasta with Diced Tomatoes and Salmon
40 mins
thumbnail
Turkey Chili
40 mins
thumbnail
Avocado, Rice, and Beans
50 mins
thumbnail
Souped-Up Soup
15 mins
thumbnail
Fruit Crisp
45 mins
thumbnail

“Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider and employer. Visit http://calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.”