Fresh, Canned or Frozen: Get the Most from Your Fruits and Vegetables

When it comes to buying fruits and vegetables, many factors play a role in which types consumers choose, including nutritional value. All fruits and vegetables — fresh, frozen, canned or dried — are good-for-you foods that can be enjoyed at any time.

Here are ideas for getting the most from your fruits and vegetables, no matter what form they take.

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

• Get the juice. For canned fruit, look for descriptions on the label like "packed in its own juices," "packed in 100% juice," "unsweetened" or "no added sugar." Fruits packed in juices contain less added sugar than fruits packed in syrup.
• Pinch the salt. If you are cutting back on sodium, look for descriptions such as "no salt added" and "reduced sodium" on the labels of canned vegetables. Rinsing vegetables before eating can also reduce sodium content. 
• Savor the flavor. Use canned fruits and vegetables immediately after opening for maximum flavor and nutritional value.

Frozen Varieties

• Forgo the fat and sodium. When buying frozen vegetables, pass on those with sauces and choose plain vegetables instead. You can season them at home with flavorful herbs and spices.
• Check the label. Frozen fruits come in both sweetened and unsweetened varieties, so make sure to check the label and choose unsweetened fruit. Frozen fruit bars also make a nutritious snack, but read the label to learn if they're made with real fruit juice.

Dried Fruits

• Pick the plain. Dried fruit contains lots of fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and folate, but keep in mind that serving sizes are smaller. Also, some dried fruits may have added sugar. If you are sensitive to sulfites, check the label of dried fruits to make sure they are not preserved with sulfite, which may trigger an allergic reaction.
• Have a handful. Dried fruit is a great portable snack and makes tasty trail mix along with nuts and seeds. It also can jazz up salads, pancakes, bread recipes or a bowl of cereal.

There are thousands of varieties of canned and frozen fruits and vegetables on grocery store shelves, which makes it easy to find foods that suit your tastes and fit into a healthy eating plan. For more information on developing a healthful eating plan that is right for you, contact a registered dietitian nutritionist.