Home-cooked meals are nutritious and reduce the likelihood of developing allergic reactions.
But what do you do on days when you’re low on energy and cooking from scratch doesn’t sound like a fun activity? Pre-made canned food options like spaghetti can save you from the onerous task of cooking meals when you’re low on energy.
Walking down the canned goods aisle at the local supermarket may leave you wondering which canned spaghetti is nutritious because of the numerous options you’ll come across.
Shopping for canned spaghetti becomes super easy if you know the brands whose products are chock-full of quality ingredients. Whether you’re looking for canned spaghetti to experiment with a new vegan variety or cook up a quick dish to satisfy your nighttime cravings, here are my top 5 recommendations.
Without further ado, let’s check out the 5 best canned spaghetti that satiates hunger pangs while tasting as good as homemade ones.
5 Best Canned Spaghetti [Product Reviews]
1. Campbell’s Canned Spaghetti
With Campbell’s being in business for more than a century, there’s a good chance you have a few of its canned and processed foods in your kitchen. And now it’s time to add Canned Spaghetti from the brand because it’s relished all over the US– that’s what made me order it. Sold as a pack of 12, each canned spaghetti weighs about 15.8 ounces and features easy-to-lift top lids.
Brimming with the goodness of tomato puree, dehydrated cheddar cheese, and natural flavoring, this dish is delicious because of the perfect balance of mild cheese and sweet tomato sauce. What makes Campbell’s Canned Spaghetti my favorite is that it is formulated without MSG (Monosodium glutamate). Ideal for late-night snacks, family dinners, and workday lunches, this delicious dish is ready to eat within 3 minutes of putting it in the microwave oven.
Drawback
I wouldn’t recommend this canned spaghetti to individuals intolerant to lactose and gluten, as it contains gluten, wheat, and milk/dairy, so it may trigger allergies.
Verdict
Campbell’s Canned Spaghetti comes in clean, easy-to-open cans with a long shelf life of 548 days. Despite being formulated without MSG, I found it is neither too sweet nor too salty, but just the right balance between sweet and salty, so vegetarians can go for it without thinking twice.
2. Chef Boyardee Spaghetti And Meatballs
Aside from Campbell’s, canned spaghetti from Chef Boyardee occupies a lot of space in my refrigerator because they make for a quick and convenient meal. For non-vegans, the Spaghetti and Meatballs from Chef Boyardee is a much sought-after option, and why not? Instead of spending hours in the kitchen preparing meatballs and spaghetti sauce, simply microwave it for a minute or so, and your dish will be ready to eat.
What contributes to the delicious flavor is the quality ingredients added to the mix, like tomato puree, enriched wheat flour, and flavorings. Coming to the tasty meatballs, they are made with chicken, pork, and real beef, making it a perfect meal for non-veg lovers. Formulated without artificial ingredients, each of the 24 cans contains 2 servings of meatballs, tomato sauce, and pasta with 9 grams of protein. Oh, and did I mention it comes in 4 flavors?
Drawback
While there isn’t anything amiss about the taste or consistency, I was disappointed to receive dented cans.
Verdict
Mild in taste and creamy in consistency, this canned spaghetti and meatballs from Chef Boyardee cook up quickly, which is why it’s perfect for quick dinners and lunches. Also, I like that it features an easy-open lid that adds to the user’s convenience.
3. Heinz Spaghetti
Heinz Spaghetti is just as versatile as the spaghetti line of Campbell’s and Chef Boyardee. Relatively free from meatballs and other animal products, Heinz Spaghetti is explicitly formulated for vegans. Packed with the goodness of durum wheat semolina, herb extract, citric acid, spice extract, and other ingredients, this canned spaghetti doesn’t only taste great but is highly nutritious. And that’s why I would recommend this to parents looking for a healthy snack for their kids.
Its juicy tomato sauce lends the spaghetti a perfectly sweet yet tangy flavor. To my surprise, this canned spaghetti is low in fat and sugar and contains no added preservatives, artificial colorings, or flavors. Besides the 400g pack, Heinz supplies this tomato sauce spaghetti in 200g and 57 varieties, which is impressive.
Drawback
Heinz Spaghetti is slightly on the steeper side, as you get only 1 can, unlike others that sell canned spaghetti as a pack.
Verdict
Vegans looking for ready-to-eat meals that aren’t unhealthy must go for Heinz Spaghetti because it is tasty and delicious, thanks to the tomato sauce flavor. Best of all is that it’s absolutely free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colorings, so health-conscious individuals can go for it without thinking twice.
4. Wattie’s Spaghetti In Rich Tomato Sauce
Whether you’re looking for a quick cook food for your office lunch or a healthier splurge, Wattie’s Spaghetti will fit the bill. Wondering why? Well, the USP of Wattie’s Spaghetti line is that it’s fat-free, so you can eat guilt-free as much as you want. Because I relish tomato flavor more than other flavors, I picked the Rich Tomato Sauce variant. Noteworthily, the tanginess and the sweetness are neither too much nor too less but perfectly balanced.
Furthermore, this fat-free option is rich in carbohydrates and lycopene and low in cholesterol. On top of that, it contains zero flavors, preservatives, or colors, making it a healthier alternative to junk foods. I also like that the noodles don’t slide off the toast, as they are thick, so you won’t make a mess while eating it. Not to forget, this rich tomato sauce spaghetti is sold as a pack of 2, which is decent enough.
Drawback
People who don’t prefer spicy foods may find this canned spaghetti a bit spicy to their liking.
Verdict
Containing tasty field-grown tomatoes and fresh spaghetti, Wattie’s Spaghetti is flavorful, and the variety of flavors and spices further enhance its taste. While keeping the product fat-free and low in cholesterol, the brand has made it a good source of lycopene (a powerful antioxidant), which I like the most about it.
5. Chef Boyardee Spaghetti In Tomato Sauce
Don’t have time to open the can, pour the spaghetti-sauce mixture into a plastic bowl and heat it in the microwave? Then, the Chef Boyardee Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce is well a worthy addition to your stack of canned foods. Coming in a 7.5-ounce of a microwaveable cup, this spaghetti is ready to use out of the box. Grab one cup, toss it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, and you’re good to go!
Much like its meatball sibling, the brand has kept the formula free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Instead, it’s packed with only quality ingredients, and that’s what has made it popular among vegan homeowners. Sold as a pack of 12, this spaghetti in tomato sauce offers excellent value for money.
Drawback
People allergic to soy, wheat, egg, and milk should refrain from buying this spaghetti, as it contains all these allergens.
Verdict
As is expected from Chef Boyardee, this spaghetti tastes delicious, thanks to the quality ingredients used in the formulation. Because it’s very filling and comes in 7.5 ounces of microwavable plastic cups, you can carry it on hiking and camping trips.
What is Canned Spaghetti?
Canned spaghetti is a type of pasta meal consisting of spaghetti noodles and tomato sauce that has been pre-cooked and sealed in cans for convenience and longer shelf life compared to fresh or refrigerated pasta. It offers the familiar flavors and textures of traditional spaghetti at an affordable price point in an easy to prepare, ready to eat format.
Why Choose Canned Spaghetti?
Canned spaghetti is a convenient and budget-friendly meal option that requires little preparation yet satisfies comfort food cravings. As a shelf-stable product, canned spaghetti can be stored unopened at room temperature for up to 2 years according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, allowing people to keep extra cans readily available for quick weeknight dinners or camping trips.
Compared to cooking pasta and sauce from scratch, opening a can cuts total meal prep time down considerably. Simply heat and serve per package instructions makes canned spaghetti an efficient choice for busy individuals and families. It also helps limit cleanup with fewer pots, pans, and utensils to wash after eating.
In 2021, canned spaghetti represented 1.4% of all pasta sales in the U.S. as a longtime pantry staple for its versatility and nostalgia factor, according to market research firm Packaged Facts. It contains a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals for reasonably low calories, delivering essential nutrition in one portable product.
How to Choose the Best Canned Spaghetti?
When selecting canned spaghetti at the grocery store, consider the following criteria:
1. Ingredients List
The shorter the ingredients list, the less processed the canned spaghetti. Look for varieties with tomatoes, pasta and spices as the main components for clean, quality flavor. Additional vegetables like onions, garlic and bell peppers enhance nutrition.
2. Nutritional Value
Compare nutrition labels for differences in calories, fat, protein, sodium, iron and other vitamins/minerals per serving. For example, a 280 calorie serving of spaghetti contains 13 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of protein and 10% Daily Value of iron according to the USDA Nutrient Database. Prioritize products lower in sodium, which averages around 140 milligrams per serving.
3. Brand Reputation
Established brands with a history of canned pasta manufacturing typically invest in high safety and quality standards. They thoroughly lab test products before distribution. Select major national brands you recognize and trust.
4. Price Point
Canned spaghetti is already a budget-friendly item, with name brands averaging around $1 per 15 ounce can. Store brands offer even lower prices, ranging from $0.50-$0.75 cents per can. Compare deals across grocery aisles.
5. Customer Reviews
Online customer ratings and reviews provide transparent feedback on the real-world taste, texture and overall appeal of specific canned spaghetti products. Positive reviews back up claims of great flavor and a satisfying eating experience.
How to Prepare Canned Spaghetti
Heating and serving canned spaghetti takes 5 minutes or less, making it a quick weeknight dinner option after a long day. Here are easy preparation tips:
For stove top, empty contents into saucepan and gently heat on medium, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk creates a creamier consistency. Stir in grated parmesan cheese for more flavor if desired.
For microwave, transfer contents to microwave-safe bowl and reheat in 30 second increments, stirring between cycles, until desired temperature is reached. Take care not to overheat and dry out the sauce.
Canned spaghetti can also be served chilled, straight from the can, requiring no cooking at all for a convenient room temperature meal on the go. Add crushed red pepper flakes or other spices to chilled canned spaghetti for extra zing.
What are the Health Benefits of Eating Canned Spaghetti?
As a pasta dish, canned spaghetti provides energy via its 45 grams of carbohydrate per 280 calorie serving according to USDA data. The included tomato sauce adds vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and potassium. With 12 grams of protein per serving, canned spaghetti assists with building and repairing muscles as a complete, balanced meal.
Compared to some other canned pasta shapes like ravioli higher in fat, simple canned spaghetti and tomato sauce makes a lighter, healthier choice overall. Lower sodium options containing 140 milligrams or less help limit sodium intake for people with dietary restrictions. When enjoyed in moderation as part of varied diet, canned spaghetti offers easy nutrition.
What are the Drawbacks of Eating Canned Spaghetti?
The main disadvantages associated with regular consumption of canned spaghetti relate to its higher levels of sodium, preservatives and minimal vegetable content compared to homemade dishes.
To extend shelf life and maintain safety through the canning process, some additives and salt get added during manufacturing. Certain individuals who eat multiple cans per week may risk exceeding daily sodium limits over time, which could negatively impact blood pressure.
Additionally, world health authorities like the WHO recommend limiting intake of processed meats to reduce cancer risk. Some canned spaghetti varieties contain additional processed meats like sausage or cured meats that could heighten wellness concerns with frequent, excess servings.
For better nutrition, people may wish to balance canned spaghetti meals with more fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean proteins throughout the rest of the weekly menu. Drinking extra water helpsmoderate sodium consumption as well from any pasta packaging.
Verdict
There you have it! The 5 best canned spaghetti that are worthwhile to satisfy pesky hunger pangs or midnight cravings.
All the options on this list are easy-to-cook: pour it onto a bowl, microwave it, and your food is ready! So, which canned spaghetti are you ordering for yourself? If you’re unable to decide, let me help you by letting out my top picks.
No doubt, Campbell’s Canned Spaghetti is my favorite because of its yummy taste. Because it’s formulated without MSG, health-conscious individuals can go for it without worries.
A close second to Campbell’s is Chef Boyardee Spaghetti And Meatballs because it contains real beef, pork, and chicken besides quality ingredients. And as it’s sold as a pack of 24, it’s an excellent value for money.
