New Research Confirms Americans Depend on Canned Fruits and Vegetables

"This survey shows that canned foods play an important role in helping Americans meet the government's recommended dietary guidelines for fruits and vegetables," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI).

15 Aug 2012 --- With more than 46 million Americans participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and 12.8 million Americans unemployed, canned foods are playing a significant role as a staple in the American diet. A new survey reveals that 90 percent of Americans depend on canned fruits and vegetables for part of their produce intake.  Those in food assistance programs consume canned fruits and vegetables at an even higher rate than the average American.

In an average week, Americans consume more than five (5.5) cans of fruits and vegetables.  Those who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infant and Children Programs (WIC) consume an additional 1.6 cans of fruit and vegetables in an average week.

"This survey shows that canned foods play an important role in helping Americans meet the government's recommended dietary guidelines for fruits and vegetables," said Sherrie Rosenblatt, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI). "In these more difficult economic times, families can stretch their grocery budgets by choosing canned foods, a decision made easier when they know that canned fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be equal to and more nutritious than fresh, according to our research."

CMI previously released a study from Michigan State University that validates the nutrient parity between canned and fresh vegetables, however only 57 percent of Americans, and just under two thirds (64 percent) of SNAP / WIC households, agree with the idea that canned fruits and vegetables can be as nutritious as fresh.

Given that every four out of ten (41 percent) Americans said they have limited access to stores and farmers markets that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, it's not surprising that more than half (56 percent) feel canned fruits and vegetables are extremely or very important in helping them prepare convenient, nutritious and affordable meals.  This number rises to two-thirds (67 percent) of those on food assistance (SNAP/WIC).