Canned foods are convenient, cheap and shelf-stable. It's always a good idea to stock a variety of canned goods in your pantry, but they aren't just a last resort or doomsday staple. Canned foods can be a healthy addition to your diet and help you meet your nutritional needs.

Compared to fresh foods, canned foods offer similar amounts of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

The canning process can actually preserve many nutrients in foods, Amy Reed, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.com. After being prepared and sealed in an airtight can, the food is heated for a certain amount of time, which kills harmful bacteria and organisms that cause food to spoil.

Canned food can last for months to years, and it's ready-to-

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