Canned foods are convenient, shelf stable, and cheap. 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, the canned versions offer similar amounts of nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

The canning process actually preserves many nutrients in foods, Amy Reed, a dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, tells TODAY.com. Produce like vegetables and fruits are harvested at peak ripeness before being sealed in a can, which locks in vitamins and minerals. The canned food is then heated to a high temperature, which kills harmful bacteria and organ

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