Canned fruit is a surprisingly-versatile pantry item. It can be used to create a savory main course, whip up a delectable dessert, or even liven up a cocktail concoction. If your cabinets are filled with canned and jarred produce, check out our easy canned fruit recipes plus all of the other details about this underrated kitchen staple.

What is the shelf life of canned fruits?

Although you should always check the expiration date, most canned fruit and jarred fruit has a shelf life of 1 to 2 years. To make it last as long as possible, store your canned fruit in a cool, dry place. Your cabinets and pantry are great spots, but if you're short on space, a temperature-controlled basement is also a good option.

What fruits can be canned, and which canned fruits should I buy to cook with?

It's no wonder there are so many delicious and easy canned fruit recipes -- all kinds of fruits can be canned and jarred! These are some of the most popular canned fruits, and all of these canned fruits are great pantry staples to have for cooking:

Peaches	Blueberries	Cherries
Pineapple	Strawberries	Grapes
Apples	Pears	Coconut
Plums	Apricots	Nectarines

What do canned fruits have added to them?

In order to preserve their freshness for as long as possible and to give them natural-looking colors long after they're packed, canned fruits and jarred fruits often have a few ingredients added to them, such as:

Sugar	Light corn syrup	Artificial coloring
Heavy corn syrup	Maple syrup	Fruit juice from the same or a different fruit

Are canned fruits bad for you?

Canned fruits can offer many of the same benefits as fresh or frozen varieties, and because they last longer than fresh produce, they often retain higher vitamin content than perishable fruit. The most healthful options are packed in water and have minimal added sugar, so if you're concerned about calories (if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, for example), be sure to look for canned fruit packed in water or its own juice that doesn't contain a lot of added sugar.

Are canned fruits good for diabetics?

Because canned fruit often contains added sugar, diabetics should opt for products with minimal syrups and sweeteners. If possible, you should thoroughly rinse canned fruit before eating it to eliminate as much sucrose as possible. Be sure to talk to your doctor about how eating canned fruit can affect your health if you're a diabetic.

Canned Fruit Recipes

Canned fruits are a great ingredient for your favorite breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. These easy canned fruit recipes will please the palate of every member of your family.

Pantry Pudding: Canned peaches make it possible to enjoy a summer-worthy decadence no matter what time of the year it is.	Gorgonzola-Pear Toasts: If you haven't yet experienced the wonders of combining tangy cheese with sweet pears, this easy breakfast treat will be a game changer.
Tropical Breakfast Parfaits: Whether you enjoy it in the morning or as an after-dinner dessert, this treat will make you feel like you're on a seaside vacation.	Sautéed Pears with Bacon and Mustard Dressing: Surprisingly easy to prepare, this crowd-pleasing recipe combines sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Sheet-Pan Pineapple Chicken Fajitas: If you don't have fresh meat on hand, swapping in canned chicken does the trick with this easy, minimal-mess dinnertime delight.	Layered Tropical Delight: For anyone looking to lessen their Jell-O supply, this easy treat is a must-make. It tastes great no matter what flavors of gelatin you have in stock.
Peach Salad with Tomatoes, Feta, and Basil Vinaigrette: This spin on caprese salad will change the way you look at peaches forever.	Easy 5-Minute Pineapple S'mores to Make Indoors: This recipe is a delicious excuse to use the marshmallows and graham crackers you've been hoarding since last summer.
Easy Cherry Crisp: Equal parts tart, sweet, and crunchy, this easy-to-make spin on cherry pie will wow your foodie friends. Pro tip: call it a deconstructed cherry tart to boost your culinary credit.	Peach Cobbler Dump Cake: This recipe is so simple you don't even have to drain the canned peaches, and while it only takes about 5 minutes of prep time, your family will think you spent all day in the kitchen.