Why You Should Never Use Canned Tomatoes
By Hannah Healy
Updated July 26, 2023
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the disclosure policy.
Many people are shocked when I tell them that canned tomatoes are bad. After all, tomatoes are a vegetable (or technically fruit), so how can they be bad? Well, it has more to do with the packaging than the actual food.
If you are used to using canned tomatoes regularly, you may want to reconsider. Although they are very common, canned tomatoes are not always a healthy option. Continue reading to find out why they can be dangerous and what to use instead…
Bisphenol-A (BPA), A Harmful Chemical
Most of us know that BPA is harmful. BPA, shortened from bisphenol-a is a chemical used to coat the lining of cans and most plastic products.
BPA can leach into foods and drinks by way of plastic containers, Tupperware, bottles, and cans.
Children are most susceptible to the effects of BPA chemicals. Below are just a few of the health problems linked to BPA exposure…
- hormonal disruption
- reproductive harm
- increased risk of certain cancers
- malformation of organs in children
- risk of miscarriage
- sperm defects
- increased risk of mental disabilities in babies.
BPA exposure is widespread, mostly because BPA is in most plastics and we use use so much of it, especially around our food. A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2517 urine samples from people older than 6 years old.
Why Are Canned TOMATOES so bad?
It’s true that most cans have BPA lining, unless it is labelled otherwise, so why am I singling out canned tomatoes?
I’m focusing on canned tomatoes because since tomatoes are highly acidic, it draws out more of the BPA into the food from the lining. So, canned tomatoes have an especially high risk of leaching BPA into the tomatoes because of the acidity. This is not to say that other canned goods do not also pose BPA exposure risks (they most certainly do), but tomatoes are one of the worst offenders.
Is it JUST Canned Tomatoes that pose a risk?
No. Although canned tomatoes may draw out BPA more than other foods, any canned food can leech BPA into your food. One study from the Journal of Environmental Research showed that people had detectable levels of BPA in their urine after consuming canned foods including soup, fruits and vegetables. Therefore, I find it’s best to avoid canned foods as much as you can and try to choose glass jars instead.
Don’t be fooled by BPA-FREE Cans!
Unfortunately, BPA-free cans don’t really solve the problem. When the word started getting out about the dangers of BPA a few years ago, consumers started demanding that companies quit using BPA. So, companies responded to consumer pressure and largely removed BPA from their packaging, BUT they replaced it with another chemical that has similar associated health risks called BPS–Bisphenol S.
So, even though the thought of a BPA-free label may comfort many consumers, it’s a false promise. The cans and plastics labelled as BPA-free will still have some sort of chemical in them and usually it’s BPS. That’s why I always recommend using natural products like glass and stainless steel to avoid ANY type of plastic.
So what should you do if you want to use preserved tomatoes?
It’s not too hard to find alternatives for canned tomatoes. Below are 3 great options:
- Use organic tomatoes in glass jars like this
- Use fresh tomatoes instead
- Learn how to can your own tomatoes in jars
Luckily it’s not too hard to find healthy alternatives for using preserved tomatoes. That way it makes it easy to make tasty recipes like my chicken tomato soup!
This post was originally posted in January of 2014, but has been updated and republished in July of 2018 to include recent studies and updated photos.
Because you got a marble through your car window is how I came to find your blog:) It is now bookmarked and I will check back regularly to read smart articles like this and find some healthy recipes. See, all publicity is good!
That’s so great to hear! Thanks for stopping by! Silver lining from a broken car window!
I didn’t see an answer to this questions:
1. Has BPA actually been detected in canned tomatoes (or is its presence speculative)? 2. If so detected, how do the amounts of BPA compare with other commercially preserved foods? – objective measurements please. Please disregard question 2 if nil answer to question 1.
Can BPA be found in canned tuna?
Yes, if the can is not BPA-free then it can be in anything that is canned.
I almost never use canned ingredients for cooking…but, it’s good information to let my friends know who do use these. Thanks
– Nandita
It was a lot of info to take in but you learn something new every day! thank you for sharing
What makes me sad is that it is still legal to sell tomatoes in a can, knowing the health risk it causes. thank you for posting this, as consumers we have a really strong voice, if we simply don’t consume the product and expect them to the packaged differently, I am sure changes will be done, so that they dont loose out on sales.
I prefer fresh food over any tinned/canned/pre-cook meal. Healthier, and also, zero waste.
Great point Anna! It’s much better for the environment to use fresh food without all the packaging!
This is such a great and very informative post. I personally not using canned tomatoes in every dish that I made because of that reason. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Wow, I thought we were doing good buying all the BPA free cans. The more you know!
A lot of this information is new to me. I use canned tomatoes, as well as other canned items. I’ll need to look into alternatives more thoughtfully and see if they will work for my family.
Omg god! thank you for this information. I always use canned tomatoes. Has no idea they were that bad.
Yikes! I didn’t even have a clue! Must find a better alternative!
Oh wow! These go into a lot of my recipes. I’m a lazy cook and love my stews. Have to admit the dishes taste better with fresh tomatoes though.
This is a great post! I actually do not buy not only because of all reasons you mention here but I hate the taste, it taste metallic. I normally purchase Pomi which is all natural and comes in a carton.
I am not a fan of canned foods in general, mostly due to taste and quality, but I have heard about canned tomatoes not being good for you. Thanks for the comprehensive overview of this topic. It’s something everyone should investigate. Health = Wealth
It’s a seasonal food. But even in season, canned tomatoes offer something that fresh can’t. Tomatoes are preserved using heat, which releases lycopene—a carotenoid that may help prevent prostate and breast cancer. And canned tomatoes are super-easy: they’re already peeled, chopped and ready to cook with!
Good to know, I do use canned tomatoes from time to time but thank you for sharing this!