There is nothing fresh about canned foods that are freshly contaminated with bisphenols.
Processed foods are convenient in a pinch, but there is growing concern about Bisphenol-A (BPA) in canned foods. BPA (and other bisphenols) is often used to line metal cans to keep them from rusting. However, this harmful chemical can leach into the food that we then eat. In fact, in one study of 204 food samples, BPA was found in 73% of canned foods, compared to just 7% of fresh and frozen options [1]. While more brands are stepping up with BPA-free options, “BPA-free” doesn’t always mean “worry-free.” Seeing BPA-free on a can could mean that other bisphenols are used in can liners instead. So, how can you really tell if a can is truly BPA-free? Let’s open up this can of worms and get to the bottom of it!
Why Do Cans Have BPA and Why Is It Harmful?
BPA is a chemical used to produce certain plastics and resins. You can find BPA in many everyday items, including water bottles, food containers, and some dental sealants.
One of the most common uses is to create epoxy resins that are used as protective linings for metal products. That’s why BPA has been commonly used in canned goods since the 1950s.
BPA prevents rust from developing and protects the food inside from coming into direct contact with the metal. This barrier helps preserve the food, keeping it fresh for a longer period.
However, it is important to be aware that BPA can leach into the food or beverages stored inside the can.
BPA leaching can be caused by several factors, including:
- Changes in temperature
- Acids and juice in the food
- The age of the can
Don’t let BPA stew in your canned foods. Ingesting BPA could disrupt your hormones, which can lead to health problems. Repeated exposures to BPA has been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and infertility, among other health concerns [2].
How to Tell If A Can Is BPA-Free
Kick the can with BPA in it to the curb. Avoid canned foods and drinks made with BPA linings.
As informed shoppers, you have the power to make healthier choices for yourself and your family. By learning to read labels and decipher the information on packaging, you can confidently identify BPA-free canned goods. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making healthier shopping decisions!
Shop Bisphenol-Free, Not BPA-Free
When you see a product labeled "BPA-free," it’s easy to assume that it’s a safe choice. However, this label can sometimes be a form of greenwashing, where companies use marketing tactics to make their products seem healthier than they really are.
Many manufacturers have replaced BPA with alternatives like Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF), which can be just as harmful, if not more so. Research has shown that these substitutes can disrupt hormones and may lead to health issues similar to or worse than those caused by BPA [3].
To ensure you’re truly choosing a safe option, look for products that explicitly state "no bisphenols used" or "bisphenol-free." This way, you can feel confident that you’re avoiding not just BPA but also its potentially harmful BPA alternatives.
Read Recycling Codes
This BPA coded…literally. Food and drink packaging contains more information than the ingredients list. Most packaging also has a recycling code, which can indicate whether or not BPA is in the can.
There are seven categories in this system, numbered from 1 to 7. It’s best to avoid canned foods and drinks that have the numbers 3 or 7 on them. Materials that are classified with those numbers are at a high risk of BPA contamination.
The recycling codes are:
Remember, while this method can be helpful, it's not foolproof. The most reliable way to ensure a product is BPA-free is to look for explicit labeling or contact the manufacturer directly.
Contact Manufacturers
If you’re unsure about a specific brand, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the manufacturer. Many companies are more than willing to provide information about their packaging materials and whether they use BPA or its alternatives.
Can You Wash BPA Off of Canned Foods?
Yes, rinsing canned foods can help lower the amount of BPA they contain, but it won't remove it completely. Studies have shown that rinsing canned beans can significantly reduce BPA exposure [4].
People who rinsed their beans had lower levels of BPA in their bodies compared to those who didn't rinse. This method works well for solid foods like beans, but it may not be practical for liquids like soups or sauces.
How to Avoid BPA in Cans
Want to avoid BPA in cans? Try these tips to reduce your exposure to BPA in foods.
When grocery shopping, select organic whole foods as much as possible. Store them in canvas or cotton shopping bags instead of plastic to prevent BPA from contaminating your food.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are excellent substitutes for canned options, retaining their nutritional value without the risk of BPA exposure.
Many items in cans, such as green beans, beets, and pearled onions, are also available from brands in glass jars. If there is a glass option available, consider buying that product instead.
Do note that the lids on these may still contain bisphenols in the seal. However, it’s a much smaller exposure than an entire can.
Dried beans, grains, and pasta are shelf-stable alternatives that can replace many canned goods in your pantry. Be sure to store these in glass containers to prevent BPA contamination.
When canned foods are necessary, look for products explicitly labeled "bisphenol-free" on the packaging. Many companies have transitioned away from BPA-based linings, with about 95% of food cans now made without BPA [5].
Food brands with BPA-Free Cans
Do the can-can for canned foods that are BPA-free. In 2016, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) tested almost 200 cans of foods from global brands and national retailers. In a good sign, they found quite a few popular brands that had no BPA in their canned foods.
Brands and companies that own brands that were tested to have BPA-free canned foods and drinks include:
- Amy's Kitchen
- Annie's Homegrown
- Hain Celestial Group
- ConAgra
These companies have fully transitioned away from BPA in canned foods. They also have disclosed the BPA alternatives they're using.
Additionally, Eden Foods reported eliminating the use of BPA-based epoxy liners in 95% of its canned foods. At the time of this report, they stated that they were actively looking for alternatives.
It was also noted that Whole Foods had adopted the strongest policy among retailers surveyed in the report. Whole Foods reports that their store brand buyers are not currently accepting any new canned items with BPA in the lining material.
In addition to BCPP, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 252 canned food brands for the presence of BPA.
They found these brands used BPA-free cans:
- Ace of Diamonds
- American Tuna
- Amy's
- Annie's Homegrown
- Beach Cliff
- Bearitos
- Bionaturae
- Earth's Best Organic
- Earthpure
- Farmer's Market
- Genova
- Gluten-Free Café (from Health Valley)
- Health Valley
- Health Valley Organic
- Imagine
- Juanita's
- Jyoti Natural Foods
- King Oscar
- Lucini Italia
- Muir Glen
- Native Forest
- Natural Sea
- Pillar Rock
- Port Clyde
- Raincoast Trading
- Read
- Seneca
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Tyson
- Walnut Acres
- Westbrae Natural
Keep in mind that this test was done over ten years ago. Companies can change procedures or get new packaging materials. These brands are a good start, but we recommend reading the packaging to see if they claim to be “bisphenol-free.”
Which Brands Have the Best Reputation for BPA-Free Canned Foods?
EWG and BCPP have two of the largest studies on BPA in canned foods. While some offenders might be BPA-free today, we don’t have any way of confirming this.
However, it is a good sign if a brand or company shows up on both BPA-free lists from BCPP and EWG.
Companies with a long history of BPA-free canned foods include:
- Amy’s Kitchen
- Annie's Homegrown
- Earth's Best Organic
- Imagine
- Health Valley and Health Valley Organic: These brands are owned by Hain Celestial Group, whose products tested BPA-free with BCPP.
- Westbrae Natural: This brand is also owned by Hain Celestial Group.
So, if you’re looking for trusty canned foods without BPA, consider shopping for one of these brands.
Brands with High Levels of BPA in Canned Foods
We like to give the good news first, which is that there are BPA-free canned foods available. However, the bad news is there are quite a few brands that have historically tested positive for BPA contamination.
EWG found that these brands had products with detectable BPA levels in 2014:
- A Taste of Thai
- Andersen's (Pea Soup Andersen's)
- Armour
- Bar Harbor
- Bookbinders Specialties
- Brooks
- Bruce's
- Bush's
- Carnation
- Casa Fiesta
- Cento
- Chef Boyardee
- Chi-Chi's
- Chincoteague Seafood Brand
- Clear Value
- Coconut Milk by Andre Prost, Inc.
- Del Monte
- Dennison's Chili
- Dining Out
- Dinty Moore
- Duncan Hines Comstock
- Duncan Hines Wilderness
- Eagle Brand
- Early California
- Embasa
- Field Day
- Food Club
- Full Circle
- Gordon's Chesapeake Natural
- Goya
- Green Giant
- Healthy Choice
- Herdez
- Hormel
- Hormel Chili
- Hunt's Manwich
- La Choy
- La Victoria
- Libby's Meats
- Libby's Pumpkin
- Lindsay Olives
- Lucky Leaf
- Magnolia
- Manischewitz
- Marie Callender's
- Mario
- Market Pantry (Target)
- Matiz Gallego
- Musselman's
- Nalley
- Neptune
- Ocean Spray
- Old El Paso
- Oregon Specialty Fruit
- Pearls
- Peloponnese
- Pet
- Progresso
- Ranch Style
- Rao's Homemade
- Red Gold
- Red Pack
- Ro-Tel
- Rosarita
- Sacramento
- Simply Asia
- Solo Foods
- Spam
- Stagg Chili
- Thai Kitchen
- Tuttorosso
- Valley Fresh
- Valu Time
- Vancamp's
- White House Foods
- Wolf Brand Chili
- Wolfgang Puck Organic Soups
- World Classics
Again, a lot can change in ten years. These brands may have adopted BPA-free packaging. However, there haven’t been any updates on product testing for BPA in canned foods. Unfortunately, product testing is not required for manufacturers to sell food.
In addition to these global brands, BCPP found that these chains and brands had canned foods that contained BPA:
- Campbell's
- Del Monte
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree (including Family Dollar)
- General Mills (including Progresso)
- Gordon Food Service
- Kroger
- Loblaws
- Meijer
- Publix
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
So, we must go the extra mile to read labels carefully and support as many brands that are making strides to ensure their products are BPA-free whenever possible.
How to Test Your BPA Levels
Knowing your BPA levels is a powerful step towards taking control of your health. By understanding where your exposures are coming from, you can make informed decisions to reduce your risk and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Being proactive about your BPA exposure can contribute to your long-term well-being.
The Million Marker Detect & Detox Test Kit offers a convenient way to measure your BPA levels at home with a mail-in test. We analyze your urine to measure and identify potential sources of BPA in your daily life. Then, we provide a personalized report with targeted steps to minimize your exposure to BPA and other harmful chemicals.
How to Find BPA-Free Cans
To avoid BPA in canned foods, it's important to be aware of the recycling codes on the bottom of cans. Generally, you should avoid cans with recycling codes 3 and 7, as these are more likely to contain BPA in their linings. Instead, look for cans with other recycling codes or those explicitly labeled as bisphenol-free.
For BPA-free options, consider trying brands like Amy's Kitchen, Annie's Homegrown, Earth's Best Organic, Imagine, Health Valley, Health Valley Organic, or Westbrae Natural. These companies have made efforts to eliminate BPA from their can linings.
Additionally, shopping for canned goods at Whole Foods may be a good option, as they have historically maintained strict policies regarding BPA in can liners. By choosing these brands or shopping at retailers with strong BPA policies, you can reduce your exposure to this potentially harmful chemical in canned foods.
Resources
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4469126/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7846099
[3] https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1408989
[4] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/experimental-results/article/effect-of-rinsing-canned-foods-on-bisphenola-exposure-the-hummus-experiment/7D1651B54290199128D5A0A8B5289999
[5] https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid100/did200002/pid_202268/assets/merged/zzf4iap_document.pdf?v=20325
There is nothing fresh about canned foods that are freshly contaminated with bisphenols.
Processed foods are convenient in a pinch, but there is growing concern about Bisphenol-A (BPA) in canned foods. BPA (and other bisphenols) is often used to line metal cans to keep them from rusting. However, this harmful chemical can leach into the food that we then eat. In fact, in one study of 204 food samples, BPA was found in 73% of canned foods, compared to just 7% of fresh and frozen options [1]. While more brands are stepping up with BPA-free options, “BPA-free” doesn’t always mean “worry-free.” Seeing BPA-free on a can could mean that other bisphenols are used in can liners instead. So, how can you really tell if a can is truly BPA-free? Let’s open up this can of worms and get to the bottom of it!
Why Do Cans Have BPA and Why Is It Harmful?
BPA is a chemical used to produce certain plastics and resins. You can find BPA in many everyday items, including water bottles, food containers, and some dental sealants.
One of the most common uses is to create epoxy resins that are used as protective linings for metal products. That’s why BPA has been commonly used in canned goods since the 1950s.
BPA prevents rust from developing and protects the food inside from coming into direct contact with the metal. This barrier helps preserve the food, keeping it fresh for a longer period.
However, it is important to be aware that BPA can leach into the food or beverages stored inside the can.
BPA leaching can be caused by several factors, including:
- Changes in temperature
- Acids and juice in the food
- The age of the can
Don’t let BPA stew in your canned foods. Ingesting BPA could disrupt your hormones, which can lead to health problems. Repeated exposures to BPA has been linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and infertility, among other health concerns [2].
How to Tell If A Can Is BPA-Free
Kick the can with BPA in it to the curb. Avoid canned foods and drinks made with BPA linings.
As informed shoppers, you have the power to make healthier choices for yourself and your family. By learning to read labels and decipher the information on packaging, you can confidently identify BPA-free canned goods. Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making healthier shopping decisions!
Shop Bisphenol-Free, Not BPA-Free
When you see a product labeled "BPA-free," it’s easy to assume that it’s a safe choice. However, this label can sometimes be a form of greenwashing, where companies use marketing tactics to make their products seem healthier than they really are.
Many manufacturers have replaced BPA with alternatives like Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF), which can be just as harmful, if not more so. Research has shown that these substitutes can disrupt hormones and may lead to health issues similar to or worse than those caused by BPA [3].
To ensure you’re truly choosing a safe option, look for products that explicitly state "no bisphenols used" or "bisphenol-free." This way, you can feel confident that you’re avoiding not just BPA but also its potentially harmful BPA alternatives.
Read Recycling Codes
This BPA coded…literally. Food and drink packaging contains more information than the ingredients list. Most packaging also has a recycling code, which can indicate whether or not BPA is in the can.
There are seven categories in this system, numbered from 1 to 7. It’s best to avoid canned foods and drinks that have the numbers 3 or 7 on them. Materials that are classified with those numbers are at a high risk of BPA contamination.
The recycling codes are:
Remember, while this method can be helpful, it's not foolproof. The most reliable way to ensure a product is BPA-free is to look for explicit labeling or contact the manufacturer directly.
Contact Manufacturers
If you’re unsure about a specific brand, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to the manufacturer. Many companies are more than willing to provide information about their packaging materials and whether they use BPA or its alternatives.
Can You Wash BPA Off of Canned Foods?
Yes, rinsing canned foods can help lower the amount of BPA they contain, but it won't remove it completely. Studies have shown that rinsing canned beans can significantly reduce BPA exposure [4].
People who rinsed their beans had lower levels of BPA in their bodies compared to those who didn't rinse. This method works well for solid foods like beans, but it may not be practical for liquids like soups or sauces.
How to Avoid BPA in Cans
Want to avoid BPA in cans? Try these tips to reduce your exposure to BPA in foods.
When grocery shopping, select organic whole foods as much as possible. Store them in canvas or cotton shopping bags instead of plastic to prevent BPA from contaminating your food.
Frozen fruits and vegetables are excellent substitutes for canned options, retaining their nutritional value without the risk of BPA exposure.
Many items in cans, such as green beans, beets, and pearled onions, are also available from brands in glass jars. If there is a glass option available, consider buying that product instead.
Do note that the lids on these may still contain bisphenols in the seal. However, it’s a much smaller exposure than an entire can.
Dried beans, grains, and pasta are shelf-stable alternatives that can replace many canned goods in your pantry. Be sure to store these in glass containers to prevent BPA contamination.
When canned foods are necessary, look for products explicitly labeled "bisphenol-free" on the packaging. Many companies have transitioned away from BPA-based linings, with about 95% of food cans now made without BPA [5].
Food brands with BPA-Free Cans
Do the can-can for canned foods that are BPA-free. In 2016, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) tested almost 200 cans of foods from global brands and national retailers. In a good sign, they found quite a few popular brands that had no BPA in their canned foods.
Brands and companies that own brands that were tested to have BPA-free canned foods and drinks include:
- Amy's Kitchen
- Annie's Homegrown
- Hain Celestial Group
- ConAgra
These companies have fully transitioned away from BPA in canned foods. They also have disclosed the BPA alternatives they're using.
Additionally, Eden Foods reported eliminating the use of BPA-based epoxy liners in 95% of its canned foods. At the time of this report, they stated that they were actively looking for alternatives.
It was also noted that Whole Foods had adopted the strongest policy among retailers surveyed in the report. Whole Foods reports that their store brand buyers are not currently accepting any new canned items with BPA in the lining material.
In addition to BCPP, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed 252 canned food brands for the presence of BPA.
They found these brands used BPA-free cans:
- Ace of Diamonds
- American Tuna
- Amy's
- Annie's Homegrown
- Beach Cliff
- Bearitos
- Bionaturae
- Earth's Best Organic
- Earthpure
- Farmer's Market
- Genova
- Gluten-Free Café (from Health Valley)
- Health Valley
- Health Valley Organic
- Imagine
- Juanita's
- Jyoti Natural Foods
- King Oscar
- Lucini Italia
- Muir Glen
- Native Forest
- Natural Sea
- Pillar Rock
- Port Clyde
- Raincoast Trading
- Read
- Seneca
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Tyson
- Walnut Acres
- Westbrae Natural
Keep in mind that this test was done over ten years ago. Companies can change procedures or get new packaging materials. These brands are a good start, but we recommend reading the packaging to see if they claim to be “bisphenol-free.”
Which Brands Have the Best Reputation for BPA-Free Canned Foods?
EWG and BCPP have two of the largest studies on BPA in canned foods. While some offenders might be BPA-free today, we don’t have any way of confirming this.
However, it is a good sign if a brand or company shows up on both BPA-free lists from BCPP and EWG.
Companies with a long history of BPA-free canned foods include:
- Amy’s Kitchen
- Annie's Homegrown
- Earth's Best Organic
- Imagine
- Health Valley and Health Valley Organic: These brands are owned by Hain Celestial Group, whose products tested BPA-free with BCPP.
- Westbrae Natural: This brand is also owned by Hain Celestial Group.
So, if you’re looking for trusty canned foods without BPA, consider shopping for one of these brands.
Brands with High Levels of BPA in Canned Foods
We like to give the good news first, which is that there are BPA-free canned foods available. However, the bad news is there are quite a few brands that have historically tested positive for BPA contamination.
EWG found that these brands had products with detectable BPA levels in 2014:
- A Taste of Thai
- Andersen's (Pea Soup Andersen's)
- Armour
- Bar Harbor
- Bookbinders Specialties
- Brooks
- Bruce's
- Bush's
- Carnation
- Casa Fiesta
- Cento
- Chef Boyardee
- Chi-Chi's
- Chincoteague Seafood Brand
- Clear Value
- Coconut Milk by Andre Prost, Inc.
- Del Monte
- Dennison's Chili
- Dining Out
- Dinty Moore
- Duncan Hines Comstock
- Duncan Hines Wilderness
- Eagle Brand
- Early California
- Embasa
- Field Day
- Food Club
- Full Circle
- Gordon's Chesapeake Natural
- Goya
- Green Giant
- Healthy Choice
- Herdez
- Hormel
- Hormel Chili
- Hunt's Manwich
- La Choy
- La Victoria
- Libby's Meats
- Libby's Pumpkin
- Lindsay Olives
- Lucky Leaf
- Magnolia
- Manischewitz
- Marie Callender's
- Mario
- Market Pantry (Target)
- Matiz Gallego
- Musselman's
- Nalley
- Neptune
- Ocean Spray
- Old El Paso
- Oregon Specialty Fruit
- Pearls
- Peloponnese
- Pet
- Progresso
- Ranch Style
- Rao's Homemade
- Red Gold
- Red Pack
- Ro-Tel
- Rosarita
- Sacramento
- Simply Asia
- Solo Foods
- Spam
- Stagg Chili
- Thai Kitchen
- Tuttorosso
- Valley Fresh
- Valu Time
- Vancamp's
- White House Foods
- Wolf Brand Chili
- Wolfgang Puck Organic Soups
- World Classics
Again, a lot can change in ten years. These brands may have adopted BPA-free packaging. However, there haven’t been any updates on product testing for BPA in canned foods. Unfortunately, product testing is not required for manufacturers to sell food.
In addition to these global brands, BCPP found that these chains and brands had canned foods that contained BPA:
- Campbell's
- Del Monte
- Dollar General
- Dollar Tree (including Family Dollar)
- General Mills (including Progresso)
- Gordon Food Service
- Kroger
- Loblaws
- Meijer
- Publix
- Target
- Trader Joe's
- Walmart
So, we must go the extra mile to read labels carefully and support as many brands that are making strides to ensure their products are BPA-free whenever possible.
How to Test Your BPA Levels
Knowing your BPA levels is a powerful step towards taking control of your health. By understanding where your exposures are coming from, you can make informed decisions to reduce your risk and protect yourself and your loved ones.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. Being proactive about your BPA exposure can contribute to your long-term well-being.
The Million Marker Detect & Detox Test Kit offers a convenient way to measure your BPA levels at home with a mail-in test. We analyze your urine to measure and identify potential sources of BPA in your daily life. Then, we provide a personalized report with targeted steps to minimize your exposure to BPA and other harmful chemicals.
How to Find BPA-Free Cans
To avoid BPA in canned foods, it's important to be aware of the recycling codes on the bottom of cans. Generally, you should avoid cans with recycling codes 3 and 7, as these are more likely to contain BPA in their linings. Instead, look for cans with other recycling codes or those explicitly labeled as bisphenol-free.
For BPA-free options, consider trying brands like Amy's Kitchen, Annie's Homegrown, Earth's Best Organic, Imagine, Health Valley, Health Valley Organic, or Westbrae Natural. These companies have made efforts to eliminate BPA from their can linings.
Additionally, shopping for canned goods at Whole Foods may be a good option, as they have historically maintained strict policies regarding BPA in can liners. By choosing these brands or shopping at retailers with strong BPA policies, you can reduce your exposure to this potentially harmful chemical in canned foods.
Resources
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4469126/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7846099
[3] https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/ehp.1408989
[4] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/experimental-results/article/effect-of-rinsing-canned-foods-on-bisphenola-exposure-the-hummus-experiment/7D1651B54290199128D5A0A8B5289999
[5] https://scs-public.s3-us-gov-west-1.amazonaws.com/env_production/oid100/did200002/pid_202268/assets/merged/zzf4iap_document.pdf?v=20325