Canned tomatoes are a convenient, shelf-stable way to add tomatoes to sauces, soups, and stews year-round. They retain a good amount of vitamin C from the fresh fruit.
Why it's good in pregnancy
Vitamin C supports your immune system and helps your body absorb iron from other foods in your meal. Canned tomatoes make it easy to include this nutrient in cooked dishes throughout pregnancy, regardless of season.
Key nutrients
Vitamin CSupports immune function and enhances iron absorption from plant-based foods.
Serving ideas
Simmered into a pasta sauce
Added to a slow-cooked stew or chili
Used as a base for a vegetable soup
Mixed into a baked casserole
Cooked down with herbs for a simple sauce
Safety
Wash thoroughly before use.
Check cans for dents, bulging, or rust before purchase, as damaged cans can indicate spoilage risk. Once opened, transfer unused tomatoes to a sealed container and refrigerate, using within a few days. Rinse the can lid before opening to prevent debris from falling into the contents. Cook canned tomatoes into your dish as usual; they're already processed and safe to use directly in recipes.
Common questions
Are canned tomatoes as nutritious as fresh?Yes, canned tomatoes retain much of their vitamin C and are a convenient, safe pregnancy-friendly option.
Do I need to cook canned tomatoes before eating?They're already cooked during canning, but most recipes call for further simmering to develop flavor.
Should I worry about the can lining?Most modern cans use linings designed to be food-safe; choosing reputable brands and consuming a varied diet helps minimize any exposure concerns.
Did you know?
Tomatoes are technically a fruit but are used as a vegetable in most savory cooking.
Canning tomatoes at peak ripeness helps preserve much of their vitamin C content.
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