Canned Meat - Finding Protein on a Budget

Our income has drastically decreased over the last 2 years as I am sure most Americans' income has. Along with the decrease in income has come the increase in food prices. Although my husband is not a huge meat he still eats meat for the protein. We also have 2 growing boys who dislike eating vegetables and fruits so any type of protein we can get down them is a blessing.

In our American culture we have been led to believe that we need high amounts of protein daily to survive. We now know this to be false and we can even benefit from 3 - 4 meatless meals (or more) per week. Portion size is also unbalanced as we tend to eat more than half our meals in protein while vegetables, fruits and grains only account for a small percentage.

Meat Casseroles

Upon researching canned meat products online I found some pretty interesting variations. We do not eat pork products but I included them here for those who do.

Types of Canned Meat Products:

1. Tuna

This comes in oil or water, white or dark meat. We tend to eat more tuna than any other canned meat product on the market. We especially enjoy this heated in a frying pan with seasoning and then placed inside our rice balls. Tuna is also very common in sandwiches and salads.

2. Chicken

Canned chicken is used similar to tuna. You can also use it as a simple addition to casseroles. Our family will eat chicken but it is not a preferred product.

3. Ham

The most popular canned ham is Spam(r). In America most people will eat this straight out the can but if you are from Hawaii or Japan this is almost always fried. Around our holidays, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas canned Ham becomes very popular and widely available in the local grocery stores.

4. Liver Wurst

Although my family has yet to eat this as it is mostly a pork product (some versions use beef) I do recall eating it when I was a little girl. I really do not remember enjoying it but I know it made enough of an impact on me that I gladly stay clear. This is European product most common in Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Slovenia, Serbia and Hungary.

5. Spam

As mentioned previously Spam is probably the most common canned ham in the United States and very popular in Hawaii. Spam was introduced in the later part of the thirties as a meat product for those fighting overseas during World War Two. Spam also comes in Turkey, Spicy, as well as Lite and low salt varieties.

6. Turkey

Canned turkey is usually available at camping stores or pantry supply stores. It is usually comes in chunks. You can use this in soups and casseroles. I tried this for the first time in Missouri when I ate with a Mennonite family. Before 1993 I did not know turkey came in a can.

7. Bacon

This is by far the oddest thing for my brain. Canned Bacon. Well I guess canadian bacon is canned but then technically it is just sliced ham. (American) It comes fully cooked and as other canned meat products has a shelf life of up to 10 years.

8. Sardines

Sardines are not my family's favorite form of canned meat. I have only tried once and that was on a camping trip. I think the thought of eating little fishes was more gross than the actual fish. These come in oil or water but olive oil tends to make the fish taste better. They also have varieties that include tomato sauce or mustard.

9. Sausage

My eldest son can eat those turkey Vienna sausages all day if we let him. At camping and survival stores they have canned sausage that crumbles when you cook it so would be perfect for those who enjoy sausage and biscuits or sausage pizza.

10. Beef

Canned beef comes in chunks as well as hamburger. You can purchase it already made into corned beef hash or beef stews which makes it easier when cooking is limited.

Is that enough Meat for you? I know I never knew so much about canned meats in all my life. It is good to know when preparing your food storage pantry. Most canned meat can last a good 10 years and if you have a regular rotation schedule you will be able to eat protein on a regular basis within your budget.

Canned Meat - Finding Protein on a Budget

Sara enjoys spending time with her family, crocheting, and writing her snailmail friends. She shares snippets of her life, craft, and interests by blogging at http://momwithahook.blogspot.com and http://snailmailpals.net.

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