Canned apple pie filling is a popular pantry staple used in baking everything from pies to cobblers to crisps. The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples have a soft, tender texture perfect for desserts. But can you eat canned apple pie filling straight out of the can without cooking it first?
The short answer is yes, you can safely eat canned apple pie filling without cooking it. However, there are some important factors to consider before enjoying apple pie filling straight from the can.
Is Canned Apple Pie Filling Already Cooked?
Canned apple pie fillings are pre-cooked and ready to eat right out of the can. The apples are washed, peeled, sliced, cooked down into a compote, and then packed into cans.
The cooking process softens the apples and evaporates excess liquid to achieve the thick, spoonable texture. It also allows the flavors from spices, sugar, and apple juice or other liquids to permeate the apples.
So while canned apple pie filling is meant for baking, the apples themselves are already fully cooked through the commercial canning process. You don’t need to bake canned pie filling again before eating it.
Nutrition of Raw vs Cooked Apple Pie Filling
Cooking apples enhances the bioavailability of some nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants.
Raw apples contain pectin, a type of soluble fiber. Cooking breaks down pectin and allows more antioxidants and polyphenols to be released from the apples’ cell structure.
However, canned apple pie filling is cooked with a significant amount of added sugar – around 26 grams per half cup serving.
So while the filling may have more accessible nutrients than raw apples, the high sugar content is very unhealthy for frequent consumption.
Enjoying a whole raw apple with its skin provides more fiber, over 4 grams per medium apple, with no added sugars.
Food Safety of Eating Canned Goods Without Cooking
As long as the can is undamaged, commercially canned apple pie filling can be safely consumed directly from the can without cooking it again.
The canning process uses high heat to destroy dangerous bacteria, yeasts, and molds in food sealed within the jar or can. As long as the seal remains intact, contaminated microbes cannot get into the food.
However, once opened, canned goods should be refrigerated and used within 3-5 days for peak quality. The filling may develop mold if left unrefrigerated after opening.
Always inspect cans for damage like rust, bulges, cracks, or dents along the seams before opening. Damaged cans may have bacteria enter the food, making it unsafe. Discard any cans with flaws.
Best Practices for Eating Canned Pie Filling Safely
Here are some tips for safely enjoying canned apple pie filling without cooking it:
– Refrigerate after opening and use within 3-5 days.
– Transfer into a storage container or bowl instead of eating directly from the can.
– Use clean utensils each time to avoid cross-contamination.
– Check the can’s best by date and don’t eat if expired.
– Wash hands, utensils, dishes, and work surfaces after use.
– Discard any cans that are leaking, rusted, bulging or badly dented.
Following basic food handling best practices helps prevent the apple filling from becoming contaminated with dangerous bacteria after opening.
Reasons to Enjoy Apple Pie Filling without Baking
Here are some of the most popular ways to eat canned apple pie filling straight from the can:
– As a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream
– Stirred into cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
– Dolloped onto a peanut butter sandwich
– By the spoonful right out of the can
– In a parfait layered with whipped cream and granola
– Stuffed into crepes or pancakes
– Baked into an apple nacho ‘pizza’ with nuts and granola
– As a filling for cookies, crepes, waffles or funnel cakes
– Warmed and served over waffles or pancakes
The thick, cinnamon-spiced apples add a punch of sweet apple flavor and moisture without needing to bake them in a crust.
Should Canned Pie Filling be Warmed Before Eating?
Canned apple pie filling can be eaten straight from the can without warming it up first. However, some people may prefer the flavor and texture when the filling is gently heated.
If you wish to warm it, either heat the entire unopened can in hot water for a few minutes, or transfer some into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 15-30 seconds.
Stir occasionally as the filling is heated so the apples cook evenly. Avoid boiling the filling to prevent a thin, watery texture.
Warming the pie filling helps intensify its cinnamon aroma. It also softens the apple slices and makes the filling more fluid.
Pairings for Serving Apple Pie Filling
Canned apple pie filling pairs well with a variety of flavors. Consider serving it with:
– Vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt
– Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream
– Cinnamon toast, graham crackers or gingersnaps for dipping
– Slices of sharp cheddar cheese
– Yogurt, oatmeal, or cold cereals
– Salted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or peanuts
– Granola, muesli, dried fruit, and similar toppings
– Toast or English muffins with nut butter
– Baked goods like pie crusts, scones, pancakes or waffles
– Pork chops, baked ham, or chicken
The sweet apples complement both sweet and savory foods. Feel free to get creative with unique apple pie filling pairings.
Popular Brands of Canned Apple Pie Filling
Many grocery stores carry national brands of canned apple pie filling as well as their own private label store brands.
Some of the most popular national brands of canned apple pie filling include:
– Lucky Leaf
– Comstock
– Monarch
– Musselman’s
– Knouse
– Tree Top
– Mountain Mist
– Old Virginia
– National Fruit Product Company
– Harvest Value
Nutrition Comparison of Brands
The nutrition profile varies somewhat between brands based on the exact recipe and can sizes but is generally similar.
For example, here is a nutrition comparison of two popular national brands:
| Nutrition Facts | Lucky Leaf (1/2 cup) | Comstock (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 150 |
| Total Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Sodium | 10mg | 5mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35g | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 1g |
| Sugars | 26g | 29g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
As you can see, the nutrition stats are fairly comparable between brands with around 140-150 calories and 35-38 grams of sugar per serving. Check labels to find your preferred nutrition profile and ingredients.
Cost Comparison of Canned Apple Pie Filling
Canned apple pie filling is relatively inexpensive at around $2-3 per 21 oz can. Store brands typically cost at least $1 less than national brands.
Here is a price comparison of a 21 oz can of apple pie filling at two major grocery chains in the U.S:
| Brand | Walmart Price | Kroger Price |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky Leaf | $2.98 | $2.69 |
| Great Value (Walmart) | $1.98 | N/A |
| Kroger | N/A | $1.79 |
As you can see, the store brands at Walmart and Kroger are about $1 less than the recognizable national Lucky Leaf brand. Shopping store brands can help save money.
Buying larger #10 cans that contain 96-108 oz of filling can also offer cost savings per ounce compared to smaller cans.
Selection and Quality of Canned vs. Homemade Filling
Canned apple pie filling offers convenience, consistency, and year-round availability. However, there are some trade-offs compared to homemade filling:
Benefits of Canned Pie Filling
– Saves preparation time – no peeling, slicing, or cooking
– Uniformly soft, mushy texture
– Available year-round
– Long shelf life unopened
– Consistent flavor and quality
Benefits of Homemade Pie Filling
– Can customize ingredients to your taste
– Adjust sweetness and spices
– Use higher quality fresh apples when in season
– Contains less added sugar
– Apples have firmer bite vs. mushy canned
– Versatile flavors like apple-cranberry or apple-pear
Many bakers prefer the flavor of homemade filling. However, canned is unbeatable for convenience. Canned filling can also be dressed up with spices, butter, pecans, or other mix-ins.
Conclusion
Canned apple pie filling can be safely eaten straight from the can without baking it again. The commercial canning process cooks the apples fully and creates a shelf-stable product.
While canned filling is less healthy than a whole raw apple, it provides a fast, convenient apple dessert option. The cinnamon-spiced apples pair well with both sweet and savory foods.
Check cans for damage before opening and refrigerate after opening to maximize safety and quality. Warming the filling slightly before eating can intensify flavors.
Be sure to check labels and pay attention to sugar content when selecting brands. Store brands offer significant savings over national brands.
While homemade filling allows more customization, canned apple pie filling is an affordable, easy way to enjoy this nostalgic treat anytime.