Introduction
Do you remember the days when you could find a variety of canned foods in the grocery store? From creamed corn to beef stew, there was something for everyone. Unfortunately, many of these canned foods have been discontinued over the years. In this article, we’ll take a look at 14 discontinued canned foods that you’ll never see again. We’ll also provide some healthier alternatives that you can enjoy instead. So, if you’re feeling nostalgic for the canned foods of the past, read on to find out what you’re missing out on!
14 Discontinued Canned Foods You’ll Never See Again
Canned foods have been a staple in American pantries for decades. But over the years, some of our favorite canned foods have been discontinued. From classic soups to beloved snacks, here are 14 canned foods you’ll never see again.
1. Campbell’s Chunky Fajita Chicken Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Fajita Chicken Soup was a fan favorite for its bold flavors and hearty chunks of chicken. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
2. Chef Boyardee Pizza Kits
Chef Boyardee Pizza Kits were a childhood favorite. The kits included a can of pizza sauce, a packet of cheese, and a packet of pepperoni. Unfortunately, the kits were discontinued in the late 1990s.
3. Campbell’s Chunky Chili Mac Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Chili Mac Soup was a delicious combination of chili and macaroni. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
4. Campbell’s Chunky Beef & Bean Burrito Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Beef & Bean Burrito Soup was a delicious combination of beef, beans, and spices. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
5. Chef Boyardee Beefaroni
Chef Boyardee Beefaroni was a classic canned pasta dish. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the late 1990s.
6. Campbell’s Chunky Sirloin Burger Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Sirloin Burger Soup was a delicious combination of beef, potatoes, and vegetables. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
7. Campbell’s Chunky Chicken & Dumplings Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Chicken & Dumplings Soup was a classic comfort food. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
8. Campbell’s Chunky Beef Stew Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Beef Stew Soup was a hearty combination of beef, potatoes, and vegetables. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
9. Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs
Chef Boyardee Spaghetti & Meatballs was a classic canned pasta dish. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the late 1990s.
10. Campbell’s Chunky Beef Noodle Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Beef Noodle Soup was a delicious combination of beef, noodles, and vegetables. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
11. Campbell’s Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup was a classic comfort food. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
12. Chef Boyardee Ravioli
Chef Boyardee Ravioli was a classic canned pasta dish. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the late 1990s.
13. Campbell’s Chunky Sausage & Pepper Soup
Campbell’s Chunky Sausage & Pepper Soup was a delicious combination of sausage, peppers, and potatoes. Unfortunately, it was discontinued in the early 2000s.
14. Chef Boyardee Pizza Maker
Chef Boyardee Pizza Maker was a childhood favorite. The kit included a can of pizza sauce, a packet of cheese, and a packet of pepperoni. Unfortunately, the kit was discontinued in the late 1990s.
These are just a few of the canned foods that have been discontinued over the years. While you may never get to enjoy them again, you can still enjoy the memories they evoke.
Canning, a storage method that preserves food from spoiling by hermetically sealing it in a can that’s then sterilized by heat, was invented by French chef Nicolas Appert all the way back in 1809. Since then, canned food has saved many home cooks who realized they didn’t have something fresh on hand. Just check the pantry, it’s probably sitting on the shelf in a can!
While it’s hard to imagine a grocery store without the canned-food aisle, not everything that comes in a tin has stood the test of time. We found some of the most interesting discontinued canned foods, and why they’re not on the shelves anymore. Read on and reminisce!
And for more, don’t miss these 15 Discontinued McDonald’s Menu Items You Wish Still Existed.
Canned mac and cheese doesn’t sound particularly appealing, especially if you prefer your pasta al dente, but the Franco canned line of pastas (think spaghetti and meatball) was popular in the 70s and 80s with parents who were just trying to get dinner on the table. Discontinued in 2004, there is a Facebook group for those who miss their canned pasta.
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Another canned pasta dish, this one a marketing tie-in with the popular 80s video game. Featuring vaguely Pac Man and ghost-shaped pasta in something called “golden chicken sauce” or tomato sauce (with or without meatballs), this pasta is worth revisiting for the over-the-top 80s ad alone.
Canned pasta definitely had a big moment in the 80s, and this mix of wavy pasta and kid-sized meatballs was another popular favorite. Apparently, they were so beloved people wrote to Chef Boyardee begging for their return.
We’ve seen a lot of unusual foods flavored with pumpkin spice, but Spam might take the cake (meat cake?). This limited-edition flavor came out in 2019, and while it’s definitely not for everyone, it apparently sold out in a matter of hours! Check out the most popular pumpkin spice foods on the shelves now.
This classic soup was likely brought to the U.S. by enslaved people from the Caribbean. Tripe, veal, and vegetables combine to make a thick, hearty soup, and while Campbell’s no longer sells it by the can, you can still make it at home.
Not all Progresso canned soups have exited store shelves, however, there are a lot fewer offerings. Back in 2020, the brand decided to tighten up its product offerings and cut 40 types of soup. The tough part is we don’t know which soups, so you could be disappointed when shopping for a specific style.
Production issues signaled the end of a few of Trader Joe’s animal eats—and unfortunately, it’s for good. Early in 2022, the company released a statement that some canned pet foods would no longer be sold due to inconsistent supply issues.
Marketed during NFL games for manly men who liked their soup full of chunks of meat and veggies (uh, who doesn’t?), Campbell’s Chunky line was a big hit at first, but over the years they’ve canceled a few flavors, including Meatball Bustin’ Sausage and Rigatoni Soup as well as the Philly-Style Cheesesteak Soup.
Possibly the first frozen brand to launch frozen orange juice concentrate, Snow Crop made a big impact on American breakfasts back in the 1940s. Next, the brand brought out frozen peas, broccoli, spinach, and strawberries, to stellar success, before being bought by Minute Maid in 1954.
Before Snack Packs came in plastic cups, lunchbox pudding cups were served in cans in the 1970s.
Chef Boyardee is still on store shelves, but the Smurfs version is a thing of the past.
Trader Joe’s has discontinued several of its chili offerings, including the fan-favorite veggie chili. Fortunately, you can still get vegan chili cans from Amy’s Organic.
These snack crackers, released at the same time as Bugles in the 1960s, came in cans as well as in boxes (and yes, they were spelled Daisys and not Daisies). Shaped like flowers and train conductor whistles, they didn’t stand the test of time, although Bugles are still around today.
For another dose of nostalgia, check out these 25 Classic Snacks From the 80s.
You can still find Dinty Moore beef stew, but you’d be hard-pressed to find the meatball version of this canned Hormel classic.
Eat This, Not That!