BPA-Free Cans and Tomatoes

Some of you may not be aware, but cans are leached with BPA. In general, I try to buy either fresh or frozen as much as possible, but let's admit it - cans are easier at times when you're trying to throw a meal together. I cook dinner at home at least six out of the seven days, so am always on the lookout for safer food options for my family. While, I have tried my best to steer away from cans, there are typical canned items I absolutely love to use in my cooking: canned beans, canned tomatoes and broth. The canned beans issue was solved by Eden Organics as they are the only company I know of thus far that provides beans in a BPA-free can. I ensure to only purchase Eden Organics beans and they are easily available at my local Vitamin Cottage and Whole Foods. I did find a limited supply at my local King Soopers.

However, canned tomatoes was a different story altogether. In fact, my understanding is that tomatoes are the worst culprits because of the acidity, they actually leach more BPA than even beans. Tomatoes aren't always in season and any chef will probably admit that throwing in crushed or diced can of tomatoes is so much easier than using fresh especially in soups, chillies and sauces. At first, I thought the glass version of tomatoes was better, so started buying these though limited in options and they were expensive. I then discovered that there is BPA in the lids of the glass jars. Geez, can we get away from this BPA stuff??? Well, I finally found a product at my local Vitamin Cottage that has put my mind at ease. Pomi Tomatoes provides tomatoes in a carton and are 100% natural. The ingredients list is : tomatoes. That's it!
I was a little skeptical about the packaging, but I did some research on the web and everything I read said that this tetra-pak is BPA free. There are actually different versions of tomatoes Pomi packages (crushed, chopped, strained); however, my store only has the chopped. So, I just use chopped tomatoes for everything. I love the taste and feel great knowing that there isn't BPA in my food. I also noticed last week, that Whole Foods has started carrying this brand of tomatoes as well.

On another note, I've now tried to ensure any broth or soups I buy are also in this tetra-pak packaging. There are quite a few options for tetra-pak broths, but not soups. Pacific Natural Foods has come up with a lot more soup varieties including condensed soup versions like Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Celery and Cream of Chicken which is often used in a variety of recipes.
I'm feeling a lot more comfortable serving safer BPA-free meals as more companies come up with BPA free packaging options for these pantry staples. Next time your in the supermarket, think twice about that can and see if there is fresh, frozen, BPA-free can, or tetra-pak packaging option for that item. Perhaps if more of the BPA free options are sold, companies will get the hint that we the consumers wants a change and start making BPA free options more available as the above mentioned companies have.

Please note that I am not affiliated nor have received any endorsements from any of these companies. The information here is from my own personal experience and research when searching for BPA free food items for my family.