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The Best Canned Foods for Gut Health

Looking to improve your gut health? These dietitian-recommended canned foods offer fiber, prebiotics and other key nutrients your microbiome loves.

Lisa Valente is a registered dietitian and former senior digital nutrition editor for EatingWell. She studied at the University of Vermont, where she completed her undergraduate studies in nutrition, food science and dietetics, and attended the dietetic internship program at Massachusetts General Hospital to become a registered dietitian.

Photographer Victor Protasio. EatingWell design.

A healthy gut does more than support smooth digestion. Research continues to show that the trillions of microbes living in your gastrointestinal tract play a role in immunity, inflammation, metabolic health and even mood. One of the most effective ways to support those microbes is through your diet, especially by eating foods rich in fiber and prebiotics.

Fresh produce often gets the spotlight for supporting gut health, but canned foods deserve credit too. Fruits and vegetables used for canning are picked at peak freshness, which helps lock in flavor and nutrient quality. Many canned staples offer the same gut-health benefits as their fresh counterparts, plus they are budget-friendly and make it easier to eat balanced meals on busy days.

Here are some of the best canned foods to keep in your pantry if your goal is a healthy and thriving gut microbiome.

1. Canned Black Beans 

Canned black beans are rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber—two components that help support regular bowel movements and feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. Amanda Sauceda, M.S., RD, explains, “Canned black beans can easily help you reach your fiber goals, with 8.5 grams found in a ½-cup serving.” She adds, “Black beans, like many pulses, can also be a source of resistant starch. This type of starch acts similar to fiber by resisting digestion and, in turn, can benefit the gut and your blood sugar.” 

Try adding black beans to taco bowls, blending them into soups or making a simple five-bean salad for an easy fiber boost.

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Similar to black beans, chickpeas provide a combination of protein and gut-supportive fiber. 

One unique feature of chickpeas is their content of galactooligosaccharides (GOS), a type of soluble prebiotic fiber. Renee Korczak, Ph.D., RDN, explains, “GOS is not digestible until it hits the large intestine, where beneficial gut bacteria ferment the fiber to increase the production of other beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.”

Even small amounts can be beneficial. As Korczak notes, “Adding small amounts of chickpeas to your daily diet, just ¼ cup, can help support your gut health.” Since chickpeas are high in fiber, gradually increasing your portion can help support comfort and minimize digestive symptoms as your gut adjusts. Try adding canned chickpeas to salads, roasting them for a crunchy snack or blending them into homemade hummus.

3. Canned Beets 

Canned beets offer fiber and bioactive compounds that support a healthy gut environment. One cup provides about 3 grams of fiber, and beets are naturally rich in betalains and phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit digestive health.

Betalains, responsible for the bright red-purple color of beets, are especially notable for their potential effects on the gut. Korczak explains, “These bioactive compounds, as well as high amounts of dietary fiber including oligosaccharides, can help modulate gut microbiota and stimulate the growth of probiotic bacteria.”

They’re a convenient addition to salads, grain bowls or blended into smoothies for a colorful, fiber-rich boost.

4. Canned Corn 

Canned corn is a fiber-rich starchy vegetable that supports gut health by providing both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and promotes regularity, while soluble fiber helps feed beneficial gut bacteria.

If you’ve ever noticed a few kernels in your stool, there’s usually no need to worry. Sauceda explains, “Seeing a few kernels isn’t usually a concern, because insoluble fiber naturally resists digestion. This is why it moves through the gastrointestinal tract unchanged.”

Try adding canned corn to salads, grain bowls or soups, or try a dietitian’s favorite recipes using corn.

5. Canned Sardines 

While canned sardines aren’t a fiber source, they can still support gut health thanks to their omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain the integrity of the gut lining. Three ounces of canned sardines provides about 834 milligrams of EPA and DHA combined, making them an excellent source of omega-3s.   

A strong gut barrier helps keep unwanted particles and harmful bacteria from crossing into the bloodstream, where they can trigger inflammation. Better gut-barrier function is linked with fewer digestive symptoms, healthier inflammation levels and improved metabolic health.

Try flaking canned sardines over salads, mixing them into pasta or enjoying them on whole-grain toast with lemon for a simple, nutrient-dense meal.

6. Canned Mushrooms

Canned mushrooms contain prebiotic fibers that support a healthy gut environment. Research suggests that compounds found in mushrooms may increase the production of short-chain fatty acids, which help maintain the gut lining and support overall digestive health. These compounds also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit the gut.

Their mild flavor makes canned mushrooms an easy addition to many meals, and we have some delicious recipes highlighting them. Try adding them to stir-fries, soups or pasta dishes, or sautéing them with herbs for a quick, gut-friendly side.

Tips for Enjoying Gut-Healthy Canned Foods 

Canned foods can be a simple and affordable way to support a healthy gut, especially when they provide fiber, prebiotics and beneficial nutrients like omega-3s. Beans, chickpeas, beets, corn, sardines and mushrooms each contribute something unique, from feeding beneficial bacteria to supporting the gut lining and reducing inflammation. Choosing low-sodium options, rinsing when needed and introducing higher-fiber foods gradually can help you get the most digestive benefits. Keeping a variety of these pantry staples on hand makes it easier to build balanced meals that nourish both you and your microbiome.

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