Del Monte Foods has been a trusted name in households for generations, providing a wide range of canned fruits, vegetables, and other food products. Consumers often have questions about the quality, safety, and characteristics of these products. This guide addresses frequently asked questions to provide clarity and assurance about Del Monte Foods.
Understanding Del Monte Foods Shelf Life and Storage
One of the primary concerns for consumers is the longevity of canned goods. Del Monte Foods canned products are designed for a long shelf life, typically lasting for about 2 to 3 years from the production date. This impressive shelf life relies on proper storage conditions and ensuring the can remains undamaged. It’s important to store cans in a normal environment, avoiding extreme temperatures or humidity. A key factor is to check for any dents or damage to the can itself; compromised cans should be avoided.
While Del Monte Foods products are safe to consume beyond the typical 2-3 year guideline, the brand recommends using them within this period to enjoy the optimal color, flavor, and texture. Quality may gradually decline after this timeframe, although the food remains safe to eat as long as the can is intact and shows no signs of swelling or leakage. It’s always best practice to discard any cans that are swollen or leaking, irrespective of their age.
Many Del Monte Foods cans include a “Best By” date, offering a clear indicator of when the product is expected to be at its peak quality. For products without this date or for any further inquiries about shelf life, consumers are encouraged to contact Del Monte Foods directly for specific guidance.
Alt: Assortment of colorful Del Monte canned fruits and vegetables, showcasing variety and freshness.
Once a Del Monte Foods canned product is opened, it’s essential to refrigerate any unused portion promptly. Opened canned foods will maintain their quality for approximately 2 to 3 days when refrigerated in a sealed plastic or glass container. Certain products like Del Monte Ketchup and Jarred Products have a slightly longer refrigerator life, retaining their quality for 1 to 2 weeks under refrigeration.
Del Monte Foods Product Information: Gluten-Free Options and Allergen Awareness
For consumers with dietary restrictions, Del Monte Foods offers a variety of options. Many products are either gluten-free or naturally gluten-free, catering to those managing gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Del Monte Foods Branded Products that are gluten-free include:
- Canned/Jarred Fruits
- Fruit Snack Cups
- Canned/Jarred Vegetables
- Tomatoes & Tomato Products
Similarly, several products under the Contadina and S&W Fine Foods brands, both part of the Del Monte Foods family, also offer gluten-free choices, expanding options for consumers seeking to avoid gluten.
It’s crucial for consumers to always review the ingredient statement and label claims on Del Monte Foods products. Product formulations can change, and new products are continually introduced. The product label provides the most up-to-date information regarding gluten content and other dietary considerations.
Alt: Close-up of Del Monte canned goods with prominent “Gluten-Free” labels, emphasizing dietary options.
Del Monte Foods is also highly conscious of food allergens. In compliance with the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, any of the nine major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, wheat, and soybeans) present in a product are clearly listed on the ingredient statement. Allergens are indicated in parentheses immediately following the allergenic ingredient. Furthermore, Del Monte Foods implements strict policies within its production facilities to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Consumers are always advised to carefully check the ingredient statement for the most accurate allergen information.
More Insights into Del Monte Foods Products: Ingredients, Cooking, and Sizes
Consumers often inquire about specific ingredients and product characteristics. For instance, the modified food starch used in Del Monte Foods products is derived from corn and is certified gluten-free.
A common question is whether canned food is fully cooked. The answer is yes; Del Monte Foods canned products are indeed fully cooked during the canning process, ensuring both safety and convenience for consumers.
Recipes sometimes call for specific can sizes that may be unfamiliar. Del Monte Foods provides helpful guidelines to understand can sizes:
| Can Number | Approximate Weight | Approximate Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 303 | 15 1/2 oz | 2 cups |
| 2 | 20 oz | 2 1/2 cups |
| 2 1/2 | 28 1/2 oz | 3 1/2 cups |
| 10 | 105 oz | 13 cups |
This table helps consumers easily determine the right can size for their cooking needs, ensuring recipe accuracy.
Alt: Different sized cans of Del Monte vegetables lined up, illustrating the range of product volumes available.
Recognizing the dietary needs of many consumers, Del Monte Foods offers a wide selection of No Salt Added products. These options cater to individuals on sodium-restricted diets, allowing them to enjoy the taste and convenience of canned vegetables without added salt. Del Monte Foods No Salt Added product line includes a variety of green beans, corn, spinach, peas, and tomatoes. Additionally, they offer reduced-sodium options with 50% less salt in select corn and green bean products.
For those seeking more information on incorporating Del Monte Foods products into a healthy diet, the “Living a Healthy Lifestyle” section of the Del Monte Foods website offers valuable nutrition information, recipes, and healthy eating tips.
It’s important to note that while Del Monte Foods focuses on processed fruits, vegetables, and tomatoes for the U.S. and South American markets, other Del Monte branded products like pickles, dried fruit, fresh produce, and products sold in Canada and Asia are managed by separate, licensed companies. Consumers with questions about these specific product lines should contact the respective companies directly through their websites.
Del Monte Foods Availability and Purchasing
Del Monte Foods products are widely available in most stores across the nation. However, due to regional preferences, specific products may vary in availability by location. The “Where to Buy” page on the Del Monte Foods website helps consumers check product availability in their area. If a favorite product is not found, consumers are encouraged to speak with their local store management or check other stores nearby.
Currently, Del Monte Foods does not sell products directly to consumers. Products are available through major retailers nationwide.
Del Monte Foods and Non-GMO Commitment
In response to growing consumer interest in non-GMO foods, Del Monte Foods has taken significant steps to offer Non-GMO options. GMO stands for “Genetically Modified Organism,” referring to foods derived from organisms with modified DNA through genetic engineering. Del Monte Foods clearly labels products that are Non-GMO, assuring consumers that these products are free from genetically modified organisms.
To certify products as Non-GMO, Del Monte Foods adheres to strict standards, obtaining and continuously updating records for all ingredients in Non-GMO labeled products, conducting analytical testing, and monitoring supplier testing results. Del Monte Foods was also the first consumer products company to achieve USDA Process Verified Non-GE/GMO certification for its sweet corn, demonstrating a strong commitment to non-GMO practices.
While the core fruits, vegetables, and tomatoes used by Del Monte Foods have always been Non-GMO, the company has actively worked to source Non-GMO alternatives for added ingredients like sweeteners and flavorings. In recent years, Del Monte Foods has significantly expanded its Non-GMO labeled product range, with plans to continue increasing these offerings.
Del Monte Foods acknowledges the ongoing discussion around GMOs and provides information to help consumers make informed choices. Leading health and regulatory organizations worldwide have concluded that GMOs are safe. Del Monte Foods is committed to transparency and providing options that meet diverse consumer preferences.
Alt: Close-up of a Del Monte corn can highlighting the “Non-GMO” label and USDA process verified seal, emphasizing non-GMO certification.
Del Monte Foods and Non-BPA Packaging
Another important aspect of product safety is packaging. Del Monte Foods has addressed concerns about BPA (Bisphenol-A), a component used in epoxy resins that line many food and beverage cans. While the FDA and other global regulatory bodies have deemed BPA safe for use in food packaging, Del Monte Foods has proactively transitioned to Non-BPA linings.
By 2016, Del Monte Foods had converted to Non-BPA linings for 100% of its branded tomato products and nearly 100% of its branded fruit and vegetable products. The alternative linings used by Del Monte Foods are made with polyester for fruit and vegetable products and vinyl for tomato products. These alternative linings meet all FDA and EFSA standards and are compliant with other key regulations, ensuring they are safe and effective for food packaging.
Del Monte Foods also confirms that its plastic cups, bottles, pouches, bags, paper cartons, aseptic cartons, and glass jars do not utilize resins containing BPA, providing a comprehensive approach to Non-BPA packaging across its product lines.
Alt: Del Monte canned tomatoes displaying a “Non-BPA” label, assuring consumers of BPA-free packaging.
Contacting Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs
For any further questions or concerns, Del Monte Foods provides multiple avenues for consumer contact. Consumers can reach Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs by:
- Completing the online Contact Us form on the Del Monte Foods website.
- Calling 1-800-543-3090 during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time).
- Writing to Del Monte Foods Consumer Affairs at their New Jersey address.
Del Monte Foods values consumer feedback and aims to provide accessible and responsive customer service.
About Del Monte Foods
Del Monte Foods is a leading U.S. producer, distributor, and marketer of branded food products. Its well-known brands include Del Monte®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Joyba®, Kitchen Basics®, and S&W®. It is the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited. Consumers should note that Del Monte Foods is distinct from other companies with “Del Monte” in their name, such as Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc., Del Monte Canada, and Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd., which operate independently.
Del Monte Foods is committed to providing high-quality, safe, and nutritious food products to meet the needs and preferences of its consumers.
