We’ve scoured the depths of the canned food aisle to bring you the funniest, unusual or weird canned foods around. Are you ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride? Do you crave the unexpected when it comes to your canned foods? This might give you the fix you need.
1. Canned whole chicken
Yes, you read that right. You can buy a whole chicken in a can. It’s slimy, looks weird and oh so unappetizing but it’s a popular product in some parts of the world. Best thing about it: apparently it can be used for a multitude of dishes.
2. Canned burger
From the same category we have a cheeseburger in a can. It includes a bun, patty, and cheese, all canned together. It’s a convenient option for camping or outdoor adventures, being marketed as a “trekking burger” but we’re se to say this won’t get that much traction.
3. Canned rattlesnake
This is a different kind of snake in a can. Rattlesnake meat is considered a delicacy in southwestern United States, for example. To make things easier, they decided to put it in a can, with the mandatory brine.
4. Canned eel
Eel is a popular ingredient in Japanese cuisine, eel remains being found in ancient tombs dating back thousands of years. These slippery and savory treats work well with plain white rice or even in a salad but don’t take our word for it.
5. Canned tarantulas
Tarantulas are a popular snack in Cambodia, you can find them sold as individual snacks or jam packed in a can. You can have it as a sweet treat or as a salty snack, your choice. How do they get their hands on tarantulas in the first place? That’s simple “they come from sustainable sources where young tarantulas are nurtured and released into the wild to replace wild-caught tarantulas”, duh.
6. Canned silkworm pupa
Not for the faint-hearted, for obvious reasons. Silkworm pupae aka beondegi are a popular snack and this only makes them more accessible. Apparently it’s a healthy treat that’s high in protein so if you watch your gains this might be it.
7. Canned pork brains
A real stomach-churning. The milk gravy. The texture. The ooey-gooey. The color. How to eat it, dare say? Well, obs, just like you would scrambled eggs.
8. Canned whole potatoes
Finally, a non puke-inducing canned good that you can buy from Walmart. While canned potatoes are not uncommon, whole canned potatoes are a bit more unusual. As perhaps you already expected it, they can be used for mashed potatoes or potato salads.
9. Canned octopus
Octopus is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine being enjoyed in dishes all around the world. Here we have the canned version #bonappetit
10. Canned surströmming
Surströmming is a type of fermented fish that is considered a delicacy in Sweden. Canned surströmming has a pungent, rotten egg smell due to the fermentation process. Once you open the can you will feel it…
11. Canned bacon
Alas, bacon in a can. Currently unavailable, Yoders Canned Fully Cooked Bacon seems to be a hit with the right crowd. Yes, it’s a convenient option for camping or outdoor adventures, or even for a lazy breakfast but the demand doesn’t seem to be that big.
12. Canned reindeer meat
It may sound gross but reindeer meat is a popular ingredient in Northern European cuisine. With a taste similar to other venison, it’s much more tender and leaner than beef.
13. Canned jellyfish
Another Asian delight, the jellyfish is quite popular in Chinese cuisine. With a crunchy texture and a mild flavor that takes on the taste of the dish it’s added to, canned jellyfish can be a unique and tasty addition to your next stir-fry or salad.
14. Canned bread
This product features bread in a can. As opposed to in a plastic or paper bag. And we used to think regular bread was just ok. Well, the canned version was created by colonists in New England and they went for it because it was cheap to make. Now it’s mostly eaten as a way to remember the old times, especially around holidays.
15. Canned scrambled eggs
We know, it’s sold as a time saver, camping solution or as a food to stockpile. It seems the taste is similar to that of an egg – as expected – but the freshness is surely not there.
16. Canned alligator
As you might have already guessed, we have another meat that is popular in the South. Reheat and pair it with your favorite carbs or throw it in a salad.
17. Canned escargot
Escargot, or snails, are a popular ingredient in French cuisine. Usually canned in brine, these bad boys require minimal prep once you open that can.
18. Canned durian
Durian is a fruit that is popular in Southeast Asia. However, it has a really pungent smell and flavor that is not for everyone. This is the reason why it’s banned in hotels, public transportation and flights in Japan, Thailand and Hong Kong.
19. Canned haggis
Haggis is a Scottish dish made from sheep organs, onions, oatmeal, and spices. Usually canned in a synthetic skin, this dish has a lot of fans. When done right, the canned version is almost as good as the real one. Almost.
20. Canned grass jelly
Hot item in Asia, grass jelly is a jelly made from pressed juice. It sounds rather weird, it has a fun texture but it tastes sweet so it has its buyers.
21. Canned huitlacoche
A product with Mexican heritage, you get a canned mushroom with hints of sweet corn. It’s a fungus, which randomly grows on organic corn – a must – so you’ll be eating a plant disease.
22. Canned water
Yes, you read that right. Water in a can is getting more and more followers. It’s marketed as a more sustainable option than bottled water.
23. Powdered horse milk
Talk about weird canned foods! You can drink horse milk if you have health issues like anemia, diabetes, skin diseases etc. or if you like the taste. Consumed mostly in Russia and Mongolia, it’s assumed around 30 million people globally rely on horse milk as a staple ingredient.
24. Creamed possum
The Amazon reviews for this are off the charts, it’s insane how well this is received. Have you guys ever tried it? We’re not big fans of blended meats but to each his own.
25. Canned unicorn meat
This is a novelty item, of course, but it’s worth mentioning. The can features a unicorn on the label and claims to contain “magic” meat. It’s actually a can of spam with a funny label.
Whether you’re feeling adventurous or just want a good laugh, these canned goods are sure to deliver. So the next time you’re going shopping keep your eyes peeled for these weird canned foods.
Want more weird foods? How about the weirdest soups in the world?
FAQ
What are some weird Japanese canned foods?
Of course Japan had to chime in with the weirdest combos when it comes to canned foods. From canned bee larvae to quail eggs and grilled chicken, you have options no matter what diet you follow.
