Beef, cured, corned beef, canned
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
Canned corned beef is a shelf-stable, pre-cooked product made from salt-cured beef brisket, typically packed in its own gelatinous fat. It has a distinctively salty, savory, and slightly metallic flavor with a soft, fibrous texture that easily breaks apart. Nutritionally, it is a dense source of protein and fat, but contains zero carbohydrates, making it a staple for high-protein, low-carb diets.
Calorie split: 45% protein · 0% carbs · 55% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its rich, umami-packed flavor and the satisfying, hearty texture that works perfectly in quick, comforting meals. It holds deep cultural significance in many regions, from British breakfasts to Caribbean stews and Filipino dishes.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its extremely high sodium content can contribute to high blood pressure, and the saturated fat is significant. To counteract this, pair it with potassium-rich vegetables like spinach or potatoes, use smaller portions, and rinse it slightly under water to reduce surface salt.
Key benefits
- High in complete protein for muscle maintenance
- Zero carbohydrates, suitable for ketogenic diets
- Extremely long shelf life without refrigeration
- Quick and convenient protein source for meals
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'corned' refers to the large grains of rock salt, called 'corns,' used to cure the beef, not to the grain corn.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 57.7 g |
| Energy | 250 kcal |
| Energy | 1046 kj |
| Protein | 27.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.9 g |
| Ash | 2.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 0.00 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 12.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 14.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 111 mg |
| Potassium, K | 136 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 897 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.01 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 42.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.02 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.15 mg |
| Niacin | 2.4 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.63 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.13 mg |
| Folate, total | 9.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 9.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 89.2 mg |
| Betaine | 11.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.6 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 10.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.20 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.42 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 2.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 6.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.80 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.63 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.42 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.21 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 86.0 mg |
| Phytosterols | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.25 g |
| Threonine | 1.0 g |
| Isoleucine | 1.2 g |
| Leucine | 2.0 g |
| Lysine | 2.1 g |
| Methionine | 0.63 g |
| Cystine | 0.35 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.97 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.88 g |
| Valine | 1.2 g |
| Arginine | 1.7 g |
| Histidine | 0.86 g |
| Alanine | 2.0 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.7 g |
| Glutamic acid | 4.4 g |
| Glycine | 2.3 g |
| Proline | 2.0 g |
| Serine | 1.1 g |
FAQ
Is canned corned beef the same as corned beef brisket?
No. Canned corned beef is usually made from less expensive cuts of beef, such as beef plate or other trimmings, which are cured, cooked, and then packed with fat and gelatin. Fresh corned beef brisket is typically a whole muscle cut.
Why is canned corned beef so high in fat?
The fat is necessary for the canning process, as it helps preserve the meat and maintain moisture. The fat also solidifies at room temperature, creating the characteristic gelatinous texture.
Can I eat canned corned beef straight from the can?
Yes, it is fully cooked and safe to eat cold. However, it is most commonly heated and used in cooked dishes like hash or sandwiches for better flavor and texture.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.50 kcal/g · 43% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 6.60 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.