Pears, canned, water pack, solids and liquids
Whole food · Fruits and Fruit Juices
Photo: Wikipedia
These are pear halves or slices preserved in a light syrup of water and their own juices, offering a soft, yielding texture and a mild, sweet flavor. Nutritionally, they are a low-calorie, high-fiber option, with the water pack preserving more of the fruit's natural character than heavy syrup versions. The gentle canning process results in a tender bite that's distinct from the crispness of a fresh pear.
Calorie split: 2% protein · 97% carbs · 1% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love canned pears for their consistent, tender sweetness and the comforting, nostalgic flavor they evoke. They are incredibly versatile, serving as a quick snack, a dessert topping, or a smooth addition to savory salads.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The primary concern is the added sugar, even in water packs, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes, making portion control important for those monitoring glucose levels. To mitigate this, pair them with a source of protein or fat like Greek yogurt or nuts to slow sugar absorption. Also, check labels for any added preservatives like sulfites, which some individuals may be sensitive to.
Key benefits
- Low in calories (29 kcal per 100g)
- Good source of dietary fiber (1.6g per 100g)
- Contains natural fruit sugars for quick energy
- Fat-free and cholesterol-free
- Convenient and shelf-stable year-round
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The canning process was developed in the early 19th century, and canned pears became one of the first commercially successful canned fruits in the United States, particularly from the Bartlett pear orchards of California.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 91.8 g |
| Energy | 29.0 kcal |
| Energy | 121 kj |
| Protein | 0.19 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.03 g |
| Ash | 0.16 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 7.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.6 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g |
| Sucrose | 0.30 g |
| Glucose | 1.9 g |
| Fructose | 3.9 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 4.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.21 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 4.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 7.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 53.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.09 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.03 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 1.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.01 mg |
| Niacin | 0.05 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.02 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.01 mg |
| Folate, total | 1.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 1.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 3.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 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 | 34.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.08 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.30 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.00 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.00 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 |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Threonine | 0.01 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.01 g |
| Leucine | 0.01 g |
| Lysine | 0.01 g |
| Methionine | 0.00 g |
| Cystine | 0.00 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.01 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.00 g |
| Valine | 0.01 g |
| Arginine | 0.00 g |
| Histidine | 0.00 g |
| Alanine | 0.01 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.04 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.01 g |
| Glycine | 0.01 g |
| Proline | 0.01 g |
| Serine | 0.01 g |
FAQ
Are canned pears as nutritious as fresh pears?
Canned pears retain most of their fiber and vitamins, but the canning process can reduce some heat-sensitive nutrients like Vitamin C. The water pack version is nutritionally closer to fresh than those in heavy syrup, which add more sugar and calories.
What's the difference between 'water pack' and 'light syrup'?
A water pack means the pears are canned in water, sometimes with a small amount of added sugar or pear juice concentrate for flavor. Light syrup is a solution of water and a higher concentration of sugar. Water pack is the lower-sugar, lower-calorie option.
Can I use the canning liquid from the pears?
Yes, the liquid from a water-packed can is essentially a light pear juice. It can be used to sweeten smoothies, oatmeal, or even as a base for a light cocktail or mocktail.
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 0.29 kcal/g · 3% calories from protein · 1.6 g fiber · 6.1 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: 0.04 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.