Nutrition Diet: Are You Supposed to Drain Canned Spinach?

Draining and rinsing canned vegetables can decrease sodium content by 9–23%, depending on the vegetable. This simple step is crucial, so a common question arises: Are you supposed to drain canned spinach? This guide will clarify the reasons, methods, and benefits of properly preparing your canned spinach for a better and healthier dish.

Quick Summary

Draining and rinsing canned spinach is recommended to improve flavor, remove a metallic aftertaste, and significantly reduce sodium content for a healthier meal. The necessity of this step ultimately depends on your recipe and dietary goals, but it is generally a best practice. Proper draining also prevents dishes from becoming watery or soggy.

Key Points

• Reduced Sodium: Draining and rinsing canned spinach can significantly reduce its high sodium content, which is essential for low-sodium diets.

• Improved Flavor: By washing away the briny liquid, you eliminate the unpleasant metallic or overly salty flavor, allowing the spinach's natural taste to come through.

• Better Texture: Removing excess moisture is crucial for recipes like dips and casseroles, preventing them from becoming watery and soggy.

• When to Skip Draining: In recipes that require extra liquid, such as soups and stews, it's acceptable to use the canning liquid, but be mindful of the added sodium.

• Best Practices: To properly drain and rinse, use a fine-mesh sieve, run cool water over the spinach, and squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels or a kitchen towel for the best results.

• Enhanced Recipes: Drained spinach is ideal for a variety of dishes, including creamed spinach, frittatas, and dips, where a better texture and flavor are desired.

The Importance of Draining and Rinsing Canned Spinach

Canned spinach, like many canned vegetables, is preserved in a salty brine, which affects its nutritional profile, flavor, and texture. While convenient and long-lasting, canned spinach benefits significantly from a quick draining and rinsing process before use. This small preparation step can transform your dish by addressing several key issues.

The Sodium Factor

One of the most compelling reasons to drain and rinse canned spinach is to reduce its high sodium content. Many canned varieties contain high levels of sodium, a preservative that can impact taste and may be a concern for those watching their blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet. The United States Department of Agriculture has found that draining and rinsing canned vegetables can reduce their sodium content by a measurable amount, making it a simple yet effective dietary choice. By removing the liquid, you gain greater control over the seasoning of your meal, ensuring it’s not overpowered by salt.

Flavor and Texture Improvements

Beyond sodium, the canning liquid can impart a metallic, briny, or bitter taste to the spinach leaves, which can negatively affect the overall flavor of your final dish. Rinsing helps strip away this unpleasant aftertaste, leaving a cleaner, fresher flavor profile. In terms of texture, the excess moisture in the can can make the spinach soggy and watery, especially in recipes where a thicker consistency is desired, like dips or quiches. Draining prevents this dilution and helps maintain a better texture, especially in dishes that are meant to be thicker or less watery.

How to Properly Drain and Rinse Canned Spinach

Achieving perfectly prepared canned spinach is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Drain: Open the can and pour the entire contents—liquid and spinach—into a fine-mesh sieve or colander placed over a sink. A mesh sieve is particularly effective at catching all the small spinach pieces. Allow the initial brine to drain completely.
2. Rinse: While the spinach is still in the sieve, run cool water over it from the faucet. Gently agitate the spinach with your hand or a fork to ensure all the leaves are rinsed thoroughly. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear, signaling that the excess salt and brine have been washed away.
3. Dry: To remove as much excess moisture as possible, press the spinach against the side of the sieve with the back of a spoon. For an even drier result, transfer the rinsed spinach to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze firmly to press out any remaining liquid. For very dry applications, a potato ricer can also be used for maximum moisture extraction.

When Draining Might Not Be Necessary

While draining and rinsing is a recommended practice, there are specific instances where you can skip this step. If your recipe is a soup or a stew that calls for a liquid base, the canned spinach liquid can sometimes be incorporated to help thicken the dish and provide a slightly briny depth of flavor. For canned spinach varieties that come pre-seasoned (with added garlic, onion, etc.), rinsing would strip away the intended flavorings. In this case, you might choose to only drain the liquid to maintain the taste. However, always consider your sodium intake when opting to use the canning liquid.

Drained vs. Undrained Canned Spinach: A Comparison

Feature	Drained and Rinsed Canned Spinach	Undrained Canned Spinach
Flavor	Cleaner, fresher, and more natural taste with no metallic or briny aftertaste.	Saturated with salty brine, which can create a metallic and overly salty flavor profile.
Texture	Firmer, with less moisture, preventing dishes from becoming soggy or watery.	Soft, mushy, and releases a lot of moisture into the dish during cooking.
Sodium	Significantly lower sodium content, allowing for better control over seasoning.	Higher in sodium due to the preservative brine.
Application	Ideal for thick dips, casseroles, quiches, and side dishes where texture is key.	Suitable for soups or stews where extra liquid and a briny flavor are acceptable or desired.

Incorporating Drained Spinach into Recipes

Drained and rinsed canned spinach can be a versatile ingredient in many dishes. Some popular uses include:

• Creamed Spinach: The best results are achieved by thoroughly draining and even squeezing the spinach to ensure a thick, rich texture.
• Spinach Artichoke Dip: This classic appetizer requires dry spinach to achieve the right creamy consistency without becoming runny.
• Frittatas and Quiches: Excess moisture can make egg dishes soggy. Draining the spinach is essential for a firm, set final product.
• Pasta Dishes: Adding drained spinach to pasta sauces or lasagna prevents the sauce from becoming diluted.

For a truly fresh and balanced flavor, consider sautéing the drained spinach with some butter, olive oil, and fresh garlic before adding it to your main dish. The key is to treat it like a fresh ingredient after draining, which allows it to absorb the flavors you add, rather than the brine it was packaged in.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

While eating canned spinach directly from the can is safe, a quick draining and rinsing step is almost always recommended for optimal taste, texture, and nutritional control. By taking this small amount of time, you can significantly reduce the sodium content, eliminate metallic flavors, and ensure your dish has the ideal consistency. The choice to drain or not ultimately depends on your recipe and dietary needs, but for the most balanced and enjoyable flavor, proper preparation is the clear winner. By understanding the reasons behind this step, you can make smarter, healthier choices for your cooking and your diet.

---

[Authoritative link example (hypothetical)]: For further reading on sodium reduction in canned foods, consult the USDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is canned spinach already cooked?

Yes, canned spinach is fully cooked and can be eaten straight from the can, although most people prefer to heat it and add seasonings.

Does draining canned spinach remove nutrients?

While draining may result in a small loss of water-soluble vitamins, rinsing significantly reduces sodium and improves flavor, which is a major nutritional benefit for many diets.

How long can canned spinach be stored?

Unopened cans of spinach can last for 3 to 5 years, while opened cans should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.

What can I use to drain canned spinach if I don't have a colander?

You can use the can's lid to block the contents while pouring out the liquid, or place the spinach on paper towels and squeeze out the moisture.

Can I use the liquid from canned spinach?

The liquid, or brine, is high in sodium and can have a metallic taste, but it can be used in some soups or stews if extra salt and moisture are desired.

How do I get a less mushy texture with canned spinach?

For a firmer texture, thoroughly drain and rinse the spinach, then squeeze out as much excess water as possible using paper towels or a kitchen towel before adding it to your recipe.

Can I use canned spinach in a salad?

Canned spinach has a very soft texture from the canning process and is not suitable for salads, which require crisp, fresh leaves.

What are some good flavorings for canned spinach?

After draining, sauté the spinach with garlic, olive oil, and add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.

Citations

• How To Cook Canned Spinach - Loaves and Dishes, loavesanddishes.net, May 14, 2019.
• Do you drain canned spinach? - Quora, quora.com, February 18, 2021.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• Should You Drain Canned Vegetables? - Southern Living, southernliving.com, March 07, 2025.
• 30 Foods High in Sodium and What to Eat Instead - Healthline, healthline.com, February 23, 2023.
• Effect of draining and rinsing on the sodium and ... - USDA ARS, ars.usda.gov.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• Fresh Spinach vs. Frozen Spinach vs. Canned Spinach - The Daring Kitchen, thedaringkitchen.com, June 24, 2022.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• Should You Drain Canned Vegetables? Southern Chefs ..., yahoo.com, February 02, 2024.
• The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Canned Spinach - Daily Meal, thedailymeal.com, July 05, 2024.
• Canned Spinach - Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, regionalfoodbank.org.
• What are some ways to use canned spinach? - Facebook, facebook.com, August 26, 2021.
• The Solution to Canned Spinach Recipe - Food.com, food.com.
• How to Squeeze Spinach Dry - YouTube, youtube.com, May 30, 2013.
• Canned Sautéed Spinach Recipe | How To Make Garlic Butter ... - YouTube, youtube.com, January 04, 2023.
• Should You Drain Canned Vegetables? Southern Chefs Weigh In - AOL.com, aol.com.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• Choosing Canned Foods: Nutrition Meets Convenience - Gleaners Community Food Bank, gcfb.org, April 25, 2024.
• The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Canned Spinach - The Daily Meal, thedailymeal.com, July 05, 2024.
• Canned spinach Recipes.
• What's Best, Fresh Frozen or Canned Vegetables? - Colorado State University, chhs.colostate.edu.
• Spinach, canned, regular pack, solids and liquids calories (kcal) - Food Struct, foodstruct.com.
• Draining spinach? : r/Cooking - Reddit, reddit.com, February 14, 2013.
• CANNED SPINACH RECIPES - Gleaners Community Food Bank, gcfb.org.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• Spinach, canned, regular pack, drained solids - 1 cup - Nutritionix, nutritionix.com, February 22, 2016.
• It's no secret that spinach is a great, nutrient-dense green... - Instagram, instagram.com, February 06, 2023.
• Spinach, canned, no salt added, solids and liquids, 1 cup - University Hospitals, uhhospitals.org.
• Spinach, canned, no salt added, solids and liquids - ReciPal, recipal.com.
• The Big Mistake You're Making Immediately After Opening Canned ... - Yahoo, yahoo.com, October 19, 2024.
• Recipes Using Canned Spinach - TikTok, tiktok.com.
• Why Does Spinach Make My Teeth Feel Weird? - Epicurious, epicurious.com, September 07, 2022.
• Someone gave me canned spinach. What are the simple ways to ... - Quora, quora.com, May 24, 2021.
• How do you give your canned chopped spinach some flavor? - Reddit, reddit.com, December 16, 2020.
• Canned spinach cooking methods - Facebook, facebook.com, October 19, 2023.
• Spinach - Vegetable Facts | Taylor Farms, taylorfarms.com.
• Yes, You Should Rinse and Drain Canned Beans—Here’s Why - Better Homes & Gardens, bhg.com, July 11, 2024.
• Tricks and tips for dealing with frozen spinach? : r/Cooking - Reddit, reddit.com, November 25, 2023.
• How to Cook Spinach For Delicious Greens Every Time - Better Homes & Gardens, bhg.com, November 22, 2023.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• Do you drain canned spinach? - Quora, quora.com, February 18, 2021.
• The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Canned Spinach - Daily Meal, thedailymeal.com, July 05, 2024.
• Should You Drain Canned Vegetables? Southern Chefs ... - Yahoo, yahoo.com, February 02, 2024.
• Fresh Spinach vs. Frozen Spinach vs. Canned Spinach - The Daring Kitchen, thedaringkitchen.com, June 24, 2022.
• What are some ways to use canned spinach? - Facebook, facebook.com, August 26, 2021.
• The Biggest Mistake Everyone Makes With Canned Spinach - Yahoo, yahoo.com, April 30, 2025.
• The Solution to Canned Spinach Recipe - Food.com, food.com.
• 30 Foods High in Sodium and What to Eat Instead - Healthline, healthline.com, February 23, 2023.
• Should You Drain Canned Vegetables? - Southern Living, southernliving.com, March 07, 2025.
• Canned Spinach - Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, regionalfoodbank.org.
• Canned Sautéed Spinach Recipe | How To Make Garlic Butter ... - YouTube, youtube.com, January 04, 2023.
• How To Cook Canned Spinach - Loaves and Dishes, loavesanddishes.net, May 14, 2019.
• The Biggest Mistake You're Making With Canned Spinach - The Daily Meal, thedailymeal.com, July 05, 2024.
• How to Squeeze Spinach Dry - YouTube, youtube.com, May 30, 2013.
• Effect of draining and rinsing on the sodium and ... - USDA ARS, ars.usda.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is canned spinach already cooked?

Yes, canned spinach is fully cooked during the canning process. While it can be eaten straight from the can, it is typically heated and seasoned for better flavor and enjoyment.

Does draining canned spinach remove nutrients?

While draining can lead to a minor loss of some water-soluble vitamins, the benefit of reducing high sodium content and improving flavor is a significant nutritional gain for many diets.

How long can canned spinach be stored?

Unopened cans of spinach can last for 3 to 5 years if properly stored. Once opened, it should be placed in a covered container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3–4 days.

What is a good way to drain canned spinach without a colander?

You can use the can's lid to block the contents while pouring out the liquid. For more thorough draining, use paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to press and squeeze out the moisture.

Can the liquid from canned spinach be used in recipes?

The liquid, or brine, is high in sodium and can have a metallic taste. While it can be used in some soups or stews for extra liquid, it's generally best to drain it to control the saltiness of your dish.

How can I get a less mushy texture with canned spinach?

For a firmer texture, thoroughly drain and rinse the spinach. Squeezing out as much excess water as possible using paper towels or a clean towel will prevent your dish from becoming watery and mushy.

Can I use canned spinach in a salad?

Canned spinach is not suitable for salads. The canning process breaks down the plant's cell walls, resulting in a very soft texture that lacks the crispness of fresh, leafy greens.

What are some good flavorings for canned spinach?

After draining, try sautéing the spinach with garlic and olive oil. Other good additions include a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the flavor.