Canned Corned Beef: Ranking the Best and Worst Brands
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Worst Canned Corned Beef Brands
- Armour
- Ox & Palm
- Chef-mate
- Underwood
- Mediocre Canned Corned Beef Brands
- Iberia
- Excelsior
- Great Value
- Above Average Canned Corned Beef Brands
- Top Canned Corned Beef Brands
- Argentina
- Exeter
- Brookdale (Aldi)
- Jamaican Country Style
- Hereford
- Libby's
- Conclusion
Ranking of Canned Corned Beef Brands: From Worst to Best
Canned corned beef is a popular and convenient option for many people. It can be enjoyed cold or heated up, making it a versatile ingredient in sandwiches, salads, and various recipes. However, not all canned corned beef brands are created equal. In this article, we will rank some of the most popular canned corned beef brands from the worst to the best, Based on taste, texture, and overall quality. Whether You're looking for a budget-friendly option or the best of the best, keep reading to find out which canned corned beef brand deserves a spot in your pantry.
Worst Canned Corned Beef Brands
Armour
Armour is a brand known for its tasty Vienna sausages, but their canned corned beef falls short. The texture is greasy and jello-like, making it unappealing for human consumption. Additionally, the lack of savory goodness leaves much to be desired in terms of flavor. However, if you absolutely have to buy corned beef from Armour, their Corned Beef Hash with added potatoes improves the texture and taste slightly, but it still remains a bottom-tier option.
Ox & Palm
Despite being made from grass-fed Australian beef, Ox & Palm Corned Beef is a major disappointment. The primary issue with this brand is inconsistency. The quality can vary greatly from can to can, and even the better ones leave much to be desired, especially considering the high price. The meat is too fatty, and while the taste is okay, it's not exceptional. To make matters worse, Ox & Palm had to recall a significant amount of canned corned beef in 2021, further diminishing its reputation.
Chef-mate
Owned by Nestle, Chef-mate offers corned beef hash that fails to impress. While the ingredients list includes corned beef, potatoes, and onions, the taste is surprisingly flavorless. It seems purposefully made to lack any distinctive flavor except for a dash of saltiness. Moreover, Chef-mate Corned Beef Hash is also extremely greasy, further adding to its lackluster appeal.
Underwood
Underwood Corned Beef Spread is a unique option that differs significantly from regular corned beef. It is a spread with a saltier and stronger flavor, similar to toothpaste in consistency. It is best enjoyed in small quantities, such as on a cracker, as using too much can easily overpower a sandwich. While it may not be everyone's cup of tea, when used correctly, it adds a distinct flavor to any dish.
Mediocre Canned Corned Beef Brands
Iberia
Iberia is a brand with a long history and a wide range of products, including canned corned beef. Unfortunately, the texture of Iberia's corned beef falls short. It is too dry and crumbly, making it difficult to maintain its form. Additionally, the taste of Iberia's corned beef has a greasy undertone that may not suit everyone's palate.
Excelsior
If you're sensitive to strong smells, be cautious when considering Excelsior canned corned beef. The brand has a distinct and unpleasant smell reminiscent of expired canned dog food. However, the taste of Excelsior corned beef is surprisingly better than its smell, with a decent texture and flavor. Despite the positives, the overpowering smell may be a deal-breaker for many consumers.
Great Value
Great Value, the store brand of Walmart, offers canned corned beef that is a decent option at an affordable price. The texture holds well, whether eaten hot or cold. However, the main drawback is a subtle yet unmistakable metallic taste. Although it may not be enough to make you spit it out, the metallic flavor can be annoying for some.
Above Average Canned Corned Beef Brands
Goya
As a brand known for its Caribbean food items, Goya's canned corned beef is above average. However, its true potential shines when the product is heated up. When consumed cold, the texture can be rubbery, and the flavor is muted. But when heated, the texture drastically improves, and a realistic beef-like flavor emerges. If you prefer heated canned corned beef, Goya is a reliable choice.
Hormel
Hormel, the company that introduced Spam to the world, offers a flavorful and hearty corned beef hash. It bursts with flavors, and despite any preconceived notions about Spam, Hormel's corned beef hash is a top-selling brand in America. However, be cautious not to confuse the corned beef hash with Hormel's regular corned beef, as the latter is of lower quality, with a mushy texture and nondescript flavor.
Grace
Grace Corned Beef is a brand that shines when enjoyed cold. With a rich flavor and the right amount of saltiness, a simple sandwich with bread and Grace corned beef can be a delightful culinary success. The brand's popularity in Jamaica and other regions is a testament to its quality. If you prefer your corned beef cold, Grace is a great choice.
Top Canned Corned Beef Brands
Argentina
Don't let the name fool you; Argentina Corned Beef has no direct connection with the South American country. Owned by Century Pacific Food, a Philippine-based company, this brand stands out from the rest. Offering a shredded version, Argentina Corned Beef has a firmer texture with less fat compared to other brands. The addition of a delectable Sauce enhances the flavor, resulting in a meaty and savory experience.
Exeter
Exeter is renowned for its canned corned beef that tastes like homemade. With a beautiful marriage of beef and salt, Exeter's corned beef has a distinct and delightful flavor. It manages to taste fresh, even though it comes in a can, making it a standout in the market. It's important to note that legitimate Exeter corned beef is a product of Brazil, as counterfeit versions made in Argentina can be found.
Brookdale (Aldi)
When it comes to store brands, Brookdale's Corned Beef and Corned Beef Hash, available at Aldi, stand out. These budget-friendly options offer rich flavor without breaking the bank. Enjoy the corned beef hash with a couple of sunny-side-up eggs, creating a combination that will leave you craving more. Aldi has many outstanding values to offer, and Brookdale corned beef should be on any canned corned beef lover's shopping list.
Jamaican Country Style
For those seeking an authentic Jamaican corned beef experience, Jamaican Country Style delivers with its canned corned beef. This brand's corned beef has a surprisingly complex flavor profile. The initial saltiness is quickly followed by a flood of savoriness, with a hint of sweetness lingering at the end. Known locally as "bully beef," Jamaican Country Style's corned beef is unrivaled in capturing the beloved Jamaican flavors. Although produced in Uruguay, it remains a brand owned and operated by Jamaicans.
Hereford
While not the top-ranking brand, Hereford canned corned beef is definitely worth trying. This French company is known for its high-quality corned beef, which contains no added hormones, MSG, or gluten. With a reputation for being 98 percent beef with minimal fillers, Hereford offers a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other brands. If you're looking for a can of corned beef that tastes different and delicious, Hereford is a worthy choice.
Libby's
Finally, the king of the canned corned beef Universe is Libby's. This widely available brand throughout the United States offers both corned beef and corned beef hash of exceptional quality. Whether you prefer it hot, cold, or anywhere in between, Libby's delivers on taste and texture. With over 150 years of experience in producing canned corned beef, it's no surprise that Libby's has become synonymous with excellence in this category.
Conclusion
When it comes to canned corned beef, the options are vast, but the quality can vary greatly. From the worst to the best, we've explored a range of brands, considering taste, texture, and overall quality. While everyone's preferences may differ, it's essential to choose a brand that suits your palate and culinary needs. Whether you prioritize budget-friendly options or the highest quality, there's a canned corned beef brand out there waiting to earn a spot in your pantry. So, choose wisely and enjoy the convenience and versatility that canned corned beef has to offer.
Highlights:
- Explore the best and worst canned corned beef brands based on taste, texture, and overall quality.
- Discover budget-friendly options and top-notch brands for the ultimate canned corned beef experience.
- Learn about unique flavors, regional specialties, and the versatile nature of canned corned beef.
- Find out why Libby's, Hereford, and Jamaican Country Style stand out as top contenders in the canned corned beef market.
- Consider factors such as texture, flavor, and availability when choosing the right canned corned beef for your culinary needs.
FAQ:
Q: Can I eat canned corned beef cold?
A: Yes, canned corned beef can be consumed cold. However, the taste and texture may vary compared to when it's heated.
Q: Which canned corned beef brand offers the best value for the price?
A: Brookdale, the store brand available at Aldi, offers excellent value for the price, with both its corned beef and corned beef hash options.
Q: Can I use canned corned beef in various recipes?
A: Absolutely! Canned corned beef is a versatile ingredient that can be used in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and other recipes.
Q: Are there any alternatives to traditional corned beef options?
A: Yes, brands like Underwood offer unique alternatives with their corned beef spread, which adds a different flavor profile to your dishes.
Q: Which canned corned beef brand tastes the most like homemade?
A: Exeter stands out for its canned corned beef that captures the taste and freshness of homemade corned beef.
Q: Is canned corned beef a healthy food choice?
A: While it can be enjoyed in moderation, canned corned beef tends to be high in sodium and fat. It's important to consider your dietary needs and preferences when consuming it.