Having some staples in the pantry is always a good idea for last minute dinners. But, instead of the typical cans and bags, we have some suggestions for healthier and safer shelf stable options. We recommend glass containers and cartons whenever possible. Cartons are those shiny papery boxes that most broths come in now that look like giant juice boxes. As you stroll the aisles, you will notice a lot more options starting to come in these boxes including tomatoes, beans, and even chunky soups.

But, why do I need to look for glass or cartons? Most canned food is lined with BPA so that the food doesn't react with the metal of the can. While the BPA lining makes the cans safer in terms of the food inside not eating away at the can (a positive thing), it can also seep into the food (a less positive thing). That means that when we are eating canned foods, we are also eating low doses of BPA, a chemical that has been linked to numerous health issues like cancers, brain and behavioral problems, reduced sperm production, infertility, diabetes and obesity, and heart disease. Maybe not the best. (Read more about why repeated low doses are no good).