Retort vs canned vs frozen: which ready meal is right for you?
Retort pouches, tins and frozen meals all give you a meal that is ready to heat, but they suit different situations. Retort is the best choice when you want a long shelf life without a freezer and without the weight of a tin.
| Retort pouch | Tinned food | Frozen meal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | Room temperature | Room temperature | Freezer only |
| Shelf life | Months (ours: up to 18) | Often a year or more | Months, if the freezer stays on |
| Weight and bulk | Light and flat | Heavy and rigid | Bulky, needs ice for transport |
| Heating | Minutes in hot water or a pan | Needs a pan or can opener | Microwave or oven, thawing |
| Power to store | None | None | Constant |
Where does retort win?
- Travel and trekking: lighter than tins and needs no ice.
- Ships, camps and relief: no cold chain to maintain.
- Small kitchens: stored in a cupboard, not a freezer.
Where do the others win?
- Frozen meals can taste closest to fresh, if you have a reliable freezer.
- Tins are very tough and widely available.
Which label should you look for?
Whatever you choose, read the ingredient list. A retort meal should list food and spices, with no added preservatives. Eatery Malabarikas retort meals are made without preservatives or additives.
Try a pouch
Order a few dishes and see how it compares with what you eat now.
Ready to try it?
Our retort meals are cooked in Kannur, made without preservatives or additives, and delivered across India.
More from the blog
- What is retort food? A simple guide to ready-to-eat meals that last
- Ready-to-eat food for ships: why ship chandlers are turning to retort meals
- A taste of Kerala anywhere: retort meals for NRIs, gifts and students
- Retort food for hotels, caterers and food brands: contract manufacturing explained
- Long shelf life meals for travel, trekking and relief work