When it comes to cooking or baking recipes that call for canned pineapple tidbits, it’s important to know how to convert between milliliters (ml) and fluid ounces. This allows you to accurately substitute canned pineapple tidbits in different sized cans. For example, if you need 398 ml of pineapple tidbits but only have a 15 oz can, knowing the conversion will tell you if you have enough or need to open a second can.
Quick Answer
398 ml is equivalent to 13.45 fluid ounces. So if you need 398 ml of pineapple tidbits, look for a 13-14 ounce can.
The Details
Here are the steps to convert 398 ml to fluid ounces:
- 398 ml = 0.398 liters (L)
- To convert liters to fluid ounces, multiply liters by 33.814
- 0.398 L x 33.814 oz/L = 13.45 fluid ounces
So 398 ml converts to approximately 13.45 fluid ounces. Since pineapple tidbit cans are usually labeled in whole ounces, a 13-14 oz can would contain close to 398 ml.
Converting the Other Way
You can also convert in the other direction, from fluid ounces to milliliters:
- Start with fluid ounces
- Multiply fluid ounces by 29.574 to get milliliters
For example:
- 14 fl oz x 29.574 ml/fl oz = 414 ml
- 13 fl oz x 29.574 ml/fl oz = 384 ml
So a 14 oz can of pineapple tidbits contains about 414 ml, while a 13 oz can contains about 384 ml. Comparing to the original 398 ml amount, the 14 oz can would be the closest option.
Handy Conversion Table
Here is a handy reference table showing some common fluid ounce and milliliter conversions for canned pineapple tidbits:
| Fluid Ounces | Milliliters |
|---|---|
| 5 oz | 148 ml |
| 8 oz | 237 ml |
| 10 oz | 296 ml |
| 12 oz | 355 ml |
| 13 oz | 384 ml |
| 14 oz | 414 ml |
| 15 oz | 443 ml |
| 20 oz | 591 ml |
Canned Pineapple Sizes
Canned pineapple tidbits and chunks come in a few common sizes:
- 5 oz (148 ml)
- 8 oz (237 ml)
- 10 oz (296 ml)
- 12 oz (355 ml)
- 14 oz (414 ml)
- 15 oz (443 ml)
- 20 oz (591 ml)
- 22 oz (651 ml)
So if you need 398 ml, look for a 13 oz or 14 oz can. The 13 oz can contains about 384 ml and the 14 oz contains about 414 ml, both very close to the 398 ml amount.
Always Check the Label
Keep in mind that different brands may vary slightly in their can sizes. Be sure to always double check the label for the exact fluid ounces or milliliters.
Typical Pineapple Tidbit Uses
Here are some common ways that 398 ml (13-14 oz) of canned pineapple tidbits might be used in recipes:
- Fruit salad – 398 ml provides about 2 cups of tidbits, perfect for a large fruit salad.
- Pineapple upside-down cake – A 13-14 oz can contains enough tidbits to cover a 9×13 inch pan cake.
- Piña colada – 398 ml is the right amount for 4-6 piña colada drinks.
- Teriyaki chicken – Toss 398 ml of drained tidbits in a teriyaki chicken stir fry for flavor and color.
- Yogurt parfait – Layer 398 ml of tidbits with Greek yogurt and granola for a sweet parfait.
- Stir fry – Throw 398 ml of tidbits into any pork, chicken, shrimp or vegetable stir fry.
Tips for Canned Pineapple
Here are some useful tips for working with canned pineapple tidbits:
- Look for tidbits canned in 100% pineapple juice rather than heavy syrup for better flavor.
- Drain and rinse the tidbits to remove excess sugar syrup if using for savory dishes.
- Save any unused juice or syrup for making smoothies, drinks, marinades or dipping sauces.
- Refrigerate opened cans for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Add tidbits at the very end of cooking when possible to preserve texture.
- Tidbits add color, flavor and vitamins to all kinds of recipes from pizzas to tacos to salads and more.
Nutrition Information
Canned pineapple is nutritious as well as tasty. Here are some of the benefits of including 398 ml of pineapple tidbits in your recipes:
- Excellent source of vitamin C – 398 ml provides over 100% DV.
- Good source of manganese and vitamin B6.
- Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene and bromelain.
- Has enzymes that help digest protein.
- Naturally fat, cholesterol and sodium free.
- Helps boost immunity and supports bone health.
Compare Fresh vs. Canned
Canned pineapple has a very similar nutrition profile to the same quantity of fresh pineapple. The canning process does result in some losses of vitamin C and B vitamins. However, the differences are minor if the pineapple is canned in juice rather than heavy syrup.
Canned pineapple also contains beneficial antioxidants like fresh, as the canning process helps retain these. Overall, canned pineapple makes an excellent, nutritious substitute for fresh when fresh isn’t in season or is hard to find.
Cost Savings of Canned
Canned pineapple tidbits are significantly cheaper than fresh pineapple. Here’s a typical cost comparison:
| Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 398 ml (13-14oz) canned tidbits | $1.50 – $3 |
| 398 ml (1.4 cups) fresh tidbits | $3 – $4 |
So canned tidbits can cost 50-75% less than fresh. That’s a savings of $1.50-$2.50 per 398 ml. Over time, choosing canned can lead to major savings, especially when cooking for large groups or meal prepping for the week.
Price Per Ounce
To determine the best deal when comparing different canned pineapple options, look at the price per ounce:
- Lower price per ounce = Better deal
- Calculate by taking the total cost and dividing it by the total ounces
For example:
- 15 oz can for $2.50 = $2.50/15 oz = $0.17 per oz
- 20 oz can for $3.00 = $3/20 oz = $0.15 per oz
So the 20 oz can gives you a lower price per ounce, making it the better bargain even though the total cost is slightly higher.
Non-Culinary Uses
While the most common use of canned pineapple is for eating, it also has some clever non-culinary applications, such as:
- Meat tenderizer – The bromelain enzyme helps tenderize meat.
- Cocktail garnish – Pineapple wedges add flair to drinks.
- Home fragrance – Simmer canned tidbits and juice for a tropical scent.
- Houseplant fertilizer – Water plants with diluted pineapple juice occasionally.
- DIY body scrub – Mix sugar and tidbits to make a sweet scrub.
- Pet treats – Dogs love these sweet, low calorie morsels.
Common Questions
1. Are canned pineapple tidbits already cooked?
Yes, canned pineapple is pre-cooked during the canning process. It can be eaten straight from the can without any additional cooking. Any recipes using canned pineapple tidbits just require heating through.
2. Are there BPA concerns with canned pineapple?
Modern canned foods use BPA-free cans for safety. Reputable brands label their cans BPA-free. Look for this on pineapple can labels for assurance.
3. How long does opened canned pineapple last?
Once opened, canned pineapple should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It will stay good for 5-7 days in the fridge.
4. Can the juice or syrup be substituted for pineapple juice?
Absolutely. The liquid is flavored from soaking with the tidbits so can be used just like regular pineapple juice or concentrate.
5. Is the sugar content high in canned pineapple?
Pineapple canned in juice contains just the natural sugars of the fruit. If canned in heavy syrup, simply drain and rinse the tidbits before using to remove excess sugar.
Conclusion
Now you know that 398 ml of pineapple tidbits is equivalent to about 13-14 fluid ounces. Armed with this conversion information, substituting canned pineapple in recipes is easy. Look for approximately 13-14 ounce cans when you need 398 ml. Canned pineapple makes an affordable, nutritious and handy kitchen staple.
