Don’t Toss That Tuna Can …Clever Ways to Reuse It in Your Fridge

Most of us finish a can of tuna and toss it straight into the recycling. But did you know that these small, sturdy cans can actually be super useful in your kitchen — especially when it comes to organizing your fridge?

With a little cleaning and creativity, tuna cans can help you save space, reduce waste, and keep your refrigerator neat and tidy. Here’s how.

1. Clean Them Thoroughly First

Before using tuna cans for food storage, it’s important to clean them well to remove oil, residue, and that fishy smell.

Here’s how:

• Wash with hot, soapy water
• Soak in a mix of baking soda + vinegar for 15–20 minutes
• Rinse and dry completely to prevent rust

Optional: Line the inside with parchment paper or plastic wrap, especially if you’ll store food directly in them.

2. Use for Small Leftovers & Ingredients

Tuna cans are perfect for those random little leftovers that tend to clutter your fridge, like:

• Chopped onions or garlic
• Half a lemon
• Fruit slices
• Salad toppings
• Cheese cubes or shredded bits

Just portion them into the can and cover with cling wrap, foil, or a reusable silicone lid. These little portions stay fresh — and now take up way less space.

3. Organize Meal Prep Like a Pro

Meal prepping? Tuna cans can help you keep things tidy and accessible.

Use them to store:

• Sauce portions
• Chopped herbs
• Pre-measured nuts
• Cheese for snacking or cooking

Pro tip: Group several cans on a tray or small shelf inside your fridge. It makes it easy to grab what you need — and helps prevent ingredients from getting lost (and wasted).

4. Freeze Small Portions

Tuna cans are also surprisingly handy for freezing small batches of food, like:

• Homemade broth or soup stock
• Lemon or lime juice
• Herb butters or pesto
• Baby food portions

Just remember:

• Leave space at the top (liquids expand when frozen)
• Once frozen, pop out the contents and transfer them to a labeled freezer bag or container

5. Label Everything

Once cleaned, all tuna cans look the same — which can get confusing.

Use masking tape, washi tape, or stickers to label:

• What’s inside
• The date it was stored

This simple habit helps you avoid forgotten food, rotate ingredients properly, and cut down on fridge waste.

6. Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

Reusing tuna cans is smart — but it’s important to do it safely.

 DO:

• Clean and dry thoroughly
• Use for dry or non-acidic foods
• Transfer contents to glass or plastic if storing long-term

 DON’T:

• Use for acidic foods like tomatoes or citrus (they can react with the metal)
• Reuse cans with rust or sharp, jagged edges
• Store food in them for more than a few days

Final Thoughts: Small Can, Big Impact

Who knew that something as simple as a tuna can could help you:

• Organize your fridge
• Reduce plastic use
• Save space
• Minimize food waste

With a little effort, these everyday items can become a surprisingly sustainable and practical kitchen tool.

Next time you finish a can of tuna, don’t toss it — transform it.

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