Canned Pineapple & Other Packaged Fruits

How do I know if I can still use the product?

DOLE® products sold in the U.S.A. feature a “best if used by” date that guarantees the best quality and flavor up to that date. Dates are located on the top or bottom of the package or printed on the label. We do not recommend using a product after the “best if used by” date. Any time a can is bulging or dented, it indicates possible spoilage and we do not recommend using the product regardless of the “best if used by” date.


How should I store any unused canned fruit?

After opening, refrigerate unused fruit in a glass or plastic container. We do not recommend storing leftover canned fruit in its original can because it may affect the delicious flavor of the fruit.

What can I do if I am unable to find my favorite DOLE® Packaged Fruit product

Every effort is made to provide as wide a selection of DOLE® products as possible in stores across the country. If you can’t find what you are looking for, it is important to let your store manager know. Ask the manager to see if the product can be obtained from the store’s warehouse. If it is not available, this is your opportunity to let the store know you would like to be able to purchase it from them. Although we would like to see all of our products carried by every store, regional preferences vary and, as a result, your favorite product may be available only in certain areas.

What is clarified pineapple juice and why is it used with canned pineapple?

Clarified pineapple juice is natural pineapple juice that has been filtered to remove the pulp. Our consumer panels indicate a preference for a clearer juice with canned pineapple. Dole uses clarified juice because unfiltered juice can cause the product to have a very cloudy appearance.

What is the correct way to store an unopened canned fruit product?

Unopened canned foods should be kept in a cool, dry place. If you enjoy a chilled fruit snack, keep an unopened can of DOLE® Fruit in your refrigerator.

What is the ingredient in DOLE® Tropical Mixed Salad that looks and tastes like a pear?

The ingredient you thought was pear is actually guava. It looks like pear and has a similar texture but it’s guava. This ingredient is listed on the product label along with pineapple, red papaya, yellow papaya and other ingredients that make up this tropical blend.

What is the “nata de coco” listed as an ingredient in one of your varieties of DOLE® Tropical Mixed Salad?

Nata de coco is a natural food gel formed from coconut milk and sugar. Nata de coco contains no preservatives, enhancers, or other chemicals. It is high in dietary fiber and contains no fat or cholesterol.

I have a recipe that calls for a No. 2 can. How many ounces are in this size can?

Instead of referring to ounces, older recipes sometimes referred to numbered cans for canned food products. If your recipes call for any of the numbered cans below, the recommended equivalents are listed as follows:

Can Number Ounces
No. 1              8
No. 2              20
No. 2 1/2        30
No. 303          16

Is it possible to use canned pineapple in gelatin recipes or as a marinade?

Canned pineapple works wonderfully well in gelatin recipes or as a marinade. Fresh pineapple cannot be used because of a natural enzyme called “bromelain”. The heat process used in canning pineapple destroys this enzyme, allowing canned pineapple to be used in a variety of recipes.