TV chef Theo Michaels is leading the latest initiative from Canned Food UK, known as Protein Packed Cans. This campaign emphasizes high-protein canned ingredients through a collection of straightforward and approachable recipes. Theo, a professional chef, presenter, and award-winning author, previously gained fame as a contestant on MasterChef and frequently appears as a guest chef on BBC Morning Live.
In his role as an official CANbassador™, Theo’s collaboration with Canned Food UK builds upon the achievements of past campaigns. This partnership aims to highlight the versatility, affordability, and convenience of canned foods, catering to the increasing consumer interest in affordable, protein-rich meals that can be easily prepared at home.
The Protein Packed Cans series features four uniquely crafted recipes, each designed by the chef to showcase how standard pantry items can offer significant protein content and nutritional benefits without sacrificing taste. By incorporating ingredients such as canned fish, beans, and pulses, these recipes encourage households to cook efficiently.
The highlighted dishes include a Butterbean & Tuna Bake, a contemporary take on the classic Cypriot dish Gigantes Plaki. Rounding out the collection are a Warm Mediterranean Lentil Salad, a Brazilian Black Bean Stew, and a Butternut Squash and Halloumi Curry. These recipes cater to midweek dinners, meal prepping, and casual dining.
Theo Michaels comments, “Canned food is frequently undervalued, yet it offers an excellent source of nutrition and flavor. With this latest campaign from Canned Food UK, we aim to demonstrate how straightforward it is to prepare filling, protein-packed meals using items that many people already have in their kitchens.
“Every recipe in the Protein Packed Cans series emphasizes rich flavors and high-quality ingredients, underlining the convenience and reliability of canned foods in everyday cooking, thanks to their versatility and extended shelf life.”
Canned Food UK advocates for the advantages of canned foods and operates under the auspices of the Metal Packaging Manufacturers Association (MPMA). The organization promotes how canned foods can provide nutritious options while remaining budget-friendly for families. Beyond everyday convenience, the metal packaging that preserves the food enjoys a high recycling rate in the UK, as it can be recycled indefinitely.
Jason Galley, Director and Chief Executive of MPMA, states, “Theo Michaels is an exceptional collaborator for Canned Food UK. His enthusiasm for simple, nutritious cooking resonates well with audiences, showcasing the advantages of canned foods. Theo focuses on creating meals that are tasty, convenient, and budget-friendly, utilizing ingredients packaged in easily recyclable metal, which supports sustainable practices at home.”
The Protein Packed Cans initiative is now live across Canned Food UK’s digital platforms. Find the four featured recipes on the Canned Food UK website.

