Aussies going crazy for French canned food - the easy way to dine in style
Announcement posted by Invigorate PR 11 May 2026
Australians are being introduced to one of France's best-kept culinary secrets, premium canned meals that deliver restaurant-quality dining at home, with Melbourne chef Alex Charasse, declaring they are among the finest foods in the world.
At Almost French Epicure, a CBD café and restaurant known for its exceptional cheeses, charcuterie, savouries and French desserts, Charasse is now showcasing a curated range of authentic French pantry items that are redefining convenience food.
"People hear 'canned food' and think cheap or low quality. In France, it is the opposite. Some of the best meals you will ever eat come from a can and we have imported them into Australia so people here can experience them too."
Alex Charasse is a highly qualified French Maître Pâtissier (Master Pastry Chef) and Maître Chocolatier with over two decades of experience in high-end European and Australian kitchens. Trained at Le Clos d'Or in France, he has worked at Michelin-starred venues, leading institutions like Vue du Monde and is the founder of Almost French Patisserie and Almost French Epicure.
The French pantry shock Australians are not expecting
Charasse said Australians are often surprised to discover that traditional French cuisine includes preserved dishes prepared to exacting standards.
"These are not mass-produced convenience meals. They are slow-cooked, carefully prepared and preserved at their peak. You are opening something that has been crafted properly," Charasse said.
"The concept is deeply rooted in French culinary tradition. It is about preserving flavour, not sacrificing it."
Three dishes changing how Australians eat at home
Among the most popular items now available through Almost French Epicure are three standout dishes that Charasse said deliver an instant, elevated dining experience.
Cassoulet
A rich, slow-cooked dish of beans, meats and deep flavour, traditionally requiring hours or even days to prepare.
"You open it, heat it and you have a dish that would normally take an entire day," Charasse said.
Duck legs (confit de canard)
Tender, flavour-packed duck cooked in its own fat, a staple of French gastronomy.
"This is one of France's most iconic dishes and it is incredibly difficult to do well at home from scratch," he said.
"This canned product offers superb appeal for anyone wanting to experience authentic French duck legs."
Crayfish soup (bisque d'écrevisse)
A luxurious, intensely flavoured seafood soup.
"It is refined, elegant and perfect for entertaining. These are dishes that impress immediately," Charasse said.
Restaurant-quality meals without the effort
Charasse said the appeal is simple, high-end food without the time, skill or stress typically required.
"You can serve these to guests and they will think you have spent hours cooking. It is effortless, but it feels indulgent," he said.
He said the products are ideal for dinner parties, last-minute entertaining or simply elevating everyday meals.
"People want convenience, but they do not want to compromise on quality. This gives them both," Charasse added.
A new way to experience French food
While Almost French Epicure is known for its in-venue experience, from curated cheese selections to authentic French desserts and charcuterie, Charasse said the pantry range extends that experience into the home.
"We are bringing France into people's kitchens. You can come in, enjoy the experience and then take it home with you," he said.
"Australians are increasingly seeking authentic, high-quality food experiences, even when dining at home. There is a real appetite for something better. People want to eat well, even on a Tuesday night."
Challenging everything Australians think about convenience food
For Charasse, the biggest shift is changing perception.
"Canned food in France is not an afterthought, it is a category of excellence," he said.
"Once people try it, their view changes instantly. They realise convenience does not have to mean compromise."
The ultimate entertaining shortcut
With entertaining becoming more experience-driven, Charasse believes these products are perfectly positioned.
"You can create a beautiful, authentic French meal in minutes. Add some fresh bread, a cheese selection and a dessert and you have something truly special," he said.
"If you want to impress without stress, this is how the French do it."
About Almost French Epicure
Almost French Epicure, located in Melbourne's CBD, is part of the award winning Almost French brand, recognised as French Bakery of the Year Australia at the 2026 Prestige Awards.
Founded by Alex Charasse, the brand is known for its dedication to traditional French techniques, premium ingredients and authentic culinary experiences.
Almost French Epicure café and restaurant offers a stunning range of French sweets, desserts, pantry products, savoury food and personally curated French charcuterie boards, bringing a true taste of France to homes, events and gatherings across Melbourne.
Location
Almost French Epicure
27 Little Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC, 3000
(03) 9429 2080
Open 7 days:
Sun to Thu: 7.30am - 9.00pm
Fri to Sat: 7.30am - 10.00pm