Ever stared down the grocery aisle, faced with a wall of tuna cans and pouches, and wondered, “Which one is actually the best?” You’re not alone! That seemingly simple choice of tuna can feel surprisingly complicated. Do you grab the light, the white, the packed in water, or the oil? Each choice promises a different flavor and texture, but figuring out which fits your meal plan and budget can be a real headache.
Navigating the world of tuna—from skipjack to albacore, sustainable sourcing to mercury levels—often leaves shoppers feeling confused and worried about wasting money on a less-than-ideal can. We understand the frustration of wanting a quick, healthy meal but getting stuck in decision paralysis.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down everything you need to know about buying tuna. By the end of this post, you will confidently choose the perfect tuna for your next sandwich, salad, or casserole. Ready to become a tuna expert? Let’s dive in and explore the best tuna fish to buy!
Top Tuna Fish To Buy Recommendations
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water can features wild caught tuna with a naturally mild flavor people have come to expect from Starkist. It’s perfect for quick snacks or meals on the go
- Excellent Source of Protein: Our dolphin safe tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s, plus it has 20g of protein and 90 calories per serving It’s soy free, gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean & Weight Watchers diet plans
- Add Variety to Your Diet: Tuna is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal that fits into an active lifestyle StarKist tuna in water is a great and easy way to add seafood to your diet
- Versatile: StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in water is a versatile and easy way to liven up a meal It can be used in cool tuna salads, hot casseroles, on sandwiches, and even eaten on its own as a snack or meal
- Bulk (8 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 8-Pack of canned tuna. These tuna cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is wild caught and dolphin safe. Each of our convenient, single-serve, nutrient dense tuna packs contain 100% all-natural chunk light tuna that is perfect for quick snacks or meals on the go
- Excellent Source of Protein: Our tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s, plus it has 17g of protein, 70 calories per serving It’s soy free, gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and Weight Watchers diet plans
- Add Variety to Your Diet: Tuna is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal that fits into an active lifestyle StarKist tuna in water is a great and easy way to add seafood to your diet
- Flavor Fresh Pouch: Our flavor fresh tuna pouch preserves the freshness of your favorite meal or snack, so it’s always delicious and ready when you are. There’s no can opener required or draining necessary - just tear, eat and go
- Bulk (12 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 12-Pack. These tuna pouches are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water can features the dolphin safe, wild caught tuna with a naturally mild flavor people have come to expect from Starkist. Try this in cool tuna salads and hot casseroles
- Excellent Source of Protein: Our Chunk Light Tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s, plus it has 20g of protein and 90 calories per can. It’s soy and gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and Weight Watchers diets
- Add Variety to Your Diet: Tuna is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is a great and easy way to add seafood to your diet
- Versatile: StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is a versatile and easy way to liven up a meal This canned tuna can be used in cool salads, hot casseroles, on sandwiches and even eaten on its own as a snack or meal
- Easy to Store:. These tuna in water cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
- DELICIOUS, CLASSIC TUNA: A true all-American classic, Chicken of the Sea tuna in water is perfectly seasoned with salt and packed in water for the freshest, best taste
- HIGH IN PROTEIN: The perfect high protein tuna for your active, healthy lifestyle; these non-GMO tuna cans feature heart-healthy omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals; with 23 grams of lean protein, it’s perfect for keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets
- VERSATILE FLAVOR: Our wild caught, water-packed chunk light canned tuna in water is right at home in any recipe; add the canned fish to your favorite sandwich, wrap, rice bowl, pasta, salad, melt, dip, and beyond
- WILD CAUGHT: We’re doing our part to keep our seas healthy; our classic tuna salad cans contain only Marine Stewardship Council certified, 100% wild tuna; this 10-pack of tuna fish lets you stock up and save on delicious meals
- THE ONE FOR ME: Chicken of the Sea has been in business since 1914, providing wild caught tuna overflowing with flavor and packed with protein; our SeaChange sustainability plan has solutions for both people & the planet to support a better future for all
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water can features the dolphin safe, wild caught tuna with a naturally mild flavor people have come to expect from Starkist. Try this in cool tuna salads and hot casseroles
- Excellent Source of Protein: Our Chunk Light Tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s, plus it has 20g of protein and 90 calories per can. It’s soy and gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and Weight Watchers diets
- Add Variety to Your Diet: Tuna is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is a great and easy way to add seafood to your diet
- Versatile: StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is a versatile and easy way to liven up a meal This canned tuna can be used in cool salads, hot casseroles, on sandwiches and even eaten on its own as a snack or meal
- Bulk (48 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 48-Pack of canned tuna. These tuna in water cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
- INCREDIBLE, RICH FLAVOR: Genova Solid Yellowfin canned tuna in olive oil features the best cuts of the fish, wild caught, hand-filleted, then packed in just the right amount of olive oil for a mouthwatering flavor and perfect texture.
- DELICIOUSLY VERSATILE: The incredible taste of Genova premium canned tuna is central to countless inspired dishes. Elevate your next salad, appetizer or entree with savory Mediterranean flavor.
- NUTRIENT-RICH YELLOWFIN TUNA: Packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3s, Genova yellowfin tuna is perfect for keto, paleo and Mediterranean Diet meals. No GMOs, 100% natural ingredients and no preservatives — just simple ingredients and rich taste.
- WILD CAUGHT TUNA: Genova tuna is responsibly sourced, wild caught and traceable. We’re leading the charge to ensure that our seas are sustainable now and for future generations.
- BULK 8 PACK: Buy your tuna in bulk and save. Our cans are shelf-stable and always at the ready whenever you're craving a satisfying meal or a quick, savory tuna snack.
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water is wild caught and dolphin safe. Each of our nutrient dense tuna packs contains 100% all-natural chunk light tuna that is perfect for quick snacks or meals on the go
- Excellent Source of Protein: Our tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s, plus it has 17g of protein, 70 calories per serving It’s soy and gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and Weight Watchers diet plans
- Add Variety to Your Diet: Tuna is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal that fits into an active lifestyle StarKist tuna in water is a great and easy way to add seafood to your diet
- Flavor Fresh Pouch: Our flavor fresh tuna pouch preserves the freshness of your favorite meal or snack, so it’s always delicious and ready when you are. There’s no can opener required or draining necessary - just tear, eat and go
- Bulk (24 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 24-Pack. These tuna pouches are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
The Ultimate Guide to Buying the Best Tuna Fish
Tuna is a fantastic fish. It is healthy and tastes great. You can find it in cans or pouches. Choosing the right one can be tricky. This guide helps you pick the best tuna for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy tuna, look closely at a few important things. These features tell you about the quality of the fish inside.
Type of Tuna
Different tuna species taste different. Here are the most common types:
- Light Tuna (Skipjack): This is usually the strongest flavored and often the cheapest. It has a darker color.
- Albacore (“White” Tuna): This tuna has a milder flavor and a firmer texture. It cooks up white.
- Yellowfin/Bigeye: These are often used for higher-quality canned or pouched tuna. They offer a nice balance of flavor and texture.
Packing Medium
How the tuna is packed changes the flavor and health benefits.
- Packed in Water: This keeps the tuna lower in fat and calories. The flavor is lighter, but the texture can sometimes be dry.
- Packed in Oil (Olive or Vegetable): Oil keeps the tuna moist and adds flavor. Olive oil is often seen as a healthier choice than vegetable oil.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Always check the ingredient list on the can or pouch. Good tuna should have very few ingredients.
What to Seek Out
- Simple Ingredients: The best tuna usually lists just the tuna, water or oil, and salt.
- Low Sodium Options: If you watch your salt intake, look for “no salt added” or “low sodium” versions.
What to Avoid (If Possible)
Some brands add fillers or extra ingredients. Watch out for added vegetable broth, soy protein, or artificial flavors. These ingredients do not improve the quality of the tuna.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The journey from the ocean to your shelf affects the final product quality.
Quality Boosters
- Pole-Caught or Troll-Caught: These fishing methods catch fish one by one. This careful catching method reduces stress on the fish, leading to better texture and taste. This is a sign of high-quality sourcing.
- Solid White or Chunk Light: “Solid” means the pieces are large and intact. This usually indicates better handling.
Quality Reducers
- Excess Water/Oil: If you open a can and it is mostly liquid, the tuna content is lower. This reduces the value.
- Mercury Levels: Larger, older tuna (like some Albacore) can hold more mercury. Smaller fish, like Skipjack, usually have lower levels. If you eat tuna often, choose Skipjack or check for “low mercury” labels.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the tuna matters when making your choice.
For Quick Salads and Sandwiches
If you are mixing tuna with mayonnaise or dressing, light tuna packed in water works well. It absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients easily. Pouches are great for camping or lunch boxes because they are easy to open and require no draining.
For Gourmet Dishes
If you are making a tuna melt or serving it over pasta, choose high-quality Albacore or Yellowfin packed in olive oil. The oil keeps the fish tender. Solid, oil-packed tuna flakes beautifully and tastes richer.
Choosing the right tuna makes every meal better. Read the labels, know your types, and enjoy your delicious, high-quality fish!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Tuna Fish
Q: What is the healthiest way to buy tuna?
A: Tuna packed in water is generally the healthiest choice if you are counting fat and calories. However, tuna packed in olive oil offers healthy fats. Check for low sodium options regardless of the liquid.
Q: Should I buy tuna in a can or a pouch?
A: Cans offer better value for large quantities. Pouches are easier to store, require no draining, and are great for single servings on the go.
Q: What does “pole-caught” mean?
A: Pole-caught means fishermen catch tuna one by one using a pole and line. This method is better for the ocean environment and results in higher quality, less damaged fish meat.
Q: Is albacore tuna always higher in mercury than light tuna?
A: Yes, generally. Albacore are larger fish and live longer, so they tend to accumulate more mercury than smaller Skipjack (light) tuna.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium in canned tuna?
A: You can drain the liquid and rinse the tuna thoroughly under cool water. This washing process removes a good amount of the added salt.
Q: What is the difference between “chunk light” and “solid white”?
A: “Solid white” means the pieces are large and whole. “Chunk light” means the pieces are broken into smaller flakes. Solid tuna is often preferred for presentation.
Q: Does the price really reflect the quality of the tuna?
A: Often, yes. More expensive tuna usually means it was caught using better methods (like pole-caught) or packed in higher-quality oil.
Q: Can I eat tuna straight from the pouch without draining?
A: Yes, you can eat it straight from the pouch. If it is packed in oil, you might want to dab some of the excess oil off with a paper towel first.
Q: Are there sustainable tuna options I should look for?
A: Look for labels that say “MSC Certified” or “Pole-Caught.” These labels show that the fishing practices are managed to protect fish populations.
Q: How long does opened canned tuna last in the fridge?
A: Once opened, transfer the leftover tuna to an airtight container (do not store it in the open can). It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about three to four days.