Ever stared down the grocery aisle, lost in a sea of shiny blue cans? You need tuna for a quick lunch or a family dinner, but which one do you grab? Is it packed in oil or water? Skipjack or Albacore? Making the best choice for your taste buds and your wallet can feel like a real puzzle. Many people just pick the cheapest option or the one they recognize, but that might not give you the best flavor or nutritional value.
Choosing the right canned tuna matters! We want flaky, delicious fish, not mushy disappointment soaking in too much liquid. Understanding the differences between tuna types and packing methods saves you money and guarantees a better meal every time. This deep dive cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know before your next shopping trip.
Keep reading to discover our top picks, learn the secrets behind those confusing labels, and finally conquer the canned tuna aisle with confidence. Let’s find you the perfect can!
Top Canned 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 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, 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 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 TUNA STEAK- Our Wild Albacore Tuna steak is hand-cut, hand packed and cooked only once to retain its natural juices and pristine flavor. We don't add water, broths, or fillers to our tuna, so no need to drain the can
- CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY- With a convenient pull tab, enjoy this tuna at home or on-the-go for a great-tasting, satisfying snack or healthy lunch. Our tuna steak can also be used in seafood recipes or to elevate any tuna sandwich
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN- Our Wild Albacore Tuna with no salt added contains 21 g of clean protein per 3 ounces and 705 mg of DHA and EPA Omega 3s. Wild Planet tuna is Non-GMO verified, gluten-free, keto-friendly and Kosher Pareve
- NATURALLY LOW IN MERCURY- Using 100% pole & line method allows us to catch smaller, migratory tuna that are naturally lower in mercury than some conventional brands that use deep sea methods and catch larger, older tuna resulting in higher mercury
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED WILD-CAUGHT TUNA- We catch our tuna to the highest sustainability standards. Wild Planet tuna is 100% pole & line caught, eliminating bycatch, or the capture of unintended species. Dolphin & turtle safe
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: The Starkist Selects No Salt Added Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Water features carefully hand filleted bites of wild caught, dolphin safe tuna that provides a delicious, clean, and crisp taste you’ll love
- Low Sodium Tuna: This mild albacore tuna with low sodium content (only 35 mg per 2oz. serving) is a perfect protein choice for any meal
- Good Source of Protein: With 14g of protein per serving, this mild albacore tuna is naturally a good source of protein and Omega 3s Plus, it’s soy free and gluten free
- Add Variety to Your Diet: StarKist Selects No Salt Added Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Water is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal It’s an easy way to add seafood to your diet and fits well with Keto, Mediterranean, and Paleo diet plans
- Bulk (12 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 12-Pack. These StarKist tuna cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes
- PURE WILD TUNA – Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna is a low mercury tuna with an average mercury limit that’s 22X lower than the regulated action limit, and 8X lower than Albacore tuna. 5oz tuna can.
- 40 GRAMS OF PROTEIN PER CAN – When you open the can of tuna fish, you’ll find pure solid wild tuna steak in naturally occurring healthy fish oils and juices. A natural source of Omega 3s, Vitamin B6, and B12. Ideal for a tuna salad or tuna lunch to go.
- LOWEST MERCURY TUNA FISH – Our canned tuna fish is tested to a strict mercury limit that is 25X stricter than the regulations, and is Non-GMO, Keto, Kosher, Whole30, Paleo-Friendly, Certified Gluten-Free food.
- SUSTAINABLY WILD CAUGHT – Wild-caught tuna proudly following the fishing guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program while protecting our marine habitats.
- A NATURAL SOURCE OF OMEGA-3S – The wild tuna can is perfect for a tuna salad. A natural source of Omega-3s-important for developing strong minds and bodies.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Canned Tuna Fish
Canned tuna is a pantry staple. It is quick, easy, and packed with protein. But with so many options on the shelf, how do you pick the best can? This guide helps you choose the perfect tuna for your next sandwich or salad.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a can, a few key features tell you a lot about the quality inside.
- Type of Tuna: The most common types are Skipjack, Yellowfin, Albacore, and Tongol. Skipjack is often labeled as “light” tuna and is usually budget-friendly. Albacore is chunkier and has a richer flavor, often called “white” tuna.
- Packed In: Tuna is usually packed in water or oil. Tuna packed in water has fewer calories. Tuna packed in olive oil or soybean oil offers a richer taste and texture.
- Added Salt Level: Check the nutrition label. Some brands add a lot of salt. If you watch your sodium intake, look for “no salt added” or “low sodium” options.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients list should be short. High-quality canned tuna has very few things in it.
What’s Inside the Can?
- The Fish: Look for tuna caught using sustainable methods. Sustainable fishing protects ocean life. Some labels mention “Pole and Line” caught, which is often considered a better method.
- The Liquid Medium: If it is packed in oil, check the type of oil. Extra virgin olive oil usually means higher quality than plain vegetable oil.
- Additives: Good tuna should not need many additives. Avoid cans with added preservatives or artificial flavors.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your tuna depends on how it was caught and processed.
What Makes Tuna Better?
Better quality tuna often comes from whole pieces of fish. This is called “solid white” or “whole fillet.” If the can lists “chunk light,” the tuna pieces are smaller and often mixed together.
The texture is a big quality indicator. If you open a can and see large, firm flakes, that is usually a sign of quality. If the tuna looks mushy or broken into tiny shreds, the quality might be lower. Sometimes, during processing, the tuna breaks down too much, which reduces the eating experience.
What to Avoid
Be wary of strong, overly “fishy” smells when you open the can. Fresh, well-packed tuna should smell mild. Excessive liquid leakage around the can seal can also suggest poor sealing or older stock, though this is rare with modern canning.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your tuna. This affects which type you should buy.
Choosing Tuna for Different Meals
- For Salads and Sandwiches: Albacore (white tuna) packed in oil works well here. The oil keeps the flakes moist, making a creamier salad base.
- For Quick Protein Snacking: Tuna packed in water is the best choice. It is low in fat and easy to eat straight from the can or mixed with a little mustard.
- For Pasta Dishes or Casseroles: Chunk light tuna (Skipjack) is often cost-effective and works perfectly when mixed into hot dishes where the texture matters less.
A good user experience means the tuna flakes apart easily but still holds its shape when mixed. If you need tuna for a recipe that requires draining (like a tuna melt), tuna in water drains faster and cleaner than tuna packed in heavy oil.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Canned Tuna
Q: What is the difference between “Light” and “White” tuna?
A: “Light” tuna usually refers to Skipjack or Yellowfin, which are darker fish. “White” tuna almost always means Albacore, which is lighter in color and firmer.
Q: Is tuna packed in oil healthier than tuna packed in water?
A: It depends on your goals. Water-packed has fewer calories and fat. Oil-packed has more healthy fats (if it is olive oil) but also more total calories.
Q: How long does canned tuna last after I open it?
A: Once opened, move the unused tuna to an airtight container and refrigerate it. You should eat it within three to four days.
Q: Does the BPA lining in cans affect safety?
A: Many manufacturers now use BPA-free cans. While small amounts of BPA were a concern, choosing brands that specifically state “BPA-Free” offers extra peace of mind.
Q: Which tuna has the highest mercury levels?
A: Albacore (white tuna) generally has higher mercury levels than Skipjack (light tuna). Pregnant women and young children should limit Albacore consumption.
Q: What does “Pole and Line Caught” mean?
A: This means fishermen caught each tuna individually using a pole and line. This method is better for the environment than large net fishing.
Q: Can I eat canned tuna straight from the can without draining?
A: Yes, you can eat it straight away. If you are using it in a recipe where excess liquid is not wanted, you should drain it first.
Q: Why is some canned tuna mushy?
A: Mushy tuna usually happens when the fish breaks down too much during the high-heat canning and sterilization process. It is safe to eat but less enjoyable.
Q: Should I buy organic canned tuna?
A: Organic labeling usually applies to the feed given to the fish or how the fish was raised (if applicable), but often it relates to the oil used. It is a personal choice based on your preference for organic sourcing.
Q: What is the best way to store unopened cans?
A: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place, like a pantry. Do not store them near heat sources or in direct sunlight.