10 Best Canned Tuna According to Online Reviews
Tuna is a saltwater species of fish that comes both very large and small. It is a predator with a sleek body and great swimming speed.
Usually found in warm seas, it is popular as a game fish, sometimes resulting in overfishing, though some species of tuna have made a successful comeback. The meat can be consumed either fresh, frozen, or canned, with the latter being the least expensive.
Tuna can be canned in oil, brine, water, or various sauces, either in chunks or flaked. While it has good nutritional content (a complex source of protein, low in calories and fat, and a good source of vitamin D, selenium, and iodine), questions have been raised about the level of mercury in the canned meat.
Mercury and Canned Tuna
Mercury is a metal that can be found in fish and it is a result of pollution and water contamination. In humans, high mercury exposure can cause health problems that affect the central nervous system.
As predators, tuna eat other small fish which can be contaminated with mercury. The metal can then become concentrated in the tuna. However, the amount of mercury depends on the type of tuna and the waters in which it was fished.
As a general rule, larger tuna species are higher in mercury. Bigeye tuna and albacore are two of the larger varieties, while skipjack and light tuna are smaller and potentially lower in mercury.
Studies recommend that adults and children alike limit their albacore tuna consumption to 4-ounce (113-gram)/ week for adults and 0 for children. Instead, the FDA recommends that children have up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of light or skipjack canned tuna, two to three times per week. Also, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid fish high in mercury altogether.
How to Choose Canned Tuna
Given the various health benefits of eating tuna, it is a food that can be added to any diet. However, certain aspects should be considered when buying tuna.
Light tuna is recommended because of the lower mercury levels it contains. Also, be sure to check the ingredients list when buying canned tuna, as those that contain fewer ingredients are also healthier.
If you can find it, buy cans that specify pole-caught tuna, as overfishing is another big concern, and this type of fishing is more sustainable. Some brands test their tuna for mercury or other contaminants, and this is usually specified on the can.
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Best Canned Tuna Brands
1. Wild Planet Albacore Tuna
Wild Planet canned tuna is one of the best sustainable variety on the market, if not the best. The brand is well known for its dedication to sustainable fishing. Their tuna is pole and line caught in the Pacific Ocean (in the northern part and off the coast of New Zealand). These methods of fishing ensure that the natural populations are maintained and that the ecosystem is preserved.
Wild Planet tuna is gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, and contains no added oil, water, or fillers. There is very little water in the can and the contents come out as one solid piece of tuna.
Most reviewers mention the constant quality of this product and the guarantee that there will be no weird colors, smells, or textures.
2. Safe Catch Ahi Wild Yellowfin Tuna
Recommended on Reddit and endorsed by nutritionists and dieticians alike, Safe Catch Yellowfin Tuna is a variety that is lower in mercury than other species of tuna.
Also, the Safe Catch brand guarantees every fish they use is mercury tested. After testing, the tuna is slow-cooked, using a method that retains 100% of the fishes’ nutrients and flavors.
Ahi yellowfin tuna is a sashimi-grade fish, and the Safe Catch brand uses natural fish oils and juices for preserving the meat. In this sense, the cans come with a Do Not Drain label that advises consumers to use the liquid in the can and mix it with the meat for balanced nutrition.
3. Trader Joe’s Albacore Solid White Tuna
Trader Joe’s canned tuna is one of the least processed varieties on the market. A convenient and healthy way to add protein to any diet, canned tuna lacks the saturated fats of red meats and represents a significant source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
Trader Joe’s tuna is packed in water, has no added salt, and contains large pieces of fish. The cans have easy-to-use lids that make draining the liquid very easy and are also easy to open. A can contains 13g protein per 2oz serving (keep in mind that some cans can contain 2 or 3 servings, something that is usually specified on the label).
4. Safe Catch Canned Wild Albacore Tuna
Another canned tuna from Safe Catch, the Albacore wild tuna offers the guarantee of mercury testing every fish, keeping mercury levels low. By using only pole and line caught tuna from the Pacific Ocean, the brand follows the guidelines of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program and protects the marine habitats by reducing the environmental impact of fishing. The sustainable policy means that the catch methods are dolphin-safe and turtle-safe.
One can contains 35 grams of protein and has no added additives, water, oil, or fillers, as the tuna is preserved in its natural oils and juices. The producer therefore recommends using the liquid in the can for cooking, otherwise the meat could be a bit too dry.
5. Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Wild-caught, hand-filleted, and hand-packed in extra virgin olive oil with a dash of sea salt, Genova Premium Yellowfin tuna contains the best cuts of fish, and has a wonderful flavor and texture.
The canned tuna from Genova only contains natural ingredients, has no preservatives, and is packed with protein, ideal for any kind of diet. The fish is responsibly sourced, wild-caught, and traceable. There are actual chunks of meat inside the can, perfect to use in any tuna melt or salad.
The flavor of the fish is fresh, and the taste resembles fresh tuna. Also, cans are easy to open, as the lid can be simply ripped off.
6. StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water
A canned tuna with a mild flavor, StarKist is perfect to use in salads and hot casseroles. The cans contain wild-caught Albacore tuna packed in water or oil, making it a perfect way to incorporate seafood into your diet.
The chunks of tuna can be incorporated in sandwiches, wraps, or casseroles, providing a nutrient-dense protein source.
7. Ortiz Bonito Del Norte – White Tuna in Olive Oil
Ortiz skipjack or yellowish tuna is packed in olive oil and produced in Spain. The manufacturer uses individually line-caught fish and ensures that all fish was caught during the coastal fishing season.
The fish is selected according to an old technique that respects the environment and is prepared according to traditional recipes. With fishing spots along the Cantabrian coast, only fish weighing less than 30 kg are chosen, as the smaller fish pose a lower risk of mercury contamination.
The belly fillets (parts from the triangular area on the bottom of the fish) end up in the cans without being broken, are hand-packed with olive oil, and sterilized. The manufacturer also provides some white tuna recipes on their website, such as tomato concasse and white tuna lasagne, and Italian style white tuna with tomato.
8. Chicken of the Sea Infusions Tuna
For those unwilling to spend any time cooking, the Chicken of the Sea brand offers a rich variety of tuna-based snacks that can be eaten as they are or used as centerpieces to other dishes.
Packed in recyclable cups with tuck away forks, the 4 varieties of tuna can be eaten as a mini-meal after workouts, hikes, or as afternoon protein-rich snacks.
There are four flavors to choose from: lemon and thyme, sundried tomato, basil, and Thai chili. You can add the tuna to mini sandwiches, perfect for after-school snacks, to rice, for a sweet and spicy meal, or to avocados cut in two, making avocado boats.
9. StarKist Tuna Creations Bacon Ranch
Another option for those who love tuna but don’t want to cook is the bacon-flavored tuna salad in a single-serve pouch from StarKist.
The tasty wild-caught tuna, a staple of the brand, is improved with smoky bacon flavor and mixed with a classic salad dressing. The pouches are an easy way to preserve the freshness of the meat, and are easy to open and eat from.
Pouches are more appealing to some customers compared to the classic canned tuna, as the pouch and the sauce mean that the tuna does not become water-logged. Another upside is that the added flavors make the fish more palatable for those who find it rather bland.
10. Bumblebee Snack On The Run! Chipotle Tuna Salad with Crackers Kit
A kit designed to work as a quick snack, the Bumble Bee chipotle tuna salad with crackers is one of the many varieties of tuna kits offered by the brand. Alongside the cheesy tuna melt kit, the fat-free tuna salad, the rosemary, garlic, and sea salt tuna salad, and the tuna salad multi-pack, this version is perfect if you want to enjoy tuna on the go. The high protein content provides energy for workouts.
The kit includes a pack of 6 crackers and a can of tuna salad mixed with mayo, relish, and seasoning. To put the salad on the crackers, the manufacturer provides a plastic spoon. The can is sealed with a pull top that doesn’t require an opener and is not affected by the heat.
ef’s Pencil is reader-supported. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, though this does not impact the product selection, which is done independently by our editors and contributors.
Canned Tuna Recipes
Tuna Melt Sandwich by Chef Mona Talbott
There are countless ways to enjoy canned tuna, from basic recipes, such as salads, to more complicated ones, such as the Italian vitello tonato. A very popular recipe is the tuna melt sandwich, a combination of canned tuna, cheese, and pickles.
Chef Mona Talbott from Talbott & Arding Cheese and Provisions prepares a tuna melt in which there is almost as much melted cheese (1 pound) as there is tuna (3¼-ounces). She uses ½ cup finely chopped fennel, ¼ cup pickled jalapeños, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 4 slices of sourdough bread. Aside from the top-quality canned tuna (preserved in olive oil), the chef prefers using Lancashire cheese but says that a raclette or a good aged cheddar work just as well.
The sourdough bread should be toasted to get a crisp texture. After mixing all the ingredients, the chef adds a small amount of mayo (1/4 cup), just to keep the mixture together. The mixture is then spread on top of the bread and covered with cheese, which is left to melt under the broiler until it bubbles and browns.
Spaghetti con pomodorini e tonno by Chef Stefano Barbato
A recipe from the Italian chef Stefano Barbato, this Italian dish combines the flavor of tuna with the sweet acidity of small tomatoes.
The chef uses 250 grams of spaghetti or linguine pasta, 250 grams of tuna in olive oil, 250 grams of fresh small tomatoes, a pack of basil leaves, 1 shallot, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Dice the shallot, then the tomatoes. Boil the pasta, then cook the shallots in the olive oil, adding the tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 minutes and add the salt and pepper. Flake the tuna and add it to the cooking tomatoes. Add some cooking water from the pasta and add the basil leaves, but avoid cooking them for too long. Add the pasta and some more cooking water and toss all the ingredients together to mix the flavors.
Make sure to also check out our article on the best canned sardines. Sardines are super delicious and are a healthier alternative to tuna.
