What if we told you that the humble can of tuna in your pantry holds a secret to quick, healthy, and delicious meals? For many of us, canned tuna is a staple. It’s fast, packed with protein, and lasts forever. But walk down the aisle at the grocery store, and the choices can feel overwhelming. Do you grab the albacore, the skipjack, or the chunk light? Should it be packed in oil or water? Suddenly, a simple sandwich ingredient becomes a confusing puzzle.
The truth is, the type of tuna you choose really changes the taste, texture, and even the nutritional value of your meal. Choosing the wrong one can lead to a dry, bland salad or an overly oily experience. You deserve to know how to pick the best can for your needs every single time without guesswork.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down the different types of canned tuna, explain what those labels really mean, and give you the insider tips needed to select the perfect fish for your next recipe. Get ready to upgrade your tuna game from basic to brilliant!
Top Canned Tuna Fish To Eat 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 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!
- EASY TO STORE: This tuna in water can is 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 is wild caught and dolphin safe.Each of our convenient,family-sized,nutrient dense tuna pouches 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 19g of protein, 80 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: StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in water is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal that fits into an active lifestyle Because no draining is required, it’s perfect to enjoy in tuna salad sandwiches and casseroles
- 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
- Easy to Store: This tuna pouch is 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 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, 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
- CONVENIENT: This flavored skipjack tuna can is easy open & can opener-free. Just open and eat. No tools. No draining. No drama.
- PROTEIN-PACKED: Your favorite Snack Meal just got even Snack Meal-er. Up to 18g of protein in every can. That's heavy lifting.
- TOO HOT? NAH. TOO GOOD? YEAH: High-quality, ready-to-eat tuna bursting with real bell peppers and tomato.. It’s a sweet (and savory) escape.
- AFFORDABLE: Tastes like a million bucks. Costs, like, one-ish.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE TUNA: Bumble Bee Snackers(TM) are wild caught and MSC-certified!
- CONVENIENT: This flavored skipjack tuna can is easy open & can opener-free. Just open and eat. No tools. No draining. No drama.
- PROTEIN-PACKED: Your favorite Snack Meal just got even Snack Meal-er. Up to 14g of protein in every can. That's heavy lifting.
- SPICE UP YOUR SNACK MEAL: She’s sweet, she’s bold, she comes with her own dang chili pepper. Balanced heat and bold flavor, sealed tight for your single-serve snacking.
- AFFORDABLE: Tastes like a million bucks. Costs, like, one-ish.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE TUNA: Bumble Bee Snackers(TM) are wild caught and MSC-certified!
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Canned Tuna Fish
Canned tuna is a pantry staple for good reason. It’s cheap, easy, and full of protein. But when you stand in the grocery aisle looking at dozens of cans, how do you pick the best one? This guide helps you choose the perfect tuna for your next sandwich or salad.
Key Features to Look For
1. Type of Tuna
Tuna comes in several main types. Each one tastes a little different and has a different texture.
- Skipjack (Chunk Light): This is the most common and usually the cheapest. It has a stronger, more “fishy” flavor.
- Yellowfin (Light or Albacore): This type is often slightly firmer than skipjack.
- Albacore (White Tuna): This is the firmest and has the mildest flavor. It often costs more.
2. Packing Medium
What the tuna is packed in changes the flavor and texture significantly.
- Water: Tuna packed in water has fewer calories and less fat. The texture is usually drier.
- Oil (Usually Olive Oil or Soybean Oil): Tuna packed in oil stays moister and has a richer flavor. It absorbs the taste of the oil.
3. Sustainability and Sourcing
Where the tuna comes from matters for the planet and for quality. Look for labels that mention sustainable fishing methods.
- Pole and Line Caught: This method is generally considered the most sustainable because it catches fish one by one, reducing bycatch (catching unwanted sea life).
- FAD-Free (Fish Aggregating Device Free): This means the fishing boats did not use large floating objects to attract large schools of tuna, which can harm other marine life.
Important Materials and Quality Factors
The Fish Itself
Good quality tuna should look solid, not mushy, when you drain it. The color should be uniform.
- Texture: Flaky tuna breaks apart easily when stirred. If it’s too mushy, it was likely overcooked or handled roughly.
- Mercury Levels: Larger fish like Albacore naturally contain more mercury than smaller fish like Skipjack. If you eat tuna frequently, choose Skipjack (Chunk Light) more often.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The canning process plays a huge role in the final taste.
- Added Salt: Some brands add a lot of salt for preservation. If you watch your sodium intake, look for “No Salt Added” or “Low Sodium” options.
- “Prime Cuts” vs. “Shredded”: Tuna labeled as “solid white” or “prime cuts” means large, unbroken pieces of meat. Shredded or chunk tuna has smaller flakes and might be packed more tightly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you plan to make before you buy. This helps you choose the right texture and flavor profile.
- For Salads and Casseroles: Chunk Light tuna packed in water works well here because it easily mixes with mayonnaise or dressing without becoming too oily.
- For Simple Sandwiches or Pasta Toppings: Oil-packed Albacore is excellent. It stays moist and has a cleaner, more satisfying flavor when eaten plainly.
- For Quick Protein Snacking: Look for tuna packed in single-serving pouches. These usually require no draining and are very convenient for eating straight from the package at work or after a workout.
Canned Tuna Fish: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between “light” tuna and “white” tuna?
A: “Light” tuna usually refers to Skipjack or Yellowfin, which are darker in color. “White” tuna almost always refers to Albacore, which is naturally lighter in color.
Q: Should I drain the water or the oil?
A: It depends on your goal. Drain the water to reduce calories. Drain the oil only if you want to reduce fat, but remember the oil adds flavor and moisture.
Q: Is canned tuna safe to eat every day?
A: Eating tuna in moderation is safe for most adults. However, due to mercury concerns, health experts usually recommend limiting Albacore to once a week and eating Light tuna more frequently.
Q: What does “pole and line” fishing mean?
A: Fishermen catch tuna one fish at a time using a pole and hook. This is a careful method that avoids catching many other sea creatures accidentally.
Q: Does the can lining affect the taste?
A: Older cans sometimes used BPA, which could affect the taste slightly. Most modern cans use BPA-free linings, so this is rarely an issue today.
Q: Which type of tuna holds up best in hot dishes?
A: Albacore (white tuna) is the firmest. It keeps its shape better when baked in casseroles or added to hot pasta sauces.
Q: Can I eat canned tuna straight from the can without draining?
A: Yes, you can eat it straight away. If it is packed in oil, the oil is edible and adds flavor. If it is packed in water, the water is just salty liquid.
Q: What should I look for if I am watching my sodium?
A: Always check the nutrition label. Search specifically for cans labeled “Unsalted” or “No Salt Added.”
Q: Does freezing canned tuna change its quality?
A: Freezing is generally not recommended. It can change the texture, making the tuna mushy or watery when it thaws.
Q: What is the best way to store unopened cans?
A: Store unopened cans in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a pantry shelf. Avoid storing them in extreme heat, such as in a hot garage.