What’s hiding in that can of tuna? We all reach for canned tuna. It is a quick lunch or a simple dinner ingredient. But have you ever stopped to really taste the difference between brands? Many people grab the cheapest can without thinking. Then, they wonder why their tuna salad tastes bland or oily.
Choosing good canned tuna feels like a guessing game. Some tuna tastes dry. Other tuna soaks in too much water or oil. You want flaky, flavorful fish, not mush! The labels use confusing words like “light” or “albacore.” This makes picking the best-tasting option a real headache for busy shoppers.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes one can of tuna better than another. You will learn the secrets to finding tuna that tastes fresh and delicious every single time. Get ready to upgrade your pantry staples. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to truly great canned tuna!
Top Tasting Canned Tuna Fish 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
- 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.
- PREMIUM YELLOWFIN TUNA: The finest cuts of our wild caught yellowfin tuna, hand-filleted and packed with care in rich, flavorful olive oil; indulge at any meal with the exquisite flavor and meaty texture of premium yellowfin tuna in olive oil
- DELICIOUS RICH FLAVOR: The incredible taste of Genova premium canned tuna in olive oil is central to countless inspired dishes; elevate your next salad, pasta, appetizer or entree with savory Mediterranean flavor
- NUTRIENT-RICH: The perfect canned tuna fish for your active, healthy lifestyle; this non-GMO canned fish feature heart-healthy omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals; with 29 grams of lean protein, it’s perfect for keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets
- 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; this 12-pack of can tuna lets you stock up and save on delicious meals
- TASTE THE MEDITERRANEAN: With Genova, every meal is a new chance to savor the moments that make life great; our SeaChange sustainability plan has solutions for both people & the planet to support a better future for all
- 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.
- 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
- Simple Ingredients: Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added features just Wild Albacore Tuna and water
- You can taste the care that goes into every can of Blue Harbor Fish Co. albacore tuna, with its clean, fresh, and mild flavor for a truly delicious seafood experience
- Superior Quality: Experience the superior difference of Blue Harbor Fish Co. hand-selected, whole Albacore Tuna filets. Packed in America, this wild caught tuna fish in water provides a delicious, fresh taste and mellow flavor: with no added salt
- Gluten Free & Soy Free - Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water is Gluten Free, Soy Free and Non-GMO Project Verified
- Perfect for Recipes: This Albacore Tuna is available as a 4-Pack of tuna cans and features EZ–Open lids, making it an easy way to add more lean protein to your meals; perfect in crisp salads, hearty pasta dishes, or filling tuna fish sandwiches
- "Truly Sustainable" - Santo Amaro’s Regenerative Fishing Commitment - Pole and Line natural catch tuna by artisanal fishermen on traditional, family-owned, small coastal boats. No Nets = No By-catch = No Juvenile Catch = No Tuna School Elimination = How Santo Amaro works to Save Our Oceans!
- Europe-Style Flavor - Discover the flavorful, savory sensation of Santo Amaro Tuna Fillets in Virgin Olive Oil. Our tuna in can delivers a tantalizing taste with its masterful pairing of Virgin Portuguese Olive Oil and just enough natural saltiness. Entice your appetite with our tuna in oil.
- Flavorful Dining Companion - Level up your tuna meals with our natural catch tuna in olive oil! Savor every bite of Santo Amaro canned tuna fish by adding it to your salads, tacos, and pasta. It can also be devoured as a delightful snack, appetizer, or wine companion.
- Loaded With Nutrients - Hungry? Grab our canned tuna in olive oil freshly hand-packed in an easy-open tuna can. Our light tuna in olive oil will satiate your hunger while nourishing your body with healthy antioxidants, protein, omega 3, selenium, vitamin E, and other essential vitamins.
- Sustain Your Healthy Diet - Fuel your body with the natural goodness of Santo Amaro wild caught tuna. Our gluten-free canned tuna has low mercury content and has 22 grams of protein – a perfect match for your Whole30, Keto, Paleo, Dash, Mediterranean, or Ayurvedic diet.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Canned Tuna
Canned tuna is a pantry staple. It’s fast, healthy, and versatile. But not all cans taste the same! This guide helps you pick the best tuna for your next sandwich or salad.
Key Features to Look For
When you pick up a can, look closely at these things. They tell you a lot about the quality inside.
1. Type of Tuna
- Light Tuna (Skipjack or Yellowfin): This is the most common kind. It has a stronger flavor. It is usually lower in mercury.
- Albacore (White Tuna): This tuna is firmer and has a milder taste. It cooks up whiter. Albacore usually has higher mercury levels, so eat it in moderation.
2. Packing Medium
What soaks the fish matters greatly for flavor and texture.
- Water Packed: This tuna has fewer calories and fat. It can sometimes taste drier or blander.
- Oil Packed (Olive Oil or Soybean Oil): Oil keeps the tuna moister. It often gives the fish a richer, more satisfying flavor. Good quality olive oil makes a big difference.
3. Sustainability and Sourcing
Many people care where their fish comes from. Look for labels that show responsible fishing practices. This protects ocean life for the future.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The best canned tuna has very few ingredients.
Check the ingredient list. You want to see tuna, the packing medium (water or oil), and salt. That’s it! Avoid tuna packed in cheap, highly processed oils if you can. Also, check for added vegetable broth or preservatives, as these can mask lower-quality fish.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one can taste amazing and another taste like cardboard?
Quality Boosters:
- Solid White vs. Chunk Light: “Solid” means large, intact pieces of tuna loin. This tastes much better than “chunk,” which is often broken bits.
- Pole and Line Caught: This fishing method is selective. It catches fish one by one, which is better for the environment and usually results in higher-quality fish.
- Spring Water or Good Olive Oil: The liquid used directly impacts the final taste.
Quality Reducers:
- Excessive Draining: If the can feels light, it might have been drained too much before canning. The fish should feel moist.
- Long Shelf Life Claims: While all canned food lasts long, overly processed tuna might sacrifice taste for extreme longevity.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you plan to make. This helps you choose the right type.
If you are making a creamy tuna melt, the oil-packed variety holds up well to heat and mixing. If you need tuna for a light salad where the fish flavor should shine, choose solid albacore packed in olive oil.
For quick snacks straight from the can, look for brands that offer easy-open lids. No one wants to struggle with a can opener after a long day!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Canned Tuna
Q: What is the difference between “light” and “white” tuna?
A: “Light” tuna usually comes from smaller fish like Skipjack. “White” tuna is Albacore. Albacore is naturally whiter and firmer.
Q: Does oil-packed tuna have more calories than water-packed?
A: Yes, oil adds fat and calories. However, you drain a lot of that oil away before eating.
Q: Should I drain the liquid from the can?
A: It depends on your recipe. Drain water-packed tuna well for firm salads. Keep some oil from oil-packed tuna for extra moisture in casseroles.
Q: Which type of tuna is best for my health?
A: Light tuna (Skipjack) is generally recommended more often because it has lower levels of mercury than Albacore (white) tuna.
Q: How can I tell if the tuna has gone bad?
A: Never eat tuna from a can that is bulging, leaking, or severely dented. If you open it and it smells very sour or looks discolored, throw it out immediately.
Q: Is pole-caught tuna really better?
A: Yes, many experts agree. It catches fewer fish at once, which is better for ocean populations and the quality of the individual fish.
Q: Can I eat canned tuna straight out of the can?
A: Absolutely! It is fully cooked during the canning process. It is safe and ready to eat immediately.
Q: Why is some canned tuna so expensive?
A: Higher prices usually mean the tuna is solid white albacore, packed in high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and sourced sustainably.
Q: What is the best way to store unopened cans?
A: Store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry. Keep them away from heat sources like stoves or direct sunlight.
Q: Does freezing canned tuna change the texture?
A: It is generally not recommended. Freezing can change the texture, making the fish mushy or watery when thawed.