In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineOur Nutrition ParametersOur Taste TestWe Also ConsideredOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
The Bottom Line
Our Nutrition Parameters
Our Taste Test
We Also Considered
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo:EatingWell / Eric Brockob
EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Canned tuna is a staple in many pantries, and for good reason. This shelf-stable and budget-friendly protein source can be used in a variety of dishes, likesalads,fish cakesand more. But with so many options at the store, it can be hard to narrow down the choices. Should you buy oil-packed or water-packed? Albacore or yellowfin? That’s where our list of the best canned tuna brands comes in handy.“Our nutrition team of registered dietitians reviewed a variety of products on the market,” saysJessica Ball, M.S., RD,EatingWell’s nutrition editor. When it came to deciding the nutrition parameters of the test, Ball explains, “We decided to set a limit of 250 calories per serving, which aligns with ourside dish nutrition parameters. It can be helpful to think of animal proteins like fish, meat and poultry as sides rather than a main component of the dish. You will still get ample protein while aligning with the MyPlate guidelines of having only a quarter of your plate filled with protein foods, reserving another quarter for carbohydrates and the remaining half for fruits and vegetables.” For the sodium limit, we also followed our side dish nutrition parameters, so each product had a limit of 360 milligrams per serving. Setting a maximum of 360 mg allows room on the plate for other foods or seasonings with sodium while still creating a sodium-conscious meal.After narrowing down the field, we put dozens of cans to the test. Keep reading to get all of our recommendations for the best canned tuna.Our Top PicksBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt:Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$43Jump to ReviewBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil:Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt at Target$3Jump to ReviewBest Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil:Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest Canned Skipjack in Water:Good & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt at Target$2Jump to ReviewBest Canned Tuna in Water:SALEBumble Bee Light Tuna in Water at Amazon$5$4Jump to ReviewBest Canned Tuna in Oil:StarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil at Amazon$11Jump to Review
Canned tuna is a staple in many pantries, and for good reason. This shelf-stable and budget-friendly protein source can be used in a variety of dishes, likesalads,fish cakesand more. But with so many options at the store, it can be hard to narrow down the choices. Should you buy oil-packed or water-packed? Albacore or yellowfin? That’s where our list of the best canned tuna brands comes in handy.
“Our nutrition team of registered dietitians reviewed a variety of products on the market,” saysJessica Ball, M.S., RD,EatingWell’s nutrition editor. When it came to deciding the nutrition parameters of the test, Ball explains, “We decided to set a limit of 250 calories per serving, which aligns with ourside dish nutrition parameters. It can be helpful to think of animal proteins like fish, meat and poultry as sides rather than a main component of the dish. You will still get ample protein while aligning with the MyPlate guidelines of having only a quarter of your plate filled with protein foods, reserving another quarter for carbohydrates and the remaining half for fruits and vegetables.” For the sodium limit, we also followed our side dish nutrition parameters, so each product had a limit of 360 milligrams per serving. Setting a maximum of 360 mg allows room on the plate for other foods or seasonings with sodium while still creating a sodium-conscious meal.
After narrowing down the field, we put dozens of cans to the test. Keep reading to get all of our recommendations for the best canned tuna.
Our Top PicksBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt:Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$43Jump to ReviewBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil:Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt at Target$3Jump to ReviewBest Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil:Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest Canned Skipjack in Water:Good & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt at Target$2Jump to ReviewBest Canned Tuna in Water:SALEBumble Bee Light Tuna in Water at Amazon$5$4Jump to ReviewBest Canned Tuna in Oil:StarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil at Amazon$11Jump to Review
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt:Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$43Jump to ReviewBest Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil:Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt at Target$3Jump to ReviewBest Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$36Jump to ReviewBest Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil:Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil at Amazon$7Jump to ReviewBest Canned Skipjack in Water:Good & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt at Target$2Jump to ReviewBest Canned Tuna in Water:SALEBumble Bee Light Tuna in Water at Amazon$5$4Jump to ReviewBest Canned Tuna in Oil:StarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil at Amazon$11Jump to Review
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt:Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added at Amazon$17Jump to Review
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt:Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added at Amazon$17
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt:
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$43Jump to Review
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$43
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water:
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil:Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt at Target$3Jump to Review
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil:Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt at Target$3
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil:
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$36Jump to Review
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water:Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt at Amazon$36
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water:
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil:Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil at Amazon$7Jump to Review
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil:Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil at Amazon$7
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil:
Best Canned Skipjack in Water:Good & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt at Target$2Jump to Review
Best Canned Skipjack in Water:Good & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt at Target$2
Best Canned Skipjack in Water:
Best Canned Tuna in Water:SALEBumble Bee Light Tuna in Water at Amazon$5$4Jump to Review
Best Canned Tuna in Water:SALEBumble Bee Light Tuna in Water at Amazon$5$4
Best Canned Tuna in Water:
SALE
Best Canned Tuna in Oil:StarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil at Amazon$11Jump to Review
Best Canned Tuna in Oil:StarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil at Amazon$11
Best Canned Tuna in Oil:
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No SaltBlue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt AddedPHOTO: Amazon$17 at Amazon$3 at Target$24 at Walmart
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No SaltBlue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water, No Salt
Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added
PHOTO: Amazon
$17 at Amazon$3 at Target$24 at Walmart
What we like:Fresh taste, chewy texture, sustainable sourcing.
What to know:The pink color may be off-putting to some.
Blue Harbor Fish Co.’s canned albacore tuna was the top choice for our testers when it came to flavor and texture. This canned tuna doesn’t have added salt (FYI—the 200-mg sodium content is naturally occurring), so our testers were able to appreciate the clean, fresh taste of the fish. The canned tuna also had a nice, chewy texture.
Nutrition info for Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water, No Salt Added, per 113-gram serving:150 calories, 2 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 200 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 32 g protein
PHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in WaterGenova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea SaltPHOTO: Amazon$43 at AmazonView on Hannaford.comWhat we like:Balanced flavor, big flakes and clear packing water.What to know:Price is a little steeper than some other options.With an attractive visual appearance, the canned albacore tuna from Genova Seafood stood out among dozens in the category. This canned tuna featured big, pink flakes, and the water it was packed in was clear, something that couldn’t be said of other products where the water was cloudy. Another highlight of this tuna was its flavor, which all of our testers said was well-balanced with the salt level just right. In fact, one tester said, “Yum, I love this,” after trying the product. We also appreciated the tuna’s chewy texture, which wasn’t overly dry.Nutrition info for Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt, per 113-g serving:130 calories, 2 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 28 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in WaterGenova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea SaltPHOTO: Amazon$43 at AmazonView on Hannaford.com
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in WaterGenova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Water
Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt
$43 at AmazonView on Hannaford.com
What we like:Balanced flavor, big flakes and clear packing water.
What to know:Price is a little steeper than some other options.
With an attractive visual appearance, the canned albacore tuna from Genova Seafood stood out among dozens in the category. This canned tuna featured big, pink flakes, and the water it was packed in was clear, something that couldn’t be said of other products where the water was cloudy. Another highlight of this tuna was its flavor, which all of our testers said was well-balanced with the salt level just right. In fact, one tester said, “Yum, I love this,” after trying the product. We also appreciated the tuna’s chewy texture, which wasn’t overly dry.
Nutrition info for Genova Seafood Albacore Tuna in Water with Sea Salt, per 113-g serving:130 calories, 2 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 280 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 28 g protein
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in OilGood & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea SaltPHOTO: Target$3 at TargetWhat we like:Budget-friendly price, savory flavor and pleasantly chewy texture.What to know:The tuna has a yellow tinge from the olive oil.When it comes to canned albacore tuna in oil, our testers were big fans of Target’s store-brand line, Good & Gather. The tuna was tinged with yellow as a result of being packed with extra-virgin olive oil, but our testers didn’t mind the look. And while the oil had an impact on the appearance, it didn’t overpower the flavor of the fish like other cans but rather enhanced it. The result was a savory tuna that would be delicious in a salad or on its own. With a nice, chewy texture, this budget-friendly canned tuna is a delicious option.Nutrition info for Good & Gather Premium Wild Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt, per 113-g serving:220 calories, 10 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 31 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in OilGood & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea SaltPHOTO: Target$3 at Target
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in OilGood & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt
Best Canned Albacore Tuna in Oil
Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt
PHOTO: Target
$3 at Target
What we like:Budget-friendly price, savory flavor and pleasantly chewy texture.
What to know:The tuna has a yellow tinge from the olive oil.
When it comes to canned albacore tuna in oil, our testers were big fans of Target’s store-brand line, Good & Gather. The tuna was tinged with yellow as a result of being packed with extra-virgin olive oil, but our testers didn’t mind the look. And while the oil had an impact on the appearance, it didn’t overpower the flavor of the fish like other cans but rather enhanced it. The result was a savory tuna that would be delicious in a salad or on its own. With a nice, chewy texture, this budget-friendly canned tuna is a delicious option.
Nutrition info for Good & Gather Premium Wild Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Sea Salt, per 113-g serving:220 calories, 10 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 31 g protein
PHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in WaterGenova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea SaltPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$71 at TargetView on IHerbWhat we like:Larger fillets with a pleasant saltiness, and the lowest sodium option on the list.What to know:Some may find the dark pink hue to be unappealing.If you’re wanting to try canned yellowfin tuna, Genova Seafood is worth seeking out. When you open a can of this water-packed tuna, you’ll find larger fillets with a darker pink hue. While the appearance wasn’t ideal for our testers, the flavors of the fish helped overrule any negative visual aspects. The tuna had a nice saltiness but wasn’t overly salty like others that were tested. The saltiness also paired well with the flavor of the fish itself to create a balanced-tasting product.Nutrition info for Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt, per 56-g serving:60 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 13 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in WaterGenova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea SaltPHOTO: Amazon$36 at Amazon$71 at TargetView on IHerb
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in WaterGenova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Water
Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt
$36 at Amazon$71 at TargetView on IHerb
What we like:Larger fillets with a pleasant saltiness, and the lowest sodium option on the list.
What to know:Some may find the dark pink hue to be unappealing.
If you’re wanting to try canned yellowfin tuna, Genova Seafood is worth seeking out. When you open a can of this water-packed tuna, you’ll find larger fillets with a darker pink hue. While the appearance wasn’t ideal for our testers, the flavors of the fish helped overrule any negative visual aspects. The tuna had a nice saltiness but wasn’t overly salty like others that were tested. The saltiness also paired well with the flavor of the fish itself to create a balanced-tasting product.
Nutrition info for Genova Seafood Yellowfin Tuna in Water with Sea Salt, per 56-g serving:60 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 20 mg cholesterol, 180 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 13 g protein
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in OilTonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive OilPHOTO: Amazon$7 at Amazon$36 at Walmart$8 at World MarketWhat we like:A tester favorite with its savory, salty flavor and nice chew.What to know:Comes in solid pieces, as opposed to chunks.Tonnino’s canned yellowfin tuna in oil was an immediate favorite for our testers. This canned tuna had a good chew to it and was visually appealing, but the main selling point was its flavor. The tuna melds well with the olive oil to create a savory, salty bite. In fact, the tuna was so delicious that one tester said, “I could actually just snack on this [tuna] out of the can.” But in case you don’t want to eat it on its own, we also think it would be delicious on a cracker with a dab of yellow mustard.Nutrition info for Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Solid Pack in Olive Oil, per 85-g serving:120 calories, 6 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 16 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in OilTonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive OilPHOTO: Amazon$7 at Amazon$36 at Walmart$8 at World Market
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in OilTonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
Best Canned Yellowfin Tuna in Oil
Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
$7 at Amazon$36 at Walmart$8 at World Market
What we like:A tester favorite with its savory, salty flavor and nice chew.
What to know:Comes in solid pieces, as opposed to chunks.
Tonnino’s canned yellowfin tuna in oil was an immediate favorite for our testers. This canned tuna had a good chew to it and was visually appealing, but the main selling point was its flavor. The tuna melds well with the olive oil to create a savory, salty bite. In fact, the tuna was so delicious that one tester said, “I could actually just snack on this [tuna] out of the can.” But in case you don’t want to eat it on its own, we also think it would be delicious on a cracker with a dab of yellow mustard.
Nutrition info for Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Solid Pack in Olive Oil, per 85-g serving:120 calories, 6 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 18 mg cholesterol, 220 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 16 g protein
Best Canned Skipjack in WaterGood & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea SaltPHOTO: Target$2 at TargetWhat we like:Budget-friendly price point, mild and balanced flavor.What to know:A little on the dry side.Target’s Good & Gather canned skipjack tuna is a tasty, budget-friendly option. Skipjack tuna is known for having a stronger flavor than albacore or yellowfin, something our testers noticed. However, while other products were too harsh or metallic tasting, Good & Gather’s canned skipjack had a mild flavor with a nice balance of salty and sour. While the mouthfeel was a little dry, we think that could be easily overlooked if it was folded into acreamy tuna salad. As a bonus, one can of tuna is just $1.99, making it an affordable source of protein.Nutrition info for Good & Gather Premium Wild Chunk Light Skipjack Tuna in Water & Sea Salt, per 113-g serving:120 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 28 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Skipjack in WaterGood & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea SaltPHOTO: Target$2 at Target
Best Canned Skipjack in WaterGood & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt
Best Canned Skipjack in Water
Good & Gather Tuna in Water & Sea Salt
$2 at Target
What we like:Budget-friendly price point, mild and balanced flavor.
What to know:A little on the dry side.
Target’s Good & Gather canned skipjack tuna is a tasty, budget-friendly option. Skipjack tuna is known for having a stronger flavor than albacore or yellowfin, something our testers noticed. However, while other products were too harsh or metallic tasting, Good & Gather’s canned skipjack had a mild flavor with a nice balance of salty and sour. While the mouthfeel was a little dry, we think that could be easily overlooked if it was folded into acreamy tuna salad. As a bonus, one can of tuna is just $1.99, making it an affordable source of protein.
Nutrition info for Good & Gather Premium Wild Chunk Light Skipjack Tuna in Water & Sea Salt, per 113-g serving:120 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 28 g protein
Best Canned Tuna in WaterBumble Bee Light Tuna in WaterPHOTO: Amazon$5$4 at Amazon$2 at Target$5 at WalmartWhat we like:Budget-friendly price, savory flavor.What to know:Texture is a bit mushy.When buying canned tuna, the varieties can vary, from albacore to skipjack to yellowfin. However, you may also come across canned products that don’t specify the specific type of tuna, which is the case for Bumble Bee’s Chunk Light Tuna in Water. Don’t let that deter you from purchasing it, though, or you’ll be missing out on a product that won our testers over with its flavor and texture.The tuna had a savory flavor and was moist, which could be attributed to the fact that it was packed in water and vegetable broth. When it comes to texture, the tuna was on the mushier side, but it still managed to have a nice mouthfeel. With a softer texture, our testers thought this product would be delicious turned into amousse to spread on a sandwich.Nutrition info for Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water, per 113-g serving:100 calories, 1 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, <1 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 22 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Tuna in WaterBumble Bee Light Tuna in WaterPHOTO: Amazon$5$4 at Amazon$2 at Target$5 at Walmart
Best Canned Tuna in WaterBumble Bee Light Tuna in Water
Best Canned Tuna in Water
Bumble Bee Light Tuna in Water
$5$4 at Amazon$2 at Target$5 at Walmart
What we like:Budget-friendly price, savory flavor.
What to know:Texture is a bit mushy.
When buying canned tuna, the varieties can vary, from albacore to skipjack to yellowfin. However, you may also come across canned products that don’t specify the specific type of tuna, which is the case for Bumble Bee’s Chunk Light Tuna in Water. Don’t let that deter you from purchasing it, though, or you’ll be missing out on a product that won our testers over with its flavor and texture.
The tuna had a savory flavor and was moist, which could be attributed to the fact that it was packed in water and vegetable broth. When it comes to texture, the tuna was on the mushier side, but it still managed to have a nice mouthfeel. With a softer texture, our testers thought this product would be delicious turned into amousse to spread on a sandwich.
Nutrition info for Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna in Water, per 113-g serving:100 calories, 1 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 55 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, <1 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 22 g protein
PHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Tuna in OilStarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable OilPHOTO: Amazon$11$10 at Amazon$1 at Target$1 at WalmartWhat we like:Super affordable price, pleasant flavor, flaky texture.What to know:Tuna variety is unspecified.While the variety of tuna wasn’t clear, what was apparent was our testers' appreciation of Starkist’s canned tuna packed in vegetable oil. Our testers enjoyed the saltwater fish flavor, which translated to a nice, savory bite. The fillets of tuna also flaked nicely and weren’t difficult to break apart in the can like others that were tested. When our testers were eating, they also noted that the tuna had a good chew and mouthfeel.Nutrition info for StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil, per 113-g serving:160 calories, 9 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 20 g proteinPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric BrockobPHOTO: EatingWell / Eric Brockob
Best Canned Tuna in OilStarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable OilPHOTO: Amazon$11$10 at Amazon$1 at Target$1 at Walmart
Best Canned Tuna in OilStarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil
Best Canned Tuna in Oil
StarKist Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil
$11$10 at Amazon$1 at Target$1 at Walmart
What we like:Super affordable price, pleasant flavor, flaky texture.
What to know:Tuna variety is unspecified.
While the variety of tuna wasn’t clear, what was apparent was our testers' appreciation of Starkist’s canned tuna packed in vegetable oil. Our testers enjoyed the saltwater fish flavor, which translated to a nice, savory bite. The fillets of tuna also flaked nicely and weren’t difficult to break apart in the can like others that were tested. When our testers were eating, they also noted that the tuna had a good chew and mouthfeel.
Nutrition info for StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Vegetable Oil, per 113-g serving:160 calories, 9 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 360 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0 g total sugar, 20 g protein
The Bottom Line: The Best Canned Tuna
If you’re looking for a water-packed canned tuna,Blue Harbor(view at Amazon) is a delicious choice for albacore packed in water—and it’s sustainably sourced, as well. Or, if you’d rather buy an oil-packed canned tuna, you won’t go wrong withTonnino’s yellowfin option(view at Amazon).
For our nutrition parameters, we analyzed the number of products in the category. Each canned tuna met the following criteria: ≤250 calories and ≤360 mg sodium. These parameters are aligned withEatingWell’sstandards for a healthy side dish, as tuna is often part of a meal but not the only element on the plate.
Our Canned Tuna Test
Alex Loh
To narrow the field, we researched and read the labels of more than 100 products, and selected the ones that fit the following nutrition requirements: 250 calories or less and no more than 360 mg of sodium. We also looked at a range of products, including albacore, skipjack, yellowfin and tongol tuna. We also included oil-packed and water-packed tuna.
To assess the flavor and texture, we set up a blind taste test in which each tuna was eaten as is, directly from the can. We took notes regarding the taste, texture and appearance of each tuna and ranked our top choices to include in our list.
Safe Catch Elite Pure Wild Tuna($3 at Kroger):While we appreciate the fact that this tuna is sustainably caught and tested for mercury, if you eat the entire can (it’s listed as 1.5 servings per can), the sodium levels are too high to fit within our nutrition parameters.
Bumble Bee Prime Tonno Yellowfin Solid Light Tuna in Olive Oil($24 for 12 at Amazon):This tuna is affordably priced and Non-GMO Project Verified, but the sodium is a bit high at 500 mg per 1-can serving.
Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna in Vegetable Oil($8 at Walmart):We love the budget-friendly price point of this tuna, but we don’t love the fact that it’s not sustainably caught and the sodium levels were just above our threshold at 370 mg.
Common Questions
Is canned tuna sustainable?
Canned tuna can be sustainable, depending on the brand. The Marine Stewardship Council certifies products that come from fisheries that meet the following criteria: The fishery takes into account the long-term health of a stock or species before fishing, is well-managed so stocks can be fished over a long period of time, and is minimizing their impact on the wider ecosystem and other species. MSC-certified brands will have a blue logo that indicates their sustainability.
Should you be concerned about mercury in tuna?
Mercury is a chemical that can be found in the ocean as a result of natural sources as well as artificial sources like pollution. Fish and seafood absorb the mercury in the water; larger fish tend to absorb more mercury than smaller fish as they consume the mercury in the ocean as well as the mercury present in the smaller fish they may ingest. While brands test for mercury, a 2023 Consumer Reports test found that levels of mercury can vary widely from can to can. While certain groups of people, like pregnant people and children, are at higher risk when consuming mercury, the Food and Drug Administration notes that it is safe for these at-risk groups, and other adults, to consume tuna in moderation. The FDA recommends consuming fish lower in mercury. For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
What’s the difference between solid and chunk tuna?
Cans of solid tuna will feature whole chunks of fillets in larger, unbroken pieces. Solid tuna is a great choice when you want larger flakes in a dish, likepastaor salad. Cans of chunk tuna will feature smaller pieces of tuna that have already been flaked. The size of the flakes can vary, and the texture of chunk tuna is often softer and mushier. Chunk tuna is a delicious option when you want to make atuna saladorspread.
What’s the difference between oil-packed and water-packed tuna?
Canned tuna is usually oil-packed or water-packed. Oil-packed tuna is typically packed in olive oil, extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil. With oil-packed tuna, the fish may take on a slight flavor from the oil. While nutrition may vary depending on variety,oil-packed tuna is typically higher in calories, fat and sodium. Meanwhile, water-packed tuna is just like it sounds—packed in water—and may or may not include salt as well.
Should you be concerned about BPA in canned tuna?
One phrase you may see when buying canned tuna is “BPA-free.” BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical component that is often used in the manufacturing of can liners. While the FDA states that the use of BPA in food containers and packaging is safe for consumers, some brands include the BPA-free language for consumer visibility.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Marine Stewardship Council.What does the blue MSC label mean?NOAA Fisheries. Marine Mammal Protection.Dolphin-Safe.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Ingredients & Packaging.Questions & Answers on Bisphenol A (BPA) Use in Food Contact Applications.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.Marine Stewardship Council.What does the blue MSC label mean?NOAA Fisheries. Marine Mammal Protection.Dolphin-Safe.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Ingredients & Packaging.Questions & Answers on Bisphenol A (BPA) Use in Food Contact Applications.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Marine Stewardship Council.What does the blue MSC label mean?NOAA Fisheries. Marine Mammal Protection.Dolphin-Safe.U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Ingredients & Packaging.Questions & Answers on Bisphenol A (BPA) Use in Food Contact Applications.
Marine Stewardship Council.What does the blue MSC label mean?
NOAA Fisheries. Marine Mammal Protection.Dolphin-Safe.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Food Ingredients & Packaging.Questions & Answers on Bisphenol A (BPA) Use in Food Contact Applications.
