Buying canned tuna is not as straightforward as it used to be. Where two or three top brands used to dominate the tinned fish aisle of the grocery store, there are now countless options to choose from. Tuna in water, tuna in vegetable oil, tuna in extra virgin olive oil with salt, albacore tuna, bigeye tuna, chunk light, white, and skipjack--the list goes on!
So, we stormed the canned fish department of as many grocery stores and markets as we could get to, gathering all of the best canned tuna brands for a thorough taste test and review. We whittled a dozen and a half picks down to our top 7 and we're here to tell you all about each of them. Stay tuna-ed (ahem, tuned)!
Table of Contents
Products We Tested
We taste tested the following 18 brands and varieties:
- 365 Whole Foods Market Skipjack in Water
- Blue Harbor Fish Co. White Albacore in Water
- Bumble Bee White Albacore in Water
- Cento Light Tonno Tuna in Olive Oil
- Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water
- Genova Albacore in Olive Oil
- Good & Gather Chunk Light Skipjack in Water
- Good & Gather Chunk White Albacore in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Natural Sea White Albacore Tuna
- Pole & Line Albacore Tuna
- Safe Catch Ahi Yellowfin Tuna
- Sclafani Light Yellowfin Tonno Tuna in Olive Oil
- Sea Tales White Albacore in Water
- Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water
- Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Fillets with Oregano in Olive Oil
- Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- Trader Joe's White Albacore in Olive Oil
- Wild Planet Albacore TunaHow We Tested
Our aim for this taste test and review was to select a best canned tuna in each of the following categories:
- Best Classic
- Best Oil Packed
- Best Skipjack
- Best Seasoned
- Best Low Sodium
- Best Low Mercury
- Best Sustainable
How We Tested
Since water packed tuna and oil packed tuna offer vastly different experiences, we considered these two separate groups when scoring on taste and texture. We tasted water packed, unsalted tuna options first before moving on to salted versions, then to tuna packed in plain and seasoned oils.
As we evaluated, we graded each canned tuna according to the following 4 criteria:
- Taste & Texture: looking at flavor notes and overall consistency of each product.
- Value: price per ounce.
- Ingredients: considering the quantity and quality of ingredients in each product as well as nutrition content.
- Production: taking into account factors of manufacture, distribution, availability, sustainability, and packaging.
Best Classic
Starkist Chunk Light Tuna in Water
Overall Rank: 4.5 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.3 / 5.0
If you’re looking for classic canned tuna, this is it! The fish is in chunks as opposed to being solid-packed and there is a fair amount of flavorful liquid in the can.
The flavor and aroma of this one is unfortunately a bit fishy and a little metallic, though. Also, the shredded texture of the tuna makes it break down all the more quickly so try not to stir it too much if you’re trying to keep some of its textural characteristics afloat.
Value: 4.8 / 5.0
Starkist’s canned tuna offers excellent value, with a cost per can of $1.29 that works out to $0.26 per ounce.
Ingredients: 4.4 / 5.0
This option is one of a few different varieties we found that opt to pack their tuna in vegetable broth for added flavor. However, unlike other varieties like Chicken of the Sea which use soy ingredients in their broth, Starkist's version is free from this potential allergen.
This canned tuna is also the lowest calorie option with just 90 per serving, and has an impressive panel of vitamins and minerals including 140% DV selenium, 120% DV vitamin B12, and 80% DV niacin.
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
Unlike most other canned tunas we tested, this is one of only a couple that does not have a pop top for easily opening the can. We like that this option is packed in the USA and it bears the “dolphin safe” symbol, however there is no further transparency or detail about specific catch method or sustainability.
Why We Picked It:
Though the flavor of this tuna was unfortunately our least favorite, it does bear the classic canned tuna experience that most folks identify with. That said, it has a lot of other good qualities--from being the most affordable can we encountered to being the lowest calorie, most nutrient dense option as well.
What We Didn’t Like:
Personally, we’re not big fans of the fishy, strong tuna flavor that comes along with Starkist and other classic tuna contenders. This one also tastes a bit metallic and unlike other options, the packaging here does not give us any intel on sourcing and sustainability.
Where to Buy: Target, Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, ACME, Dollar Tree, and more
Best Oil Packed
Cento Light Tonno Tuna in Olive Oil-Salted
Overall Rank: 4.6 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.7 / 5.0
Like other oil packed tuna options, this one is more tender, rich, and flavorful as compared to its water packed counterparts. However, unlike other oil packed tunas we tested--like Genova’s Albacore--this one isn’t swimming in the stuff. Rather, it has just enough juice to keep it moist and we love the chunky, solid texture of the fish itself too.
Value: 4.8 / 5.0
The price point hits our charts right at the average mark, costing about $3.00 per can or $0.60 per ounce.
Ingredients: 4.5 / 5.0
In line with their other authentic Italian offerings such as their San Marzano tomatoes (as seen on our Best Canned Tomato countdown!) we love that this brand opts to pack their tuna in pure olive oil. Keep in mind though, that this results in a higher than average fat content, and it’s also important to note that this option has very high sodium.
Production: 4.7 / 5.0
This brand offers excellent transparency with their sourcing and every can of tuna comes with a unique code that enables you to trace it via Back to My Boat. Also, Cento makes sure to source their fish from a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fishery.
Why We Picked It:
This Italian-style “Tonno” tuna is extra rich, flavorful, and delicious thanks to careful handling and oil packing. It is reasonably priced--especially given the inclusion of real (and expensive!) olive oil--and the brand works to make sure their sourcing and sustainability measures are clear and engaging to the consumer.
What We Didn’t Like:
This option is unfortunately not the healthiest, as it bears one of the highest fat contents of 11g per serving and the highest sodium content of nearly 700mg per serving.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Walmart, Safeway, Albertsons, ACME and more
Best Skipjack
Good & Gather Chunk Light Skipjack in Water & Sea Salt
Overall Rank: 4.7 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.5 / 5.0
Skipjack is a smaller tuna species, known for stronger flavor when compared to albacore. As such, this option from Target’s Good & Gather store brand hits the taste buds as a bit more fishy than other pure albacore or yellowfin choices, but as far as skipjack goes, this was the favorite pick.
It has a coloring that is much more pink as compared to other tunas and it comes in a super nice looking solid pack that breaks up into solid, hearty chunks. Some of our tasting panel felt the tuna was a bit dry though, so this option might be best put to use in casseroles, salads, and pasta dishes.
Value: 5.0 / 5.0
This can cost us just shy of $2.00, making it an extremely affordable choice.
Ingredients: 4.8 / 5.0
Nothing to see here except tuna, water, and sea salt! This product is low in total and saturated fats with 0.5g and 0g respectively. Unfortunately it has the highest cholesterol content of all tunas we tested though, providing over 20% your DV.
Production: 4.5 / 5.0
This canned tuna comes with a convenient pop top and is pole and line caught in accordance with dolphin-safe fishing methods.
Why We Picked It:
Of the few brands we found to contain pure skipjack, we really enjoyed the hearty texture and forward flavor of this option from Good & Gather. It is one of the most affordable products we tested, is lower in fats than other choices, and is pole and line caught.
What We Didn’t Like:
This tuna species comes with an inherently stronger flavor profile which may not be to everyone's taste. Also, this can over tuna has one of the highest cholesterol contents of all we tested.
Where to Buy: Target
Best Seasoned
Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Fillets with Oregano in Olive Oil
Overall Rank: 4.8 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
Sometimes the best canned tuna isn't in a can at all, as is the case with this truly special, jarred tuna from Tonnino. The rich and delicious flavor of the tuna itself is made even better by the addition of fragrant oregano which shines brightly but does not overwhelm.
We can easily see serving this stuff atop a fresh green salad, stirred into a warm bowl of pesto pasta, or as an interesting addition to a charcuterie platter.
Value: 4.3 / 5.0
This tuna is the most expensive of all we tested, with the 6.7-ounce jar costing a full $10! Needless to say, this is a premium option.
Ingredients: 4.7 / 5.0
Aside from yellowfin tuna and olive oil, the ingredients list only contains seasonings like sea salt, oregano, spices, and oregano oil. Take note this is a high calorie and high fat choice though, with 280 calories and 13 grams of fat per serving.
In better news though, this is also one of the highest protein tunas we tested, offering 35 grams per serving and providing 10% your DV of both vitamin D and potassium.
Production: 5.0 / 5.0
We thoroughly appreciated the specialness of the fillet-style tuna in this little jar, and the care taken to ensure that each piece remains intact all the way to the consumer. That said, we realized it takes some extra care on our end too, in order to get the fish out without breaking it.
Why We Picked It:
The tuna itself is supremely tasty and the addition of oregano and spices makes it all that much more special! We love the hearty texture offered by the carefully preserved large pieces of fillet and that it is high in protein as well as some vitamins and minerals. Plus, the jar packaging makes it easy to store leftovers!
What We Didn’t Like:
This little jar of tuna is quite pricey, and wouldn’t be best used in applications like mayo-based tuna salad or casseroles where the special flavor and texture would likely go unnoticed. Also, this option is one of the highest in fat and calories.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, Target, Kroger, and specialty markets
Best Low Sodium
Natural Sea White Albacore Tuna-Unsalted
Overall Rank: 4.9 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 5.0 / 5.0
This white albacore option from Natural Sea offers a remarkably fresh appearance. One broken up, the solid pack of tuna is actually quite appetizing looking, reminiscent of freshly cooked and flaked white fish.
The flavor is spot on as well, with a purity that does not come with any fishy or metallic notes like we found in Starkist’s version.
Value: 4.6 / 5.0
At a price point of about $5.00 per can, this one borders on expensive. It works out to $1.00 per ounce which is about 30% higher than the average.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
This option is about as simple as it gets, made from just albacore tuna and spring water. With no added salt, the sodium content is nice and low at just 65mg per serving.
This tuna is the only one we encountered that is completely fat free and it provides 60% your DV of vitamin D.
Production: 4.8 / 5.0
This canned tuna is made from pole and line caught fish, is non-GMO project verified, and is packed in a BPA free can. This is a paleo friendly pick and each serving provides 86mg of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Unfortunately, like other brands like Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea, this brand also doesn’t employ the handy pop top opener, meaning you’ll need to break out the can opener and with the amount of liquid in this particular can, we found this to be a bit messy.
Why We Picked It:
The albacore tuna in this can was one of the freshest, tastiest, best-looking picks we encountered. Among several nutritional benefits, this option has the lowest sodium of all canned tunas but still manages to taste wonderful.
What We Didn’t Like:
The price point here is rather expensive and we wish that this brand, among others, would get on board with providing a pop-top tab for easier, less messy opening!
Where to Buy: Target, Amazon, Kroger, Stop & Shop, GIANT, and more
Best Low Mercury
Safe Catch Ahi Yellowfin Tuna
Overall Rank: 4.7 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.3 / 5.0
Unfortunately, upon cracking this can open we were a bit disappointed on first looks. The surface of the fish has a dry, overcooked-looking appearance.
The fish itself is rather firm and dry, although the richer flavor of the pure yellowfin does come through nicely. You probably won’t want to use this tuna in all applications, but we actually tried this one as the basis for a mayo-dressed tuna salad and the dryness became far less noticeable!
Value: 4.5 / 5.0
The price here is higher than average, as our can cost us $4.69. However, for a product that is rigorously tested for mercury and assured to be a safer alternative, we think a bit of extra expenditure is well worth it.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
Inside the can you’ll find just 2 ingredients: yellowfin tuna and sea salt. What you won’t find: toxic mercury. This heavy metal is prevalent in many seafood options, but Safe Catch is the ”only brand to test every single tuna”, ensuring that each of their products contains no more that 0.1 parts per million.
Also, there are 43 grams of muscle building protein in each and every can!
Production: 4.8 / 5.0
This careful attention to mercury content makes this option the ‘Official Tuna’ of the American Pregnancy Association, and it is an MSC certified sustainable seafood to boot.
Why We Picked It:
Mercury exposure is a huge concern for many folks when it comes to choosing seafood, but this canned tuna from Safe Catch makes the choice an easy one with their rigorous testing and standards. Our tasting panel enjoyed the rich flavor of the yellowfin tuna and we appreciate the 100% sustainable fishing methods this brand employs.
What We Didn’t Like:
The fish itself seemed dry, as if it got overcooked during the canning process. While it turned out great in our tuna salad, we don’t think this option is as enjoyable to eat by itself.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Thrive Market, Walmart, and independent grocers
Best Sustainable
Pole & Line Albacore Tuna-Unsalted
Overall Rank: 4.8 / 5.0
Taste & Texture: 4.7 / 5.0
The flavor and texture of this pick is very similar to Natural Sea’s version. The pack is perhaps not quite as solid, but the tuna breaks up into fairly large, meaty pieces that have an excellent fresh and clean taste. Some of our tasting panel felt that this brand tasted more rich as compared to other albacore varieties.
Value: 4.5 / 5.0
At $5.79 per can, this tuna is most definitely expensive, especially when you consider that this one is packed in water as opposed to expensive oils.
Ingredients: 5.0 / 5.0
Not a complaint in sight as it pertains to ingredients! Made from pure albacore tuna and packed in water, this option is one of the cleanest canned tunas we tried and each serving provides 40% your DV of vitamin D.
Production: 5.0 / 5.0
Pole & Line's fish are caught via pole and line (hence their name!) or troll method, both of which greatly reduce bycatch and disturbances to other species and ecosystems. This brand offers excellent transparency and traceability, and each can even comes labeled with the specific fishing vessel the fish is sourced from, right down to the name of the captain!
On the downside, this brand does not seem to be widely distributed. If you don’t have a Whole Foods in your area or Amazon access, your only other option is to order directly from the brands website.
Why We Picked It:
The prioritization of sustainable fishing practices and environmental preservation of this brand is truly admirable, as they catch each fish one at a time and provide a great deal of detail on how and where each tuna is sourced. Our tasting panel found the flavor and texture to be extremely high quality as well.
What We Didn’t Like:
The cost of this variety works out to be $1.16 per ounce, which is the most expensive second only to Tonnino’s olive oil packed version. Also, this brand isn’t widely available.
Where to Buy: Whole Foods, Amazon, directly from Pole & Line Caught webpage
FAQs
What’s the Difference Between White and Light Tuna?
White tuna is always pure Albacore--one of the most prized tuna species--while light tuna refers to a product that features a mix of tuna species.
What is the Least Fishy Tasting Canned Tuna?
Options like yellowfin or albacore will be less fishy than more strongly flavored varieties like skipjack. If you prefer something more mild, try Natural Sea White Albacore Tuna or Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil as our tasting panel ranked these two options the “least fishy”.
Is It Better to Buy Canned Tuna in Oil or Water?
Tuna in water tends to be less expensive with a lower fat content while tuna in oil tends to be pricier and higher in fats–but better in terms of taste and texture. There is no right or wrong tuna to buy, it simply is whichever you like best!
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