10 Best Canned Tunas in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)
Canned tuna is a pantry staple for many. It is versatile and can be used in recipes like salads, casseroles, pasta, and sandwiches. It is perfect for a light snack as you can take it on the go; some tunas are even delicious straight out of the can. Tuna provides many benefits as it is full of omega-3 fatty acids and protein-dense. Whether you need a low-sodium option, one in creamy olive oil, or a choice with less mercury, there is a perfect canned tuna for you!
However, with the multitude of options on the market, you might not be able to spot the best canned tuna. If that's the case, check out our list of 10 canned tunas that are highly recommended by users. Our favorite is Wild Planet's Albacore Wild Tuna, which contains no added oil, fillers, or water. Plus, the tuna is caught using sustainable fishing methods. There are more yummy products on our list, so give them a glance. Also check out our buying guide, which has been reviewed by a chef, for more information on how to pick the perfect canned tuna.
Quick List - Top Canned Tunas
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose Canned Tunas
When selecting the perfect canned tuna, there are some important criteria to consider. The added ingredients, how the tuna is packaged, the caching method, and the type of tuna are all essential factors.
Decide Between White Tuna and Light Tuna
The first factor that you'll want to consider is the type of tuna used to create the product. There are various types and they all have different textures and flavors. But the two most popular types are white tuna and light tuna.
White Tuna Is Mellow and Compliments Recipes
White albacore tuna, also known as white tuna, is perfect if you want a milder fish flavor. The color of its meat looks white to pink when raw. Mellow in flavor and firm in texture, white tuna is versatile and can be incorporated in various recipes from salads to sandwiches without overwhelming other ingredients.
White tuna is packed with nutrients as well. Compared to light tuna, it has a higher fat content, and contains more omega-3 fatty acids. However, white tuna generally contains more mercury.
Light Tuna Is Flavorful and Tender
For those who love a powerful, flavorful taste, light tuna might be a better choice for you! There are many types of fish that can be categorized as light tuna, including skipjack, tongol, yellowfin, and more. Its raw meat has a pinkish, dark color and it has a more intense flavor than white tuna.
Light tuna is quite tender and has a texture similar to chicken thighs. When it comes to nutritional value, light tuna is a bit lower in fat, but also has a lower omega-3 content. Light tuna also tends to have lower levels of mercury.
Pick a Canning Liquid Based on Nutrition and Texture
Canned tuna can come in water, oil, or just by itself with nothing added. Each type will give your tuna a different texture, flavor, and also nutritional value.
Water-Packed Tuna Retains All Omega-3s
Compared to the oil-packed type, water-packed tuna contains fewer calories and has more omega-3s. When you drain the oil from your oil-packed tuna, a certain amount of omega-3 fatty acids also go with it. But since water and oil don't mix, draining water from the tuna won't reduce the omega-3 content.
In terms of taste and texture, water-packed tuna might be a bit dry, but it's easy to flake and absorbs flavor fairly well. So you can combine water-packed tuna with seasonings and condiments like mayonnaise to enhance the flavor. Some canned tuna is packaged with vegetable broth; this is used to to season the tuna and supplement a mild taste.
Commonly, there are two types of water used for canned tuna: spring water and brine. Brine is essentially salt water, and will add a bit of saltiness to your tuna. Meanwhile, spring water contains no extra sodium and is more suitable for those who try to regulate their sodium intake.
Oil-Packed Tuna Is Moist With a Strong Taste
Oil-packed tuna has a rich flavor and moist consistency. It might be higher in fat and calorie count, but contains a higher amount of minerals and vitamins such as selenium, vitamin D, and more. It tastes great straight out of the can, and you don't have to flavor it with too many extra ingredients.
With oil-packed tuna, you should pay attention to the type of oil used. Usually, you'll find products that come with olive oil, vegetable oil, or soybean oil.
Vegetable and soybean oil are milder in flavor and won't alter the taste of your tuna that much. Meanwhile, olive oil has a pungent, pepper-like taste that will add some kick to your tuna. When it comes to nutritional value, olive oil also stands out as the healthier option.
Tuna Without Water or Oil Doesn't Need Draining
Some canned tuna is prepared just by itself, occasionally with some salt for preservation. This type of tuna does not need to be drained or mixed, and one advantage is being able to easily eat it straight from the can.
Because it does not need to be drained, you don't need to worry about losing flavor or omega-3 fatty acids that can bind to water and oil respectively. By not adding any additional ingredients, the tuna can keep a firm texture, especially if it's solid tuna loin.
Choose Solid, Chunked, Flaked, or Grated Tuna
Canned tuna comes in a variety of forms. Solid refers to large fillets of tuna; this type is more common for white tuna because it is created from one type of fish. Solid white tuna is a firm fillet of tuna loin and can be enjoyed as it is. Due to the quality of the fillet, it is generally the most expensive.
Chunked refers to smaller pieces of tuna fish and is available for white or light tuna. Chunked light is generally composed of small pieces of loin from several types of tuna and has a stronger flavor; therefore, it is best for dishes where tuna is the star and the texture won't be as noticeable, such as tuna salad.
Flaked and grated tuna are even smaller pieces of fish that are left over from canning the loin. This makes them the cheapest option. These are best for dishes where tuna plays a complimentary role and the texture is not as important, such as casseroles.
Make Sure the Tuna Is Mercury-Tested
All fish contain a certain amount of methylmercury, a type of mercury that can cause damage to our central nervous system if eaten in excess. And one of the major sources of mercury in our diet is canned tuna. Tuna accumulates a high amount of mercury over time; therefore, it is important to consume it in moderation.
Since young children are highly susceptible to the impacts of mercury, they, along with women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should consume no more than 12 ounces of canned light tuna per week. They should eat even less albacore tuna due to its higher mercury level. Meanwhile, the acceptable amount for other adults is 14.5 ounces of light tuna or around five ounces of white tuna per week.
Keep in mind that this recommendation from the Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency has been facing a lot of criticism, as many experts think that the limit is still too high. For balance, diversify your diet and consume low-mercury fish and not just tuna. You can also purchase tuna products that have been mercury-tested and proven to contain low mercury levels.
Consider a Sustainable Catching Method
In general, the best methods are pole and line fishing as well as trolling. With pole and line fishing, only one tuna will be caught at a time. Meanwhile, trolling involves a boat with a few fishing lines. Both methods ensure that no other marine species get caught together with the tuna.
While browsing through various products, you'll find those labeled as "wild-caught" or "dolphin-safe." These are buzzwords to appeal to buyers. The "wild-caught" label just signifies that the tuna is not farmed, which is often not the case with canned tuna.
Meanwhile, the term "dolphin-safe" indicates that the catching method doesn't kill or injure dolphins. But many manufacturers just label their products as "dolphin-safe" and don't include information about their catching method or whether it harms the ecosystem; these products are not guaranteed to protect marine life because there are various standards for the label, some more strict than others.
If you're unsure about which canned tuna is actually sustainable, look for the MSC-certified seal. MSC stands for the Marine Stewardship Council, which is a reputable non-profit organization that appraises the sustainability of catching methods. Only products that have been thoroughly inspected and proven to be sustainable can bear the seal.
Look for Pull-Tab, BPA-Free Cans
Packaging seems like a trivial matter, but it can make your life much easier, especially if you're on the go. You'll definitely appreciate a can designed with a pull-top lid since you can simply pull the lid off without a can opener.
Another factor to keep in mind is the material of the can. You'll want to avoid cans whose lining contains BPA, a chemical substance that has been linked to various health issues including cardiovascular and hormonal problems.
10 Best Canned Tunas Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna | | Best to Eat by Itself | |
2 | Bumble Bee Prime | | Best Low-Sodium Gourmet Tuna | |
3 | Safe Catch Elite Solid Wild Tuna Steak | | Best for Those Conscious of Mercury | |
4 | Portofino Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil | | Best for Healthy Fats | |
5 | Crown Prince Tongol Tuna in Spring Water | | Best for Simple Ingredients | |
6 | Natural Catch | | Best as the Star of the Meal | |
7 | StarKist Selects Solid Yellowfin Tuna With Lemon Dill and Extra Virgin Olive Oil | | Best Compliment to Other Dishes | |
8 | Genova Albacore Tuna in Olive Oil | | Best White Tuna in Olive Oil | |
9 | Raincoast Trading | | Best North American Tuna | |
10 | Chicken of the Sea | | Best Addition to Complex Dishes |
Best to Eat by Itself
Pros:
- Great to eat straight from the can
- Mercury-tested
- Caught with sustainable fishing practices
Cons:
- A few reviews note a dry texture
This wild albacore tuna from Wild Planet is packaged with just a bit of salt and nothing else, so the fish is kept firm. There is no need to drain it, just open the can and enjoy the delicious albacore. It will not only keep you feeling good from the abundance of omega 3s, but also from knowing this tuna sustainably caught and mercury-tested.
A couple of buyers are not satisfied with the texture, saying it is a bit dry. On the other hand, reviewers rave about the taste saying the mellow flavor is pleasant and not overpowering. They also appreciate that the tuna is caught via line and pole or trolling.
Best Low-Sodium Gourmet Tuna
Pros:
- Large solid pieces of loin
- Great straight out of the can or on a charcuterie board
- Low in sodium
Cons:
- Some buyers note a bit of a mushy texture
At just 35 milligrams of sodium per serving, this solid white albacore is the perfect tuna for those watching their salt intake. Two simple ingredients, albacore tuna and water, make it easy to eat straight from the can. The large pieces of loin also make this tuna great for wraps, salads, or as part of a charcuterie board.
A few reviewers comment on the texture, saying the pieces can get a bit mushy. On the other hand, buyers love the subtle taste of the tuna saying they just eat it straight from the can. Others appreciate having a low-sodium option as it works perfectly for their dietary restrictions.
Safe CatchElite Solid Wild Tuna Steak
Best for Those Conscious of Mercury
Pros:
- Caught with sustainable fishing methods
- Mercury-tested
- Slow cooking method for rich flavor
Cons:
- Some reviews point out the tuna is a bit salty
As the official tuna of the American Pregnancy Association, this product from Safe Catch has a particularly low level of mercury, making it safer for pregnant women and children. This tuna is made using a slow cooking method that captures a wonderful flavor. The brand also ensures all tuna is caught using sustainable methods.
A couple of buyers say the tuna tastes a bit too salty. Nonetheless, reviewers rave about the taste and share their recipes that this tuna perfectly compliments. They love the large pieces of tuna fish and the fact that the product is mercury-tested.
PortofinoSolid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best for Healthy Fats
Pros:
- Great compliment to salads
- Olive oil gives it a creamy texture while adding healthy fats
Cons:
- Some buyers notice a salty taste
- Others say it's not solid, but more of a chunk texture
This canned yellowfin tuna from Portofino is a great way to add both flavor and health benefits to your meal. With a mild taste and a soft texture, yellowfin tuna works well alongside various ingredients without overpowering them. And since it's flavored with only a dash of extra virgin olive oil, you can add it to many dishes for some delicious healthy fats.
A few reviews say the tuna tastes a bit too salty. For other reviewers, they appreciate how the can is packed full with tuna; some even say they have trouble getting it out. They also note the tuna is complimented by the perfect amount of olive oil, and they are happy they don't need to drain it.
Crown PrinceTongol Tuna in Spring Water
Best for Simple Ingredients
Pros:
- Two simple ingredients
- Great addition to salads and sandwiches
Cons:
- Not certified for sustainability by MSC
- Not a low-sodium food
If you want simple canned tuna without anything added, this product is for you. There are only two ingredients, tongol tuna and spring water. Because of its simple ingredients, this tuna is a great compliment to other flavors in dishes like salads and sandwiches.
A few buyers note this tuna contains 210 milligrams of salt despite being advertised as no added sodium. On the other hand, reviewers love that this product contains large chunks of delicious tongol tuna. They also notice it is packed with minimal spring water, so there is not much to drained and that can even be incorporated into some dishes.
Best as the Star of the Meal
Pros:
- Large filet cuts of loin
- Extra virgin olive oil for healthy fats
- Sustainably caught
Cons:
- A few reviewers say there is too much olive oil
These filet cuts of yellowfin tuna are caught using sustainable methods and packaged with extra virgin olive oil; this means the product is full of healthy fats and omega 3s. Their large size makes them perfect to feature on a charcuterie board, on top of a salad, or beside a serving of rice.
Some reviews state there was too much olive oil and it was not appealing. On the other hand, many buyers love the large filet slices of tuna and think the taste is incredible. They also appreciate that this tuna is caught using line and pole methods.
StarKist SelectsSolid Yellowfin Tuna With Lemon Dill and Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Best Compliment to Other Dishes
Pros:
- Lemon and dill offer a bright, fresh flavor
- Great compliment to many dishes
- Extra virgin olive oil adds healthy fats
Cons:
- Some buyers dislike that the tuna was in small pieces
If you're looking for something with a little more flavor than plain canned tuna, this product might fit the bill. Solid, tender pieces of yellowfin tuna are marinated in extra virgin olive oil along with lemon peel, lemon oil, and dill weed for a tangy, citrusy flavor that is great on its own or a compliment to other dishes like seafood salad or macaroni.
A few reviewers notice the pieces of tuna are chunky despite being labeled solid. Nonetheless, buyers rave about the texture, saying the olive oil makes the fish tender. They also appreciate how full of flavor the tuna is; the lemon and dill make it great to eat by itself.
GenovaAlbacore Tuna in Olive Oil
Best White Tuna in Olive Oil
Pros:
- Subtle flavor is great addition to many dishes
- Manufacturer is dedicated to protecting sea life and environment
Cons:
- Some reviews assert the tuna has a dry texture
- Not MSC-certified
This albacore tuna from Genova is crafted with only three ingredients including solid white tuna, olive oil, and a touch of salt. If you like the mild flavor of albacore with the creaminess of oil-packed tuna, give it a try.
A few buyers say the texture of the tuna was a bit dry. However, reviewers love the mellow flavor of this product, saying it does not overpower other flavors. They also appreciate the large chunks of tuna and the precise amount of olive oil with which it is prepared.
Best North American Tuna
Pros:
- From fish caught and packed in the Pacific Northwest
- Sustainably caught using line and pole method; MSC-certified
- Large pieces of albacore
Cons:
- Some reviews note a dry texture
This delicious albacore is sustainably caught in the Pacific Northwest. With large pieces of tuna, it is perfect to eat on its own straight from the can or as a protein for a salad. It also offers over five ounces of albacore tuna in each can.
A couple of buyers say the tuna was too dry. On the other hand, reviewers love that the can is packed full of albacore and nothing else; it does not need to be drained and is delicious out of the can. They also rave about the taste, saying it is subtle and not overpowering.
Best Addition to Complex Dishes
Pros:
- Perfect to add to salads and casseroles
- Caught using responsible fishing methods
- Full of protein and omega 3s
Cons:
- A few buyers state the texture is too soft
This tasty chunk light tuna is canned with a combination of water and a bit of vegetable broth for flavor. With smaller pieces of tuna, it makes the perfect addition to meals where it will compliment other flavors, like casseroles or seafood salad. The water can be drained or incorporated into the recipe so that you don't lose any of the rich flavor.
Some reviewers say the texture was too soft for some dishes. However, others point out the wonderful flavor; they share their favorite recipes that incorporate this product. Some even prefer to eat this tuna straight from the can.
More Quick Foods for Busy Lifestyles
Preoccupied with school or work and don't really have time to spare cooking meals? Don't worry, as we've got some delicious food options that can quickly get your energy level up! Check these recommended products for more details.
Buying Guide Reviewed by Executive R&D Chef Jim Quast
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Canned Tunas
No. 1: Wild Planet｜Albacore Wild Tuna
No. 2: Bumble Bee Prime｜
No. 3: Safe Catch｜Elite Solid Wild Tuna Steak
No. 4: Portofino｜Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
No. 5: Crown Prince｜Tongol Tuna in Spring Water
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Most Viewedfavlist Similar to Food and drinks
Search by category
Health
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasFood and drinks
Jams and Jellies, Alcohol, BreadsKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsAccessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat Supplies, Dog SuppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesApps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches