Vegan tuna has become a popular plant-based alternative for those looking to enjoy the taste and texture of traditional tuna without consuming animal products. Whether you're crafting a healthy salad or tuna melt sandwich, vegan tuna offers a versatile option packed with protein and, in many cases, enriched with omega-3 fatty acids. Made from ingredients like chickpeas, soy, or pea protein, these tuna alternatives deliver a soft texture that closely mimics the real thing.
In this guide, we’ll rank the best vegan tuna options available on sites like Amazon and Walmart to help you find the perfect product for your needs. From quick and easy sandwich fillers to authentic-tasting tuna alternatives for your next sushi night, our selections offer a variety of flavors and flaky tuna-like options that emulate the chew of real fish.
Quick List - Top Vegan Tuna
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Table of Contents
Vegan tuna is a plant-based alternative to traditional tuna made from ingredients like soy, chickpeas, seaweed, or other plant proteins. It mimics the texture and taste of real tuna while being completely free of actual fish. It's suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to reduce their consumption of fish for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.
Many vegan tuna products also include natural flavorings, oils, and seasonings to replicate the savory, ocean-like taste of tuna. It's commonly used in salads, sandwiches, sushi, or other dishes where tuna would traditionally be used.
Choosing vegan tuna with a high protein content can help you meet daily protein requirements more effectively. Most vegan tuna products provide between 9 and 16 grams of protein per serving, contributing 18% to 32% of the recommended daily value (DV) for protein.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of protein for a healthy adult with minimal physical activity is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day or 0.36 grams per pound. For example, a sedentary 50-year-old woman weighing 140 pounds would need approximately 53 grams of protein daily.
For individuals with higher physical activity levels, protein needs increase significantly to support muscle growth and physical strength. Those engaged in minimal, moderate, or intense physical activity require 1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, respectively.
Choosing vegan tuna with higher protein content can help provide a substantial portion of the daily requirement without relying on animal products. A single serving can offer up to 32% of the daily value, making it an efficient and convenient way to support an active, healthy lifestyle.
It's essential to look for clean, plant-based ingredients like soy or pea proteins to maximize both the nutritional value and health benefits.
Soy protein is particularly notable because it is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own. This makes it an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet, ensuring they meet their body's protein needs for functions such as muscle repair, immune support, and energy production.
Pea protein, another popular ingredient in vegan tuna, also offers unique benefits. Research shows that pea protein can help lower satiety, reduce food intake, and regulate blood glucose levels, making it a valuable addition to those focused on weight management and metabolic health. It has been found to suppress postprandial glycemia, reducing both pre- and post-meal blood glucose levels in humans. This makes pea protein a great choice for individuals seeking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels while enjoying a nutritious plant-based meal.
When choosing vegan tuna, it is beneficial to consider products enriched with omega-3 fatty acids to mimic the heart-health benefits of real tuna. Traditional tuna is a rich source of omega-3s, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which support cardiovascular health.
Omega-3s help reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides, and promote healthy cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to a lower risk of heart disease. Vegan tuna that includes omega-3s—often sourced from algae, a plant-based source of these essential fats—offers a similar nutritional advantage without relying on fish-derived products.
If you are following a plant-based diet or looking to reduce your seafood consumption, omega-3-enriched vegan tuna is a great way to ensure you are not missing out on this important nutrient. Many plant-based eaters may otherwise struggle to obtain adequate amounts of EPA and DHA, primarily found in fatty fish. Including vegan tuna enriched with algae-based omega-3s can help bridge this gap, supporting heart health while also aligning with their dietary preferences.
Opting for organic or non-GMO products ensures that you're consuming high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients.
Organic certification means the product was produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, which reduces your exposure to harmful chemicals in your food. Organic farming practices focus on soil health, biodiversity, and minimizing environmental impact, making it a more eco-friendly choice.
Non-GMO (genetically modified organism) means that the ingredients have not been genetically engineered. For many buyers, non-GMO labels offer peace of mind that the food they're consuming is closer to its natural state and free from potential long-term risks associated with genetic modification.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||||
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Protein Content | Soy | Pea | Omega-3 | Flavor | Non-GMO | |||||
1 | Loma Linda Spring Water TUNO | ![]() | High Protein, Long-Lasting Vegan Tuna Alternative with Omega-3s | 16g | Natural Sea Salt | |||||
2 | unMEAT Tuna in Water | ![]() | Plant-Based Tuna with Low Sodium and Sustainable Sourcing | 9g | Sunflower Oil, Hot & Spicy & in Water with Salt | |||||
3 | Loma Linda Lemon Pepper TUNO | ![]() | Protein-Rich, Gluten-Free Vegan Tuna with Convenient Shelf-Stability | 13g | Lemon Pepper | |||||
4 | Marigold Health Foods Tunah | ![]() | Chunky Soy-Based Vegan Tuna with a Savory, Umami Taste | 16g | ||||||
5 | Fish Peas Vegan Spread in Exotic Sauce | ![]() | High-Protein Yellow Pea Spread with Essential Minerals | 5.7g | Coconut, Ginger, Lemon |
Protein Content | 16g |
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Loma Linda’s Spring Water TUNO offers a plant-based seafood alternative with 16 grams of protein per serving, making it a solid choice for those looking to maintain their protein intake on a vegan diet. It is free from gluten and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), providing a clean ingredient list suitable for many dietary restrictions. Additionally, this vegan tuna is enriched with omega-3s, a beneficial nutrient for heart health typically found in traditional fish-based products.
What sets this product apart is its long shelf life, offering up to three years of storage in its 5 oz can, making it a convenient pantry staple. It is also a low-calorie, low-fat option for those looking to reduce their intake of unhealthy fats, and it is marketed as ocean-safe, contributing to sustainable food practices.
Flavor | Natural Sea Salt |
---|---|
Non-GMO |
Protein Content | 9g |
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unMeat Tuna in Water is a 100% plant-based option crafted from non-GMO soy and wheat proteins. With a texture that mimics real tuna, this product provides a sustainable, cholesterol-free alternative that’s free from preservatives and artificial flavors. Each serving contains essential nutrients and a healthy dose of protein, making it ideal for adding to salads, sandwiches, and other plant-based meals.
This vegan tuna also shines as a low-sodium option, which can be beneficial for those looking to manage their salt intake. In addition, the brand emphasizes its environmental consciousness, using sustainable practices to minimize its carbon footprint.
Flavor | Sunflower Oil, Hot & Spicy & in Water with Salt |
---|---|
Non-GMO |
Protein Content | 13g |
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Loma Linda’s Lemon Pepper TUNO is a plant-based alternative with 13 grams of protein per serving, a significant contribution to daily protein requirements. It’s made from non-GMO ingredients and is gluten-free, making it accessible for those with dietary restrictions. The product is also shelf-stable, offering the convenience of long-term storage without refrigeration, which is ideal for quick meals like salads, sandwiches, or snacks on the go.
In terms of nutrition, this vegan tuna is low in both calories and fat, making it a lighter option for those mindful of their intake. It’s also a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids necessary for various bodily functions. Additionally, Loma Linda emphasizes that the product is "100% ocean safe."
Flavor | Lemon Pepper |
---|---|
Non-GMO |
Protein Content | 16g |
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Tunah by Marigold Health Foods offers a soy and wheat-based tuna alternative with a chunk-style texture. Comprising 16.5% soy protein, this vegan tuna provides a robust plant-based protein source suitable for a variety of dishes. Ingredients like safflower oil and sea salt contribute to its "flavors of the sea," offering a savory, umami profile without the need for fish.
This product is ideal for anyone looking to add protein to their diet while remaining plant-based. Its simple ingredient list makes it a suitable option for those who prioritize minimally processed foods.
Flavor | |
---|---|
Non-GMO |
Protein Content | 5.7g |
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Fish Peas Vegan Spread in Exotic Sauce offers a plant-based option made primarily from yellow pea protein. With over 35% plant protein content, this spread can help support protein needs in vegan and vegetarian diets. Yellow pea is a nutrient-dense ingredient, providing a versatile alternative to soy-based products, and is also non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from common allergens, making it a suitable option for a wide variety of dietary needs. Additionally, this product comes with a long shelf life, making it convenient for quick, nutritious meals without the need for extensive preparation.
Nutritionally, the spread also provides important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, contributing to bone health, nerve function, and energy levels. These nutrients make the spread more than just a protein source, offering broader nutritional support for those seeking plant-based alternatives to traditional seafood spreads.
Flavor | Coconut, Ginger, Lemon |
---|---|
Non-GMO |
No. 1: Loma Linda|Spring Water TUNO
No. 2: unMEAT|Tuna in Water
No. 3: Loma Linda|Lemon Pepper TUNO
No. 4: Marigold Health Foods|Tunah
No. 5: Fish Peas|Vegan Spread in Exotic Sauce
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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