The best canned tuna has been a popular pantry staple for over a century now. Not only boasting that incredible fresh-from-the-sea flavor, but this handy item is also favored for its convenience, high nutritional value, and long shelf life compared to its fresh counterparts.
Though you have the freedom to eat this seafood straight out of the can for a quick energy-boosting snack, there’s a variety of mouth-watering recipes to take this versatile ingredient to a new level.
For example, it’s good for use in many recipes of meal prep salads, pasta, sandwiches, and even hot casseroles.
If you’ve shopped for canned tuna before, you’ll reckon that there’s a wide array of brands and tuna categories to choose from. As it can be tricky to pick one that best meets your needs, today’s review will break down everything on this canned seafood so you can make a wise choice.
Is Canned Tuna Good For You?
The best canned tuna has stood the test of time to secure its position as the second most popular seafood in America right after shrimp. Here are the reasons why people enjoy this treat so much.
Nutritional Benefits
Similar to any first-rate canned salmon, canned tuna is packed with plenty of nutrients like Omega-3, protein, and vitamins.
It is vital for good health with positive impacts on brain function, good eyesight, and immunity boost. Thus, including 2-3 servings of it in your weekly meal plan is ideal for maintaining a healthy diet.
Moreover, since tuna is mostly lean fish without any trace of carb, it’s also beneficial for seafood connoisseurs who are watching their weight or on the way to gain a muscular body. Hence, it’s no doubt that canned tuna is super popular among fitness models and bodybuilders.
Saves Money On Food
Compared to its fresh counterparts, canned tuna is obviously an economical choice to cut down on your grocery costs. Plus, it is shelf-stable for a whopping 3-5 years, so you can enjoy the treat straight out of the can for a quick burst of energy or stock a few in your emergency food kit.
Portability
Canned tuna is generally packed in a 4 to 6-ounce portion and comes in handy sizes to fit in the small corners of your pantry or cabinet. Besides, its portability makes it a great travel companion for canned tuna lovers who don’t want to swear off their favorite foods when staying out on the road.
Versatile Recipes
Not only an easy-to-prepare snack, but canned tuna has a fresh and mild flavor to liven up almost any meals. It’s the one-way ticket to making the most delish tuna melts, salads, and casseroles. Whenever you’re short on prep time, mixing it with other ingredients is the fastest way to a filling meal after working hours.
Types Of Canned Tuna
There are two main categories of tuna used in canning, each with very distinct colors and flavors. You should get a general idea of these to know exactly what you’re going for.
White Tuna
White tuna, a.k.a Albacore, has a white to pink color profile with a mild taste that is said to be less flavorful than that of light tuna. This tuna type is higher in fat yet packed with more Omega-3 fatty acids. In many ways, its firm texture somewhat resembles baked chicken breasts.
Light Tuna
There’re plenty of fishes that can be listed as Light tuna. However, the two most common variations are Skipjack and Yellowfin tuna. With a softer texture and darker flavor, it’s suitable for canned tuna eaters seeking more appetizing flavors while keeping track of their fat intake.
Best Brands Of Canned Tuna in 2023
As there’re simply so many brands with thousands of options to consider, here’re some of the most prestigious and sustainable brands to look out for when picking the best canned tuna.
Wild Planet
Wild Planet is the first seafood company in the U.S to follow sustainable fishing practices to ensure no harm to the fish populations and habitats.
They offer a wide selection of flavors, including oil-packed, water-packed, or canned tuna with no additional liquid. More than just the superior taste, Wild Planet is an exceptional option in terms of nutritional value and sustainability.
StarKist
With almost a century of production, StarKist is one of the leading brands in the global market. Their tuna is wild-caught and traceable with incredible transparency, so you can enjoy your meals with ease of mind. Also, many special versions are available to meet any of your dietary requirements.
Safe Catch
If you have a concern about the mercury level, Safe Catch is the ultimate brand to go for. They put every fish to a strict mercury test, making it entirely safe for children and pregnant women. Their canned tuna is also free from all additives and fillers, with a delish flavor that’ll satisfy the pickiest eaters.
Canned Tuna Comparison Table 2023
Before we dig in further, it’s good to get the scoop on the best canned tuna currently in the market. In the following table, you’ll find some of the most highlighted features to easily figure out which one of these is your best bet.
Which Is The Best Canned Tuna To Buy?
Above all, the best canned tuna are provided by Wild Planet and Starkist due to their superior flavor and freshness as well as the high nutrient level packed in every serving. On the other hand, if you’re in search of the safest option to add to a pregnancy diet, Safe Catch’s tuna is amazing.
To make the decision easier for you, I’ve narrowed down a shortlist of the top canned tuna dedicated to a variety of special needs. Read on to find the ultimate go-to that best satisfies your requirements.
- Best Overall/Best For Diabetics – Wild Planet Wild Albacore Canned Tuna
“Delicious fresh-from-the-sea flavor, packed in its own juices with no additional fillers, rich in beneficial nutrients.” - Best Budget – StarKist E.V.O.O. Solid Yellowfin Canned Tuna
“Solid tuna with roasted garlic and olive oil, easy-to-open pull-tab lids, meets many dietary needs, low-cost price.” - Best for Keto – BUMBLE BEE Solid White Albacore Canned Tuna
“Big and firm solid tuna, suitable for Ketogenic diet, comes in many size variations for your family’s needs.” - Best Low-Mercury for Pregnancy – Safe Catch Elite Lowest Mercury Canned Tuna
“Fishes are mercury-tested, safe for children and pregnant women, natural and flaky flavor, comes in a pack of 12.” - Best In Olive Oil/Best For Salad – Genova Yellowfin Canned Tuna
“Contains solid cuts of yellowfin tuna, has silky texture and rich taste, meaty taste, high levels of protein and Omega-3, sustainably wild-caught.” - Best Healthy – StarKist Chunk Light Canned Tuna
“Carries a powerhouse of protein, vitamins, and Omega-3, ideal for Keto diet, extremely fresh and delish flavor.” - Best Low Sodium – Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Canned Tuna
“A top-notch choice for low-sodium restrictive diets, consistent texture, easy-to-chew chunk tuna, non-GMO verified.” - Best With Yellowfin Tuna and Soy-Free – Portofino Solid Yellowfin Canned Tuna
“Entirely free of soy, gluten, and GMO, contains hand-selected tuna in olive oil and salt, easy to open and drain.” - Best with Omega-3 – Crown Prince Natural Light Tongol Canned Tuna
“Offers a high level of Omega-3 for heart health and vision quality, tuna are wild-caught and dolphin-safe, superior taste.” - Best for Weight Loss – Sustainable Seas Chunk Light Canned Tuna
“Fishes are sustainably caught by pole-and-line practices, high in protein yet low in calories and fat, simple to prepare.” - Best Vegan – Sophie’s Kitchen Gourmet Vegan Canned Tuna
“Made out of natural plant-based ingredients, packed with a multitude of nutrients, tastes super close to the real thing.” - Best for Travel – Freshé Gourmet Wild Caught Canned Tuna
“Portable for packing in carry-on bags, wild-caught tuna mixes with vegetables for a filling meal, keeps you energized.” - Best Low Calories – Wild Selections Solid Light Canned Tuna
“Superior taste to complement any recipes, contains a low number of calories, delish flavor and rich in nutrients.”
Top 13 Best Canned Tuna On The Market 2023 Reviews
Without any hesitation, it’s about time we evaluate each of these canned tuna products available in terms of their benefits and downsides to help make your decision faster and never regret it.
1. Wild Planet Wild Albacore Canned Tuna
(Best Overall)
If you’re looking to add some delicious and sustainable wild seafood into your favorite sandwich dishes or salad ideas, this Wild Planet canned Albacore tuna is the ultimate option.
Inside every 5-ounce can is pure wild-caught Albacore tuna with a slight touch of salt to give a fresh-from-the-sea burst of flavor.
Since the tuna is cooked in its own natural juices with no additional fillers, you can eat the flavorful and tender chunk of tuna straight out of the can for a quick boost of energy. Containing protein and omega-3 with low mercury content, this nutritious food is a great option to beef up your health-conscious diet.
But what makes it stand out from other contemporaries is that all tunas are pole and line caught, which signifies a win-win for both your health and the fish populations. Therefore, you can enjoy this delicious food on a weekly basis with complete ease of mind.
Key Features:
- Fresh-from-the-sea flavor
- Packed with nutrients like omega-3 and protein
- Sustainable fishing method
- No additional fillers
- Paleo and Keto-friendly
Pros
- Good for heart and brain health development
- Low mercury content
- Delicious and moist flavor
- Rich in essential nutrients
- Supports wild tuna populations
Cons
- It’s one of the pricier options
- Without the excess water, it may taste salty and dry to some people
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Wild Planet |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 1.5 x 3.38 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Albacore tuna, sea salt |
| Calories/serving | 100 calories |
| Protein/serving | 21 g |
| Liquid content | Natural fish juices |
Interested in the Wild Planet Wild Albacore Canned Tuna? Here’s an overview of its appearance and flavor in real life:
2. StarKist E.V.O.O. Solid Yellowfin Canned Tuna
(Best Budget)
Not only renowned for its incredibly low-budget price, but this canned Yellowfin tuna from StarKist is also popular amongst seafood eaters for the texture, flavor, and nutrient contents. Marinated in roasted garlic and olive oil, this tuna is sure to spice up any meals or snacks.
Each serving contains 28 g of protein, which is an essential nutrient for weight loss, muscle growth, and overall health. Its high levels of Omega-3 and vitamin D also make it a great addition to a healthy and well-balanced diet for your family.
Whether you’re on Keto or Mediterranean diet, you always have the flexibility to liven up your meals with this canned tuna. It comes in a pack of 12, but the company also offers you other selections of 1 and 4 cans, which is perfect for first-time buyers.
Key Features:
- A pack of 12 5-ounce cans
- Yellowfin tuna with roasted garlic and olive oil
- High levels of Omega-3 and vitamin D
- Suitable for Keto, Paleo, and the Mediterranean diet
- Easy-to-open the pull-tab lid
Pros
- Extremely fresh and tasty
- The price is quite hard to beat
- Perfect for various recipes
- Provides many health benefits
- Sustainably caught
Cons
- It’s higher in calories compared to other contemporaries
Product Specifications:
| Brand | StarKist |
| Dimensions | 10.47 x 6.81 x 2.68 inches |
| Net weight | 4.5 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Solid yellowfin tuna, roasted garlic, virgin olive oil |
| Calories/serving | 270 calories |
| Protein/serving | 28 g |
| Liquid content | Olive oil |
3. BUMBLE BEE Solid White Albacore Canned Tuna
(Best for Keto)
Containing no gluten or carb, this Bumble Bee’s canned White Albacore tuna is the best fit for canned tuna lovers who want to stick to the Ketogenic diet.
So if you are looking for an ideal ingredient to prepare your wholesome keto side foods with salads, you don’t want to miss this product. From the first encounter, you’ll find big and firm solids, ensuring a savory mouth-filling flavor that’ll satisfy any picky eaters.
With this convenient canned seafood at your disposal, making an energy-boosting pick-me-up snack to beat your fatigue is only a breeze. Plus, its delicious and mild flavor is in perfect harmony with a variety of recipes like pasta, salads, and casseroles.
Finally, if sustainability appears to be a concern to you, then you can rest assured that Bumble Bee’s tuna are harvested with sustainable fishing practices to preserve tuna stocks and habitats. This tuna comes in a 5-ounce size, but other size variations are available to accommodate your family’s needs.
Key Features:
- Suitable for Ketogenic diet
- Rich in lean protein, Omega-3, and vitamins
- Low-calorie with no carb
- Gluten-free and non-GMO certified
- Harvested from sustainable fisheries
Pros
- The fresh and mild flavor
- Firm and large solid tuna
- Comes in many size variations
- Ideal for salads, pasta, and casseroles
Cons
- It can only be opened with a can opener
- The strong fishy odor may be unfitting for some people
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Bumble Bee |
| Dimensions | 13.6 x 10.1 x 2.6 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 24 |
| Ingredients | White tuna, water, vegetable broth, salt, pyrophosphate |
| Calories/serving | 60 calories |
| Protein/serving | 13 g |
| Liquid content | Water, soy |
If you want more information on the BUMBLE BEE Solid White Albacore Canned Tuna, this short video is a must-watch!
4. Safe Catch Elite Lowest Mercury Canned Tuna
(Best Low-Mercury for Pregnancy)
Whether you’re expecting a baby or breastfeeding newborns, chances are this Safe Catch Elite canned tuna is a top-tier choice to keep your mercury intake under control without swearing off those favorite tuna salads. As every fish is mercury-tested, this tasty food is the ideal addition to your weekly meal plan.
Unlike other counterparts, this canned tuna is only cooked once in the can, without any oil, water, or artificial preservatives. Thus, all valuable nutrients are fully locked in, giving it a natural flavor and flaky texture of fresh tuna that any canned tuna connoisseurs crave for.
Besides, you can open the lid without the need for any can opener, which makes it a convenient fix for healthy meals at home and on-the-go. Though this pack of 12 is certainly on the pricier side, its consistent quality will justify the expense.
Key Features:
- Comes in a pack of 12 5-ounce cans
- Freshness and nutrients are retained in the can
- Contains wild-caught Skipjack tuna
- No artificial preservatives
- Low mercury content
Pros
- An easy-to-open lid
- Safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Suitable for home and on-the-go meals
- Superior flavor and flaky texture
- Convenient single-serving size
Cons
- The tuna may be a bit salty for some people’s tastes
- Its price is a bit on the expensive side
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Safe Catch |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 7 x 3.2 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Skipjack tuna, salt |
| Calories/serving | 60 calories |
| Protein/serving | 14 g |
| Liquid content | Its own fish juices |
Want to see how amazing the Safe Catch Elite Lowest Mercury Canned Tuna looks in your kitchen? Here’s a short video to watch!
5. Genova Yellowfin Canned Tuna
(Best In Olive Oil/Best For Salad)
In terms of flavor, oil-packed tuna is second to none. If you’re calling for both culinary experience and a good source of nutrition, this Genova Yellowfin canned tuna will be your new pantry staple. You can use it in various recipes or serve it straight from the can with no cooking.
The tuna is sustainably caught in Thailand, so you can enjoy it with ease of mind. Since the fish’s preserved in olive oil, its silky texture and rich, meaty taste are sure to give your taste buds a treat. Each can offers 5 ounces of solid cuts of Yellowfin tuna, which is perfect for a single-serving portion.
But there’s more to it than just the taste. Packed with important nutrients like Omega-3, protein, and iron, this canned tuna is a bonus for your health. However, you should take note that there’re 130 calories in one serving, which is higher than that of water-packed tuna.
Key Features:
- Contains solid cuts of Yellowfin tuna
- Silky texture and rich, meaty taste
- High levels of protein and Omega-3
- Sustainably wild-caught
- Each package offers 24 cans of 5 ounces each
Pros
- Distinctive flavor and texture
- A bonus for your health
- Utterly dolphin-safe
- Versatile for many savory recipes
- No preservatives added
Cons
- Oil-packed tuna contains more calories than its water-packed counterparts
- It should cut down on salt a little, considering the 500 mg of sodium per serving
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Genova |
| Dimensions | 13.9 x 10.4 x 2.8 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 24 |
| Ingredients | Solid Yellowfin tuna, olive oil, salt |
| Calories/serving | 210 calories |
| Protein/serving | 14 g |
| Liquid content | Olive oil |
6. StarKist Chunk Light Canned Tuna
(Best Healthy)
Whether you’re watching your weight or looking to include some healthy seafood into your diet, this StarKist canned chunk light tuna might just be your best bet. Each serving carries a powerhouse of 20 g of protein, vitamin D, and Omega-3 oil to step up your healthy diet.
Its fresh and mild flavor makes it the perfect ingredient for on-the-go sandwiches or tuna salads to satisfy your hunger like a breeze.
Plus, this canned tuna meets a variety of dietary needs, including Paleo, Keto, and weight-loss diets, or any quick whole30 meal prep recipes so you can have a worry-free time indulging in these delicious treats.
This light tuna is packed in water, but you have the flexibility to choose an oil-packed version if you call for almost double the calorie intake. However, you should keep in mind that these cans require a can opener, which isn’t favored by many canned tuna lovers who are often on the road.
Key Features:
- Comes in a pack of 8 5-ounce cans
- The natural and mild flavor
- A good source of protein, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Dolphin-safe fishing method
- Free of soy and gluten
Pros
- Healthy and energy-boosting
- Easy to store and pack for outdoor activities
- Ready to serve on its own
- Meets a hoard of dietary needs
- The price is a great bargain
Cons
- You’ll need a can opener to get into the tuna
- The can contain size-varying pieces of tuna, which isn’t favored by many eaters
Product Specifications:
| Brand | StarKist |
| Dimensions | 6.75 x 5 x 3.38 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 8 |
| Ingredients | Light tuna, water, vegetable broth, salt |
| Calories/serving | 90 calories |
| Protein/serving | 20 g |
| Liquid content | Water |
Let’s see why the StarKist Chunk Light Canned Tuna is favored by so many people by putting it to the test with another canned tuna brand right here!
7. Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Canned Tuna
(Best Low Sodium)
With a sodium content of 90 mg per serving, this canned tuna from Chicken of the Sea is sure to be a top-notch choice for a low-sodium restricted diet. Not only great health-conscious food but its consistent texture and flavor also suit picky eaters who have a hard pass for fishy taste.
Unlike other varieties, this tuna is preserved in water and vegetable broth to enhance its flavor. Besides, it offers a rich supply of essential nutrients to improve your heart, eyesight, and sleep quality. You can eat it straight out of the can or turn it into other delicious dishes to jazz up your menu.
Plus, the tuna comes in a pack of 24 5-ounce cans, so you can rest assured that there’s enough of it to entertain your family for a while. With these low-cost and handy cans in your pantry, you’ll be able to make easy meals anywhere you are, whether at home or on outdoor adventures.
Key Features:
- A package has 24 counts of 5 ounces
- Larger sizes are available for big families
- Includes 50% less sodium (180 g per serving)
- Packed in water, vegetable broth, and salt
- Non-GMO verified
Pros
- Beneficial for your health and sleep habit
- Chunk tuna are easier to chew
- Perfect for low sodium restrictive diets
- Makes a quick and easy snack
Cons
- Tuna come in standard sealed cans, which require a can opener to open
- It’s mixed with vegetable broth containing soy
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
| Dimensions | 14.02 x 10.31 x 2.68 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 24 |
| Ingredients | Chunk light tuna, water, vegetable broth (contains soy), salt |
| Calories/serving | 100 calories |
| Protein/serving | 11 g |
| Liquid content | Water |
Let’s find out how to make a delicious 5-minute snack with the Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Canned Tuna in the following video.
8. Portofino Solid Yellowfin Canned Tuna
(Best With Yellowfin Tuna And Soy-Free)
If you’re switching to a soy-free diet, this Porto canned solid yellowfin tuna is ideal for putting on your plate on a weekly basis. It’s free from soy, gluten, and GMO, so you can enjoy peace of mind while enjoying that mellow and rich flavor that all canned tuna connoisseurs crave.
This Italian-inspired canned tuna is a combination of 3 natural ingredients, including solid tuna, virgin olive oil, and sea salt. The tender and superb taste is sure to keep you coming back for more even without any extra touch, let alone in savory recipes like tuna melts and charcuterie broads.
In addition, this Portofino canned tuna offers a whopping 29 g of protein out of every can. As a result, it’s a good source of nutrients for your diet. Though the company lets you buy each can separately, the bulk pack of 12 will significantly save your money in the long run.
Key Features:
- Hand-selected tuna in olive oil and salt
- Distinctive tender and smooth taste
- Completely free of soy
- Offers a whopping 29 g of protein per can
- The individual pack is handy for the first-time trial
Pros
- High-quality Yellowfin tuna
- Fits into soy-free diets
- Minimal oil content is easy to drain
- Increase natural protein intake
- Easy-to-open lids
Cons
- The lingering fishy flavor and smell may be a bit unpleasant
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Portofino |
| Dimensions | 10.3 x 7 x 2.9 inches |
| Net weight | 4.5 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Yellowfin tuna, olive oil, sea salt |
| Calories/serving | 230 calories |
| Protein/can | 29 g |
| Liquid content | Olive oil |
Watch this video for a quick and easy recipe with the Portofino Solid Yellowfin Canned Tuna right now!
9. Crown Prince Natural Light Tongol Canned Tuna
(Best With Omega-3)
The Crown Prince canned Tongol tuna delivers a distinctively fresh sea taste since there’s no salt or flavor enhancer added in its preparation. But what sets it apart from the rest is its incredibly high level of Omega-3, which is beneficial to our health and well-being in many ways.
This canned tuna is packed with firm and flaky chunks, making it the best ingredient for a comforting tuna salad treat after working hours. And when it comes to sustainability, all the tuna are wild-caught and dolphin-safe, so you can enjoy it completely worry-free.
Moreover, you have little to worry about the tuna’s mercury content. Since Tongol tuna is a much smaller fish as against others of its kind on the food chain, it has much less mercury concentrated in the meat. Also, the pull-tab lid lets you get to the tuna in a snap of your fingers.
Key Features:
- High-quality Tongol tuna with spring water
- Wild-caught from Thailand
- Rich in protein, vitamin D, and iron
- Contains a generous 335 mg of Omega-3 per portion
- Low mercury content
Pros
- The cans feature easily openable pull-top lids
- Excellent fresh-from-the-sea taste
- Densely packed with firm chunk tuna
- Suitable for Paleo diet
- Offers heart-healthy benefits
Cons
- It has quite a fishy taste and smell that may be irritating some eaters
- The tuna’s somewhat high in calories
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Crown Prince |
| Dimensions | 10.5 x 7.75 x 2.81 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Tongol tuna, spring water |
| Calories/serving | 130 calories |
| Protein/serving | 30 g |
| Liquid content | Spring water |
10. Sustainable Seas Chunk Light Canned Tuna
(Best for Weight Loss)
High in protein yet low in calories and fat, this water-packed canned tuna from Sustainable Seas is a great help to your weight loss. Plus, the company also specifies that all fish are caught by pole-and-line fishing methods, so you can have a clear conscience knowing that this tasty food does no harm to the ocean.
These delicious chunks are pantry staples of many canned tuna lovers around the world for the convenience they provide. Just combine flaky chunks with celery, tomatoes, and other fresh veggies of your choice to get a quick and health-conscious filling meal in a matter of minutes.
Lastly, the nutrients contained in this tuna are also helpful for the body’s growth, immunity boost, and prevention of heart attacks. However, since it’s packed in water, you should make sure to drain the can properly for it to mix up well with other ingredients, especially when preparing a tuna salad.
Key Features:
- Packed with a variety of nutrients
- Each serving has only 90 calories
- Paleo and Keto-friendly
- Sustainably caught by pole and line fishing practices
- No additional flavors or artificial preservatives
Pros
- Delicious and flaky
- No overwhelming fishy taste
- Effective for a weight-loss diet
- Makes an easy snack or a filling meal
- A great choice to help preserve fish stocks
Cons
- The tuna need to be drained properly before eating
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Sustainable Seas |
| Dimensions | 10.28 x 7.01 x 3.07 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Skipjack light tuna, water, sea salt |
| Calories/serving | 90 calories |
| Protein/serving | 21 g |
| Liquid content | Water |
11. Sophie’s Kitchen Gourmet Vegan Canned Tuna
(Best Vegan)
You may be familiar with vegan burgers and turkeys, but it’s about time for a plant-based tuna alternative. Processed utterly out of natural plant-based ingredients without any seafood, this Sophie’s Kitchen Gourmet canned “toona” is an ultimate go-to for both vegans and vegetarians.
Despite the absence of real tuna, this vegan substitute’s nutritional profile’s enough for your body to function and thrive. Each serving is loaded with protein, iron, and calcium. It’s also free of allergens and mercury, which even surpasses some of the regular tuna in terms of safety.
Plus, this vegan canned tuna is certainly the best way to combat sustainability issues. Its mild flavor also tastes remarkably close to the real thing to satisfy your seafood cravings. But there’s a catch, however, considering the minced texture and lack of fishy smell are still a hard pass for some.
Key Features:
- Made entirely out of plant-based ingredients
- High in protein and iron
- Non-GMO and soy-free
- Comes in cans of 6 ounces
- An amazing substitute for the real tuna
Pros
- Delicious mild taste
- Healthy and low in fat
- Simple to prepare and eat
- Free of all allergens
- Creates no harm on the fish populations and habitats
Cons
- If you don’t drain the oil utterly, it may have adverse effects on the taste
- Its minced texture may still be a hard pass for many vegetarians
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Sophie’s Kitchen |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 7.2 x 3.6 inches |
| Net weight | 6 ounces |
| Quantity | 12 |
| Ingredients | Natural plant-based ingredients |
| Calories/serving | 120 calories |
| Protein/serving | 10 g |
| Liquid content | Safflower oil |
Does this Sophie’s Kitchen Gourmet Vegan Canned Tuna live up to your expectations? Figure out in the following video.
12. Freshé Gourmet Wild Caught Canned Tuna
(Best for Travel)
If you’re a canned tuna connoisseur who likes to carry your favorite treats on any outdoor adventures, this Freshé Gourmet canned tuna might just be what you’re looking for. Rather than just plain ingredients, it’s a delightful mixture of fresh tuna and hearty vegetables to make an effortless ready-to-eat meal.
When you head out for the day, this healthy, protein and vitamin-packed snack will give you the fuel you need to stay energized during your adventure. With the combination of wild-caught tuna, zesty herbs, olives, and peppers, this canned tuna is sure to please the pickiest eaters.
Finally, this Provence Nicoise variation comes in a handy size of 4.5 ounces, which is portable enough to pack in carry-on bags. Besides, the company provides you with 3 other flavor variants, or you can choose to get the variety pack to diversify your menu.
Key Features:
- Available in other appetizing flavor varieties
- Contains natural ingredients
- BPA-free packaging
- Full ready-to-eat meal
- Packed with essential nutrients
Pros
- Efficiently gives a quick burst of energy
- Perfect for hiking, camping, and picnics
- Portable and space-saving meal
- Suitable for the Mediterranean diet
- Easy-to-open tins
Cons
- The can is rather small to fill you up on its own
- The tuna are somewhat mushy and oily
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Freshé |
| Dimensions | 10.6 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches |
| Net weight | 4.25 ounces |
| Quantity | 10 |
| Ingredients | Skipjack tuna, fire-roasted peppers, zesty herbs, potatoes, olives |
| Calories/serving | 200 calories |
| Protein/serving | 11 g |
| Liquid content | Olive oil |
13. Wild Selections Solid Light Canned Tuna
(Best Low Calories)
Last but not least, this Wild Selections canned tuna is perfect for those looking for a healthy staple without missing out on the tender and flaky flavor of the iconic seafood. With an MSC label, it’s sourced from sustainable fish stocks, so you can enjoy your meals with ease of mind.
As you open the cans, you’ll encounter firm and solid tuna that are easily broken apart to nicely complement other ingredients in a palatable salad, tuna melt, or hot casserole. It also contains no gluten and soy. Especially, with a low number of calories, it can be a great addition to an effective weight-loss diet.
Furthermore, this pack of 4 cans can be conveniently opened thanks to their pull-tab tops, making them a handy choice for home use as well as on-the-go occasions. Whilst this canned tuna belongs to the expensive side; its superior quality will surely live up to your expectations.
Key Features:
- Superior taste to complement any recipes
- Comes in a pack of 4 5-ounce cans
- Sustainably caught and traceable
- Notably low in calories
- Gluten-free and Keto-friendly
Pros
- Easy to open without a can opener
- Delish and fresh flavor
- High-quality white tuna
- Each can can be stretched into 2 servings
- Simple and healthy for a snack or main course
Cons
- The fishy odor tends to be too strong for some
- This water-packed tuna appears to be dry and bland for some eaters
Product Specifications:
| Brand | Wild Selections |
| Dimensions | 3.44 x 3.44 x 1.34 inches |
| Net weight | 5 ounces |
| Quantity | 4 |
| Ingredients | Light tuna, salt, water |
| Calories/serving | 60 calories |
| Protein/serving | 13 g |
| Liquid content | Water |
Buying Guide
Deciding which one of these best canned tuna is your best fit can be a bit of a puzzle, without these useful tips and tricks down below.
Flavor
Canned tuna come in two main categories of flavor: water-packed and oil-packed. While tuna in oil tends to have a slimy texture and more flavors, the olive oil used in its production carries double to triple the number of calories compared to its water-packed contemporaries.
On the other hand, canned tuna in water is considered a healthier choice since it’s lower in calories and retains more Omega-3 fatty acids. Though water-packed items deliver a milder taste, some of them are mixed with vegetable broths or soy to naturally enhance their flavors.
However, the top-tier option favored by many canned tuna connoisseurs is tuna packed in its own juices, without any extra liquids. It’s cooked only once, whereby keeps all the nutrients and freshness intact to satisfy your seafood cravings, supposed that you can stand its quite overly fishy smell.
You should give a thought to whether you’re watching your calorie intake, preferable taste, and personal dietary needs in order to figure out the best category to include in your weekly meal plan.
Texture
Canned tuna offers two texture selections: solid and chunk. Simply put, solid tuna are on the pricier side, considering their impressive versatility and reliable quality. With these firm pieces, you have the flexibility to either eat them whole or break them down to mix with other ingredients.
On the flipside, canned chunk tuna consists of small and multi-sized pieces, which sometimes can be mushy or shredded, and obviously unable to be put back together. Hence, it’s undoubtedly a more affordable option.
Nutritional Value
In general, canned tuna is a good source of vital nutrients, including protein, Omega-3, vitamins, and minerals. Before making the decision, you should flick through nutritional facts to make sure that it helps improve your well-thought-out diet, or reach a certain health goal.
Mercury Level
Though all fishes in the ocean have traces of mercury, some of them have a lower level of this toxic metal and are safer to use.
If mercury level is a concern for you, especially if you plan to feed canned tuna to children or pregnant women, Light tuna is your best bet, owing to the fact that Light tuna consists of smaller fishes like Skipjack and Tongol, which have less concentration of mercury in their bodies.
Quantity
Canned tuna is undoubtedly cheaper in comparison with its fresh counterparts. Even so, bulk buying of these items is definitely recommended as against shopping for each individual can.
Not only does a bulk pack get you a better deal on price, but having a few extra cans in your pantry is also super helpful in cases when you need a quick burst of energy, a last-minute recipe, and other emergency situations.
Sustainability
More and more seafood companies are committing to sustainable fishing practices since ocean sustainability is raising concerns among canned tuna eaters. You should make sure to get cans that are wild-caught and dolphin-safe to contribute to the efforts to protect fish stocks and habitats.
FAQs
If something about the best canned tuna still comes unclear to you, you can flick through the following list of the most common questions people always ask about this savory treat.
My Top Pick
As we get down to the final section of my reviews on the best canned tuna, my top choice has to be the Wild Planet Canned Albacore Wild Tuna. Its delicious and fresh-from-the-sea flavor always satisfies my taste buds and also a good attempt to build sustainability in the ocean.
What about you? Have you found the best fit for your needs and interests? Any creative recipes with canned tuna you’d like to share with us? If yes, please leave it in the comment section right down below!
