We Tried 74 Cans of Tuna So You Don't Have To—Here Are 7 Our Editors Recommend (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest canned tuna to eat? ›

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.

Safe Catch's Original Elite Wild Tuna. Safe Catch Elite Tuna, simply the lowest mercury tuna of any brand.

The choice comes down to personal preference: If you like a less “fishy” tuna experience, go for white tuna; if you want stronger flavor, light tuna is a better choice.

The FDA and EPA recommend no more than about 2 cans per week of chunk light tuna, or 1 of the albacore. (The larger and longer-lived the predator, the more mercury it accumulates.) There is no safe or easy way to reduce the effects of the mercury in your system.

Chunk light tuna: “This is typically from yellowfin tuna or skipjack, meaning it's lower in calories and fat and therefore lower in omegas and lower in mercury,” Rissetto said. Solid/albacore tuna: Rissetto said this type of tuna tends to be higher in calories and lower in protein and B12, and higher in mercury.

Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.

Skipjack and canned light tuna, which are relatively low in mercury, can be eaten as part of a healthy diet. However, albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna are high in mercury and should be limited or avoided.

Tuna salad calories and fat are higher, and oil-packed tuna contains more fat than water-packed, but a 1 oz serving of chunk light tuna in oil contains only 2.3 grams of total fat, while the same serving of chunk light tuna in water contains less than a gram.

The fish we actually got was most likely escolar, which isn't even closely related to tuna. During Oceana's research, they found that 84 percent of the “white tuna” samples they tested in the U.S. were actually escolar.

Yes, you can feed your dog canned tuna, as long as you do so in moderation and infrequently. Choose the version that's packed in fresh water instead of oil or salted water. Also check the label to make sure there is no extra salt added to the canned tuna.

Can I eat tuna two days in a row? ›

Canned tuna typically contains either albacore or skipjack tuna, and cans are usually marked as either “albacore” or “chunk light.” Albacore tuna typically has higher concentrations of mercury than chunk light tuna and should be eaten only once or twice a week. Chunk light tuna is safe to eat two or three times a week.

Both types of canned fish are nutritious choices, but they have some differences. Salmon contains slightly more protein, calories, and healthy fats than tuna.

StarKist^® Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water can contains a solid fillet of delicious wild caught albacore tuna. Albacore's mild flavor and firmer texture makes it a great option for salads, pasta dishes or as a substitute for chicken in your favorite recipe.

If you're counting calories and maximizing omega-3 fatty acids, then tuna in water might make a great choice. On the other hand, if moisture, flavor, and vitamin D levels are your focus, then olive oil-packed tuna might be better. Whatever tuna you choose, it's important not to go overboard for this mild-flavored fish.

The most healthful choices on this list that are available canned include anchovies, Atlantic mackerel, clams, crab, oysters, sardines, shrimp, and trout. Canned seafood brands offer varying levels of testing to ensure lower mercury levels.

Canned tuna is a healthy lean protein that is full of nutrients that are good for your heart, mind, and body! This pantry staple is something you can feel good about adding to your meals or enjoying as a snack a few times a week so go ahead and dive right in!