The 5 Best Canned Tuna of 2024

 

If you think about it, we kind of owe canned tuna an apology. For years, we’ve taken this versatile and convenient protein-packed kitchen essential for granted! In fact, Meggan and I think that the best canned tuna is a bonafide pantry staple, regardless of whether you’re a culinary connoisseur, a health-conscious consumer, or just someone who appreciates a delicious and convenient meal.

“Canned tuna can be added plain to any salad as a fantastic source of protein,” Meggan says. “You can [also] drizzle it with vinaigrette for added flavor, [but] it’s a necessary component in recipes such as tuna salad, Niçoise salad, or tuna noodle casserole.” 

Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a protein-packed snack, the best canned tuna holds a special place in kitchens worldwide. However, with such a vast ocean of options, it can be hard to know what canned tuna is the best. 

Here’s a breakdown of the best canned tuna, according to Meggan (and hundreds of reviews).

Our Top Picks: 

1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water – $1.29 at Target
2. Best Albacore in Oil: Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna In Oil – $1.47 at Walmart
3. Best Albacore in Water: Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water – $4.01 at Amazon
4. Best Yellowfin Tuna: Genova Premium Lite Yellowfin Tuna in Oil – $2.36 at Walmart
5. Best Store Brand Tuna: Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water – $19.99 at Costco

Reviews of The Best Canned Tuna

1. What’s in Meggan’s Kitchen: StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water

If you ask Meggan what her favorite canned tuna is, she’ll answer with the StarKist name before you even finish the question! 

“I’ve been using StarKist brand tuna for my entire adult life,” she says. “The current versions are wild-caught and dolphin-safe, which are two important factors for me personally. I love that the chunks of tuna are a good size and that it has a clean flavor.”

Meggan says you can’t go wrong with StarKist tuna in water from a can or a pouch. She tends to buy canned tuna for cooking at home and tuna in pouches for single-serving protein-packed meals on the go. They pretty much cost the same and make it easy to reach your daily protein intake goals. Plus, it’s some of the healthiest canned tuna options to make our list.

The Specs:

• Type of Tuna: Skipjack or yellowfin
• Calories: 90
• Sustainably Caught?: Yes
• Packed in Oil or Water: Water

The Pros:

• Affordable
• Low calorie and low fat
• Mild flavor
• High in protein

The Cons:

• Less omega-3s than StarKist tuna packed in oil

What Others are Saying:

StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from more than 32,000 reviews.

Buy the StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water: 

Buy StarKist Chunk Light Tuna in Water Pouch: 

2. Best Albacore in Oil: Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna In Oil

There is an ongoing debate about which is better: tuna packed in water or tuna packed in oil. There really is no true winner! 

If you’re team water, you’ll appreciate a lower calorie count of our top pick. But if you’re team oil, you’ll love this option because it tends to have a richer flavor and more succulent texture with the added benefits of healthy fats. It’s also more likely to keep you fuller for longer, plus it contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids. This adds richness and depth to recipes without the need for additional fats or seasonings. 

The chunks are solid and uniform with a firmer texture and mild flavor that makes it great for holding up in salads, pasta dishes, and casseroles, which is great if you’re on a Mediterranean, keto, or paleo diet.  

The Specs:

• Type of tuna: Albacore
• Calories: 180
• Sustainably Caught?: Yes
• Packed in Oil or Water: Oil

The Pros:

• Good texture
• Large chunks
• No fish smell
• Affordable
• Dolphin-safe

The Cons:

• Higher in calories

What Others are Saying:

The 12-pack of this StarKist tuna in oil has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon from more than 32,000 reviews. Additionally, it shined in testing by Bon Appétit’s roundup of the best canned tuna, where it was found to be well-balanced in flavor.

Buy the Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna In Oil: 

3. Best Albacore in Water: Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water

If you want flavor and texture without the sodium, reach for a can of Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water. It doesn’t contain any added salt (like other brands), which allows the savory flavor of the fish to shine with its mild, clean flavor. The large chunks also contain enough moisture to avoid being mushy and have a great chew. 

We also love that the can has a pull tab, which makes it easy to open even on the go, making it great for lunches and picnics. One thing worth mentioning is its bolder, pink color, which is another item on the list of pros for us. 

The Specs:

• Type of tuna: Albacore
• Calories: 150
• Sustainably Caught?: Yes
• Packed in Oil or Water: Water

The Pros:

• Easy to open
• Lower in sodium
• Fresh taste
• Chewy texture
• Bold, pink color

The Cons:

• Some people found it to be on the blander side

What Others are Saying:

Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon from more than 1,600 reviews. Plus, Eating Well named it the best albacore tuna in water. 

Buy the Blue Harbor Fish Co. Wild Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water: 

4. Best Yellowfin Tuna: Genova Premium Lite Yellowfin Tuna in Oil

Genova Premium Lite Yellowfin Tuna in Oil offers a delicate and slightly salty taste that makes it great to devour straight from the can or incorporate into recipes. 

The yellowfin tuna chunks are firm, moist, and packed in premium olive oil, ensuring maximum freshness with a tender texture that melts in your mouth. If you’re worried about calories in the oil, don’t be — it’s packed with just enough oil in the can to add some omega-3s.

Although it costs a tad more than some of the others on the list, t it’s because of its top-tier quality. It’s sustainably caught, doesn’t have any GMOs or preservatives, and is made from 100% natural ingredients. 

As an added bonus, the can open easily with the convenient pull-top lid to reveal larger filets with a darker pink hue.

The Specs:

• Type of tuna: Yellowfin
• Calories: 90
• Sustainably Caught?: Yes
• Packed in Oil or Water: Oil

The Pros:

• Packed with flavor
• High in omega-3s
• Great flavor
• Pull-tab top

The Cons:

• Costs a little more

What Others are Saying:

The Genova Premium Lite Yellowfin Tuna in Oil has a 4.7-star rating from more than 8,300 reviews on Amazon.

Buy the Genova Premium Lite Yellowfin Tuna in Oil: 

5. Best Store Brand Tuna: Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water

We couldn’t make a list of the best canned tuna without the Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water from Costco. If you have a picky eater, this just might be the one for you. It’s hard to beat the clean and mild flavor or the firm and tender chunks of albacore tuna that hold up in various dishes. And the best part? No fishy smell!

The water-packed cans help preserve the natural taste and texture of the tuna without any added oils or fats, so it’s a great addition to your diet. It’s also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and overall well-being. However, you can only order an 8-pack at once, so it’s very much so for tuna lovers.

Plus, it’s the healthiest tuna on our list since it packs 42 grams of protein into every little can! For most women, that practically checks the box for your daily protein intake, and for most men, it comes super close. 

The Specs:

• Type of tuna: Albacore
• Calories: 190
• Sustainably Caught?: Yes
• Packed in Oil or Water: Water

The Pros:

• 42 grams of protein per can
• No fish smell
• Chewy texture
• Mild taste

The Cons:

• Must buy in bulk
• Must have a Costco membership to purchase

What Others are Saying:

A recipe developer from The Spruce Eats won’t leave Costco without purchasing this product.

Buy the Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water: 

Other Canned Tuna to Consider

Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna In Water

Bumble Bee is an incredibly popular brand and offers a wide range of canned tuna products, including solid white albacore, chunk light tuna, and flavored varieties. It’s also very inexpensive! But we’re not too crazy about the texture, which can be pretty mushy. The Bumble Bee Chunk Light Tuna In Water is available at Amazon for $1.29.

Freshé Gourmet Canned Tuna Variety Pack (4 Pack)

This set of 4 tins is gorgeous and we were excited to find what we had hoped to be a great skipjack tuna in a variety of flavors. But the flavors, like Thai Sriracha and Aztec Ensalada, went a little too far and can give this tuna a “fake” taste. The Freshé Gourmet Canned Tuna Variety Pack (4 Pack) is available at Amazon for $17.09.

Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna

Wild Planet offers sustainably sourced tuna that is pole and line caught, which is considered environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, their tuna has a bitter taste that lingers on the tongue, according to reviews. The Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna is available at Amazon for $5.29.

Why You Can Trust Us

Hi! I’m Belle, an award-winning content creator and an adjunct professor who works in restaurant PR in the Midwest. For over 20 years, I’ve held almost every position imaginable in various restaurants, including ownership of a Korean-concept hot dog cart (that was named after my dog’s teeth). My writing and on-camera work are on the Better Homes & Gardens website. 

Meggan is the founder of Culinary Hill and works to develop, test, and share recipes with her readers. She’s also a classically trained chef and professional writer.

To pinpoint the very best canned tuna you can buy for your kitchen, Meggan and I started with what we knew. Between the two of us, we’ve enjoyed a lifetime’s worth of the yummy little comfort food known as Tuna Noodle Casserole! From there, I worked with Meggan to hear what she thinks are the most important factors in choosing the best-canned tuna and then researched highly recommended brands at various price points. I read hundreds of online reviews to find the best options out there. 

Everything to Know Before Buying Canned Tuna

What to Consider Before Buying Canned Tuna

All tunas are not the same! Before you buy, take a look at the label and consider a few factors:

• Texture: Look for tuna that’s labeled as “solid” or “chunk” rather than “flaked.” Solid or chunk tuna typically contains larger pieces of fish so the texture is less mushy.

• Type of Tuna: Albacore and yellowfin tuna are often considered higher quality due to their mild flavor and firm texture. Skipjack tuna is also common and usually more affordable, but it tends to have a stronger flavor and darker color, which can be a big turnoff.

• Sustainability: Check for sustainability certifications like the Dolphin Safe labels. These indicate that the tuna was caught using methods that minimize harm to ecosystems.

• Brand Reputation: Consider the reputation of the brand. Some brands are known for using higher quality tuna and having higher standards.

• Price: While price isn’t always an indicator of quality, very cheap canned tuna may indicate lower quality fish. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality.

Is Canned Tuna Healthy?

Tuna is an incredibly healthy option when included as part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with whole grains and vegetables like the ones you’ll find in a Niçoise Salad. 

Tuna’s claim to fame is that it’s packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, two things that are essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.

But we can’t talk about tuna without talking about mercury content. Tuna, especially larger species like albacore tuna, can contain higher levels of mercury. “Although albacore tuna generally has a milder flavor, it is higher in mercury than chunk light tuna, so I avoid it,” says Meggan. 

While occasional consumption is generally safe for most people, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children should limit their intake of certain types of tuna to reduce mercury exposure.

How Much Protein Is In a Can of Tuna?

The protein content in a can of tuna can vary depending on the size of the can and the type of tuna. However, as a general guideline, a typical 5-ounce can of tuna packed in water contains approximately 20-25 grams of protein.

Is Canned Tuna Cooked?

Yes, canned tuna is cooked during the canning process. Raw tuna is cleaned, processed, and then cooked before being sealed in the can. That’s what makes it safe for consumption right out of the can and why pouches of tuna are so handy for on-the-go eating.

Can You Eat Tuna While Pregnant?

Yes, you can eat tuna while pregnant, but it’s important to choose the right type and do so in moderation. Tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial during pregnancy since they can aid in the development of the baby’s brain and eyes.

However, pregnant women should be mindful of the mercury content in certain types of tuna because high levels of mercury can be harmful to the developing fetus. But don’t only take our word for it — it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding tuna to your diet if you are expecting.

The Best Tuna Recipes

Tuna is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. Here are some of Meggan’s most popular and flavorful tuna recipes to try:

• The Best Tuna Salad
• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Niçoise Salad

Prices were accurate at time of publication.