At $0.57 per ounce, it's moderately priced for the value it provides including transparency of ingredients, quality ingredients, portability, taste, and texture (via Walmart). Low thiamine levels. To help you make an informed decision at the supermarket next time youre stocking up on tuna, we researched some of the most popular brands and compared them to see which ones came out on top. Greenpeace first put together a canned tuna guide in 2015, but the industry has changed. Weve included an excerpt of Greenpeaces explanations for each brands rank below, but for the complete scope head on over to Greenpeace. Bring the original sea flavors to your plate with these tuna fish cans. The brands found to contain the lowest levels of mercury are as follows: RELATED: 7 Tips For Buying Good Quality Canned Fish, Generally speaking, light tuna is often a better choice than albacore varieties, according to Consumer Reports. The world's biggest canned tuna brands are failing to tackle modern slavery in their Pacific supply chains, leaving thousands of workers at sea under threat of human rights abuses, a report has . Inside the pouch, our pros found large chunks of flaky fish. All tuna is caught by pole and line - a turtle, shark and seabird friendly fishing method. Because it's packed in water, it has a light and fresh mouthfeel. (If you arepregnant, the group says you shouldn't eat tuna at all.). 2 Mw Polar Tuna, All Natural Chunk Light. This Spanish company is not a newcomer to the canned fish business. Every 5-ounce can include pure wild-caught Albacore tuna with just a hint of salt, giving it a unique flavor that comes straight from the sea. Popular brands like StarKist, Bumble Bee, and Chicken of the Sea are way down at the bottom of Greenpeace's list, and are therefore . While some tuna brands take on more of a grated texture, Genova has thicker chunks yielding a more meaty texture. It is famous for selling potentially unethical and destructive tuna. Cara Murez. The use of circle hooks to reduce byproduct catch . Priced 30% lower than its nearest competitor, Walmart's Great Value Chunk Light Tuna is our favorite budget tuna brand (and one of our Test Kitchen's favorites overall). Best for Salmon Patties - Wild Planet Wild Pink Canned Salmon. Enjoy it on its own or add to mixed greens for an instantly flavorful salad. As a result, the fish does taste fresher and has a meatier quality to it. And be sure to check for other signs of lousy tuna before you eat it. Moreover, Greenpeace has awarded this brand with a Green label rating. Ethoxylated ingredients, fragrance, methylchloroisothiazolinone, methylisothiazolinone. Traditionally, the two types of tuna sold in cans are been labeled as white and light. The main difference between the two is that light tuna usually has a pink color, while white tuna has a more pale, yellowish color. American Tuna. But first, lets dive deeper into the details before jumping to the brand list. Affordable and available at almost every grocery store, its no wonder this protein is almost as popular as chicken. Albacore is America's favorite tuna, and it's the only species of fish that can be labeled as "white". If your concern for animals extends to the ocean, you may want to skip Costco's . The Whole Foods 365 store brand is known for offering quality products at a competitive price (though that's not always the case). Cats require 22 amino acids to stay healthy and can synthesize only 11 of them. Or try sheet pan tuna melts, a fresh, herb-filled tuna salad or tuna lettuce wraps. Light tuna is often richer in flavor. We may earn a commission from your purchases. We've done all the hard work in order to spare you from the misery of the dreaded soupy tunas, the oily tunas, tunas with scales, the bone-dry tunas, and the tunas that smell rotten. Its also free of allergens and mercury, whereby it doesnt cause any allergies. During our research, we discovered that the majority of these companies caught their tunas using techniques that were harmful to marine life. Farmed salmon, of course, is a poor choice due to antibiotic use, toxins such as PCBs, and pollution of waterways (where the salmon are kept in vast pens). Here are five Kirkland-brand products you may want to skip: 1. It combines well with a wide range of foods, including pasta, salads, and casseroles owing to its delicious and mild flavor. It also adds extra protein to green salads for your lunchtime fare. However, there have been some issues with this brand. Kirkland Signature Albacore Tuna in Water is harvested by longline fishing vessels where standard practice is the use of circle hooks and monofilament leaders, gear combination that reduces mortality rate of non-targeted marine life like sharks and sea turtles.. After opening the can, use it immediately or freeze it for up to six months. While the availability factor and pricing are definite positives, we found that their addition of soy-containing vegetable broth in the ingredients could be problematic for those who can't tolerate soy. Their specialty has always been the highest quality raw fish they can get their hands on, and they do their best to process it as quickly as possible in order to preserve its appearance and taste just as if it was still fresh from the sea. The organization tested five popular tuna brands, CBS News reported. They offer 5-ounce cans which are perfect for dinners. This brand only uses non-destructive methods to catch tuna. } ); While this wasnt every testers favorite, these smaller flakes make Great Value tuna the perfect candidate for many tuna recipes like tuna salads and casseroles. Just read the label to make sure it doesnt contain any extra oils, like vegetable or soybean. Take it up a few notches with garlic, cheese and tomatoes. Before we move on towards the next tuna brand, lets first have a brief look at the general issues. It even has a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids, so your heart and brain are being taken care of at the same time. What comes to your mind when someone mentions a quick yummy seafood meal? Perhaps even more disheartening is the price point. This light flaky tuna fromStarKistwas our teams favorite. And thanks to their patented canning process it flaunts a 5 times better taste than other canned tunas on the market. On average, a packet of tuna has about 30% of the protein healthy adults need in a day. The company's albacore variety had 10 times more mercury than its light tuna, according to Consumer Reports. 15 Grocery Store Canned Tuna Brands Ranked Worst To Best. 573k 238k 37k Subscribe . And since this product is packed in water instead of oil, all of the Tunas nutrients stay intact. American Tuna, $35 for six cans. We also appreciate that this iconic brand can be found in almost any grocery store across the country. Although their olive oil wasn't "extra," it still had a pleasant taste, and the slight hint of salt enhanced the overall flavor. Good & Gather wasnt overly salty which leaves plenty of room for you to jazz this brand up with the herbs and spices you love most. Tuna Melt on CornbreadTry our rendition of an open-faced tuna melt. No. Were talking fishing practices, traceability of the fish back to the sea, and knowing if these fishing companies are violating human rights in their labor practices this does happen, unfortunately. Testing shows that mercury levels can vary wildly. Also, for your convenience, we have mentioned some of the best tuna brands. The biggest problem with Starkist is that it sells dirty and cheap quality tuna. We hate to tell you this, but youre probably picking the wrong can of tuna. These are not your regular canned tuna. According to the EPA, its safe to consume up to 2-3 cans of light tuna per week without getting too much mercury. Sarah King, Greenpeace oceans campaigner. They utilize sustainable fishing techniques and contribute to their local communities. You might have questions about sustainability, mercury levels, and harvesting methods factors that you dont necessarily have to think about with .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}other canned goods. Royal Canin. Another brand that upholds the light-tuna-is-safer rule is Chicken of the Sea. And Tuna wrapped in soybean oil is one of these items. But we know that canned and packaged tuna can be disappointing. This combination of citrus and ginger makes for a somewhat chemical, cleaning detergent type of smell and taste. Unfortunately for Bumble Bee, there's no way we can justify the cost of this particular product, especially with its disappointing flavor profile. While the flavor combination of sesame and ginger sounds fancy, it may not be the best combination for packaged tuna. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Herbed Tuna SandwichesA delightful combination of herbs and reduced-fat cheese makes this simple tuna sandwich a standout. Albacore tuna is less common in grocery stores, but its usually the most expensive of all canned tunas. These brands are Test Kitchen-approved: In our testing, albacore tuna (as compared to yellowfin or skipjack) rose to the top. Rather than mixing your own flavors ahead of time, you can just pop a travel-friendly to-go container of deliciously seasoned tuna into your bag and peel back the lid when you're ready to eat it. If you think we have missed any brand that should be included in our list, we would be glad to know your thoughts. The brands that we have mentioned were quite popular. And with most tuna brands coming in at under 100 calories per serving, you couldnt ask for a better way to beef up your lunchtime routine. Climate; Energy; . Canned tuna, right? Practicing without a tuba, on the other hand, might be challenging. Despite the minor negative, the flavor of the tuna is very mild and doesn't smell or taste overly fishy like other tuna products. I reconfigured the recipe to include more vegetables and the result was delicious. In a hurry? Safe catch has a comprehensive collection of high-quality seasoned tuna cans from habanero-mint to citrus pepper and chile-lime. Whole Foods Chunk White Albacore Tuna, $2 per can. If youre the type that cares about sustainability and traceable sourcing, this is a good option for you. Raincoast uses small, young albacore making it one of the purest choices, low in mercury and other pollutants that may affect taste and quality. Not for us. Genova. "Nourishing and low-sodium, perfect choice for salmon patties and other traditional, Keto-friendly salmon recipes.". This tuna takes on a bit of a mushy quality and is hard to drain all the oil from. Our methods catch only smaller migratory fish, that are naturally lower in mercury. However, because it is packed in water, you should carefully drain the can before combining it with other items, especially while preparing recipes that require less liquid. My husband and I enjoy it as a nice change from the ordinary baked potato. Not planning to cook a casserole or mix with mayo? Each tin contains sustainably caught wild tuna and fresh produce like succulent corn, sliced olives, zesty herbs and sweet red peppers. Plus, there are no GMO ingredients, artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or tartrazine to make it safe for everyone. 8 Ingredients You Should Have on Hand to Recession-Proof Your Pantry, Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Consumer Reports recently conducted its own research on canned tuna brands Bumble Bee, Chicken of the . Tuna packed in water has a milder flavor and fewer calories than oil-packed, so if you need a can for your everyday tuna salad on rye, water-packed works fine. And dont forget, these lightweight packages are also ideal for camping. Kirkland is the Costco store brand name which typically boasts a higher value than their competitors. A top-quality product full of nutrients and Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart, brain function, eye health, and much more plus it tastes amazing offering you the perfect pre or post-workout snack. Reasons to Avoid. Think about it, you know bad tuna when you taste it, smell it, or stick a fork in it. You can enjoy these Tuna steaks with pasta or even make tuna burgers along with home fries if you wish. But the best part is that this brand of tuna is caught in a sustainable way, so you can enjoy it on a weekly basis without worrying about the fish populations being negatively affected. 10 Best Canned Tuna Brands. It also hit higher marks due to the pop-top lid feature that allows you to take it anywhere. Along with health concerns, questions about whether fishing methods are sustainable and . Crunchy Tuna Salad with TomatoesOn a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. Its a healthy choice as its free from soy, gluten, and GMOs so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing what you eat is safe for consumption. The delicate texture makes it easy to flake and scoop onto crackers. Not only do they look pretty in your pantry, but they also hold big, firm pieces of fish that retain their shape better when added to a Nioisesalad or flaked into pasta. Ann Marie Eberhart, Gig Harbor, WashingtonGo to Recipe Starkist is owned by one of the largest shareholders in the US. Here they are, in order of absolute worst to the very best. For things like tuna salad or tuna casserole, this is a good option where the meatiness and texture of the tuna enhance the dish. The term tuna encompasses several species of fish, including skipjack, albacore . If you are pregnant, avoid canned tuna altogether. Or serve them for brunch with fresh fruit, a tossed salad and rolls. } In salads, sandwiches or pasta, opening a can of tuna is one of the easiest and fastest ways to eat fish regularly. Yvonne Cook, Haskins, OhioGo to Recipe Unlike other fish products, these canned tunas have a very distinct and fresh smell. Considering each serving is only 140 calories, it's likely you'll only eat this as a snack or need to purchase other food items to round out a complete meal (via Amazon). But, there is a reason that we have included this brand in our list of the 5 tuna brands to avoid, and that though on the top. This brand is popular for the production of low-level mercury fish. Thats all reflected in a survey with supporting documentation to ensure that the information they provide is accurate and in addition to filling out the survey we often have a dialogue back and forth with the companies over a series of months to ensure the accuracy of the information. Guys, its thorough. For best results, eat within one day of purchasing. Yumi Baby Food Review: Is the Service Worth It? This mercury exposure is known to cause a number of health problems, including neurological damage and organ damage. It can yield the perfect tuna casserole, a mouthwatering tuna melt, or a delectable, creamy topping for butter crackers. Weve seen public commitments from some big names including Whole Foods which recently released a new canned tuna commitment to supply 100 percent sustainable canned tuna in stores by 2018. ), Another brand that upholds the light-tuna-is-safer rule is Chicken of the Sea. But one brand in our taste test had our kitchen squad thinking about pre-packed tuna differently:Portofino. If you want to eat tinned tuna as part of a balanced diet, why not read our article on Ethical Vitamins and Supplements to find out how you can buy vegan Omega-3 supplements. Tuna and White Bean Lettuce WrapsHere's a fabulous way to dress up ordinary tuna salad. Pea Protein, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, and Other Types of Plant Protein. if( 'moc.sihttae.www' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Madelyn Kearns. While bone and skin are edible, it may be off-putting for some, especially with regards to canned tuna. So, these were a few of the worst tuna brands that you should avoid if you dont want to end up hating tuna. All Wild Planet tuna is 100% sustainably pole & line, troll, or handline caught - nets are never used. The first time I made this dish, my uncle asked for seconds even though tuna casseroles are not usually his favorite. StarKist. I serve it with a green salad and warm rolls for a nutritious supper. Chris Shott is the Deputy Editor covering groceries for Eat This, Not That! Lets look at 5 of the best tuna brands that you should try if you are a tuna lover. Conventional canned tuna brands use precook processing that leeches up to 80% of the Omega 3s from the . White tuna also contains more vitamins and minerals than light tuna 100 g of white is equivalent to 8% of daily recommended values for calcium, 7% iron, 5% magnesium, 4% phosphorus, and 3% potassium. It is one of the most popular seafood in the US. StarKist is a popular tuna brand that can be found at major grocery stores all across the country. While this brand has somewhat higher sodium levels than others, it shouldnt be an issue if youre limiting your intake to one serving per day. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. Our testing team said that this fish was delicious enough to eat plain but would be just as welcome in any lunchbox. It has no added salt or sugar either. The pull-top function of the can also makes it a great choice for a quick and easy way to pop the top and eat it on the go. Thanks to these characteristics, certain species are better suited for meals like salads, while others are perfect for steak or sushi. It's a great change of pace from the traditional tuna casserole. Lean meats, legumes and nuts are all a great place to start, but you might be forgetting one healthy source of protein in the aisles at your grocery store: packaged tuna. It makes a terrific light lunch or Sunday brunch dish. To make things even better there are no artificial flavors or preservatives added, so you can always enjoy a pristine, fresh taste. This will help you to ensure that there are not any harmful chemicals in the can and that the metal wont leach into the contents of the can. Tuna packed in a can by itself develops a nice meaty texture, but it can end up pretty dry. So many of us are trying to incorporate more protein into our diets. However, if we look at these in detail, they have certain drawbacks as well. This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. If a can indicates that the fish inside is Atlantic salmon, you'll want to pick a different brand. And you won't get an overly fishy smell or taste with this brand either, which is another reason we love it so much. Look for the Chunk Light Tuna In Water at Walmart for $1.22 per can, or Target for $1.29. The company states that they slow cook their fish to retain the inherent moisture of the tuna and to boost the natural flavor of the fish without relying on additives. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. David Pinsky from Greenpeace explained to HuffPost how they go about ranking the cans. That said, there are many canned tuna brands out there, so choosing between them can be difficult without knowing what to look for. WORST: Bumblebee, Walmart's Great Value, Kirkland (from Costco) and Kroger brand all were at the bottom of the list of ethical practices in their tuna. The portable-friendly packaging adds an additional layer of delicious convenience, allowing consumers to toss the can into their bag, pop the top, and eat right away without the need for additional seasonings or oils. Before you shop some canned tuna, make sure to cross-check all the cons we discussed. Polar also prides itself on all-natural, wild-caught canned tuna. Garlic Bread Tuna MeltsThere's something extra comforting about a tuna melt on a chilly day. Canned tuna seems like a true modern wonder, doesn't it? Shampoo ingredients to avoid. White tuna has a milder flavor than fishier light tuna and is higher in omega-3 fatty acids, but it can also be higher in mercury. Tuna Potato SupperTuna lovers will find this to be a real treat. Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada Tuna is a saltwater fish eaten all over the world. If you love the idea of this, beware, not all flavored tunas are a win. The optimal length of time for canned tuna to be consumed is 3-4 months from the date that it was canned. To save you the trouble, our Test Kitchen sampled all the most popular brands to find the tuna options that should be in your shopping cart. Avoid any Walmart brand canned tuna. In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, parsley, and vinegar. Lets take a look at the overall cons of this brand. Cooking the potatoes and beans together helps the dish come together fast. xhr.send(payload); Quality is a concern as one might find bone and skin mixed into their tuna, as other online reviewers had. In a new investigation, Consumer Reports tested popular canned tuna brands to determine how worried we should be. Large chunks of tuna packed in olive oil, like the Genova . Also, they are packed with water and have a low quantity of sodium. Great Value's tuna packed in vegetable oil wasn't a winner in our book, but Great Value tuna packed in water is a much better choice. It is made up of ingredients that are 100% natural, non-GMO plants, and seaweed. Whether you want anchovies, mackerel, or tuna, Oritz offers almost every variety of fish. While tuna isn't on the . You dont necessarily need to buy the most expensive tuna brands either some of the best-canned tuna is sold at grocery stores that arent exactly known for having the highest quality products. Buying a canned tuna isnt just about deciding between water or oil packed, dark or light meat, expensive or cheap. These patties are even good cold the next day, if there are any leftovers. Without added water or oil, you'll only be tasting pure ingredients, which smell more like fresh seawater than pungent fish. Required fields are marked *. . Save. Light tuna tended to have less mercury than albacore, the tests showed. "Entirely free of soy, gluten, and GMO, contains hand-selected tuna in olive oil and salt, easy to open and drain.".