Canned Tuna: Your 2026 Buyer's Guide
Canned tuna is a staple in many kitchen pantries across the country. It's convenient, has a long shelf life, and is a versatile ingredient for quick meals—from salads and pasta to sandwiches. However, navigating the options on supermarket shelves or online can be overwhelming. Fillets or chunks? In oil or in brine? And what do the various seals on the packaging actually mean?
This guide is here to help. We'll introduce objective criteria to help you find the right canned tuna for your needs and present a selection of products for various applications.
What to Look for When Buying Canned Tuna
Three main characteristics will help you make your decision: the packing liquid, the cut of the fish, and the sustainability of the fishing method.
The Liquid: Tuna in Oil or in Brine?
The liquid in which the tuna is packed significantly affects its taste, texture, and nutritional profile.
- Tuna in Oil: Sunflower or olive oil is often used. The oil makes the fish particularly moist and flavourful. Tuna in oil is well-suited for dishes where the oil can be used as part of the dressing or sauce. However, it has a higher fat and calorie content.
- Tuna in its Own Juice (Brine): Here, the fish is preserved with only water and a little salt. This version is lower in fat and calories. The pure flavour of the fish takes centre stage, making it a great choice for a high-protein tuna snack or for recipes where you don't want the tuna flavour to be masked by oil.
The Cut: Tuna Fillets or Chunks?
How the tuna is processed determines its best use in the kitchen.
- Tuna Fillets: These are whole, firm pieces from the loin of the fish. They hold their shape and are perfect as the main ingredient in a tuna for salad (e.g., Salade Niçoise) or as a topping for pizza.
- Tuna Chunks (or Flakes): These are already broken up and are easy to mix into spreads, fillings for wraps, or pasta sauces.
A Focus on Sustainability: MSC Seal and Fishing Methods
For many consumers, the origin of the fish plays a crucial role. A sustainable tuna helps protect marine ecosystems.
- MSC Seal: The blue Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) seal identifies fish from sustainable fisheries. MSC tuna comes from stocks that are not overfished and is caught using methods that minimise bycatch.
- "Pole & Line" Fishing Method: This traditional method is considered particularly selective, as each fish is caught individually. This virtually eliminates the bycatch of other marine animals like dolphins or turtles.
Recommendations for 2026: A Selection for Different Needs
Based on the criteria above, we have compiled a selection of products that meet different requirements.
Century Tuna in Oil
What Makes It Stand Out This tuna comes in flakes packed in soybean oil. The ingredients list includes soy protein concentrate and whey powder in addition to tuna, giving it a specific texture and a unique flavour profile.
Advantages
- Pre-shredded flakes, ready to use for sauces or spreads.
- Packed in soybean oil, which ensures moistness.
- Convenient portion size for quick meals.
Who Is It For? For consumers looking for a straightforward and budget-friendly ingredient for mixed dishes like pasta sauces, casseroles, or sandwich fillings, where the tuna doesn't need to be the centrepiece as a whole fillet.
Saupiquet Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil
What Makes It Stand Out These are whole tuna fillets of the Skipjack variety, packed in olive oil. According to the manufacturer, the fish is wild-caught in the Western Pacific (FAO 71) using purse seine nets.
Advantages
- Firm, whole fillets that hold their shape.
- High protein content of 24 g per 100 g (drained weight).
- Packed in olive oil for a rich flavour and tender texture.
- Versatile for use in salads, as a main course, or as a high-protein snack.
Who Is It For? For connoisseurs who value firm fillet pieces and the classic taste of tuna in high-quality olive oil. Ideal for dishes where the fish is the visual and flavourful star.
Followfood MSC Tuna Fillets in Natural Juice
What Makes It Stand Out This product has a clear focus on sustainability and natural ingredients. The Skipjack tuna fillets are MSC-certified and fished using the pole & line method. The fish is preserved in its own juice without added oil and is designed as a "no-drain" product, meaning very little liquid needs to be drained.
Advantages
- Very high protein content of 27 g per 100 g.
- Low fat content (0.7 g per 100 g).
- Certified sustainable (MSC) and caught with a gentle fishing method.
- Minimal ingredient list: just tuna, water, and sea salt.
Who Is It For? For health- and eco-conscious consumers, as well as athletes, who are looking for a pure, low-fat, and high-protein tuna. Its sustainable origin and easy handling make it a first-class choice for conscious enjoyment.
Haven't Found the Right One?
The world of canned tuna is diverse. If you're looking for a different type of tuna, a specific pack size, or an alternative packing liquid, you're sure to find it in our comprehensive selection.
️ Discover our entire range of canned tuna here
Frequently Asked Questions about Canned Tuna
Is canned tuna a healthy choice?
Canned tuna is a good source of high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Its health profile depends on the preparation. Tuna in its own juice is generally lower in fat and calories than tuna in oil. Also, pay attention to the salt content, which can vary between products.
Which tuna is best for salad?
For salads where you want the fish to be visible and whole, tuna fillets are ideal. They offer a firm texture and an appealing look. If the tuna is being mixed into the other ingredients, tuna chunks also work well. The choice between oil and brine is a matter of personal taste and desired calorie count.
How should you store opened canned tuna?
After opening, any unused contents should be transferred from the metal can to a sealable, non-metallic container (e.g., glass or plastic). Stored in the refrigerator, it should generally be consumed within one to two days, according to manufacturer recommendations.