Heres the really bad news: a lot of the big brands are guilty of all the above. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); 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. The most common types of canned tuna at the store are white or light tuna. Heather Senger, Madison, WisconsinGo to Recipe Whether you want anchovies, mackerel, or tuna, Oritz offers almost every variety of fish. All canned tunas are created equal, right? We also appreciate that this iconic brand can be found in almost any grocery store across the country. Due to its meaty, rich texture, it makes for the best tuna casseroles and salads and because it's not packed in oil, it doesn't have a greasy mouthfeel or quality. Heather Waldorf, Black Mountain, North Carolina Go to Recipe This is a great option if you want to eat something healthy instead of processed meals. Their tuna, which is available packed in water or olive oil, as well as a number of versions with added seasoning, was ranked number one by Greenpeace in terms of sustainability. Yellowfin is also vulnerable to population decline through increased bycatch caused by fishing vessels using FADs, fishing levels for yellowfin tuna in Australia are probably OK, but in the Pacific and Indian . document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { For quality tuna at an affordable price, shoppers consistently turn to this popular brand. If you're a tuna purist and sustainable tuna is important to you, take a look at the Safe Catch, a brand claiming to test each tuna they catch for mercury content. Lets take a look at the overall cons of this brand. And Tuna wrapped in soybean oil is one of these items. Perhaps even more disheartening is the price point. Or try sheet pan tuna melts, a fresh, herb-filled tuna salad or tuna lettuce wraps. And, three: it can last a very long time in your pantryup to four years if unopened and undamaged, per FDA guidelines. But, like most seafood, there are risks to eating too much of it. Taste of Home Test KitchenGo to Recipe Taste of HomeOrzo-Tuna Salad with TomatoesStuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies or in this case, orzo. A Consumer Reports investigation out Thursday morning found "unpredictable" spikes of mercury levels in five popular canned tuna brands and suggests that pregnant people "avoid canned tuna altogether." "While canned tuna, especially light varieties, has relatively low average levels of mercury, individual cans can sometimes have much higher . We Taste-Tested Dozens of Canned Tuna Brands - Good Housekeeping Here's our list of the best and worst tuna brands on the market today. Popular brand Clover Leaf, which . While it may not be the best value for your money, it certainly ranks as one of our best-tasting, plain tunas. Fortunately, more and more canned fish brands are focusing on ethical and sustainable practices, so we can now better trace the environmental impact of our canned tuna consumption and reap the increased health benefits. Top 'Rosario' Lima With Heart 21. White or light albacore? Try the lower-mercury skipjack tuna, which contains fewer calories than white or albacore tuna, has less sodium and more vitamin B12, selenium, and iron. Tuna Brand Their tuna is caught from the waters of Thailand, so you can enjoy it with ease of mind. However, certain aspects or products of those brands might gain much negative feedback, which is why people categorize those as the worst tuna brands. Tuba brands to avoid: Jupiter. Despite the subpar taste and texture, one thing we appreciated was the simple ingredients they use. The best option for canned tuna lovers on the keto diet is Bumble Bee White Albacore in a can. However, if you are unfamiliar with canned tuna, it is best to avoid it and buy a new can. We may earn a commission from your purchases. They even have a 5-ounce can version if youre looking for lower calories and carbs. Whole Foods, Hy-Vee, Wegmans, Giant Eagle, Albertsons, ALDI, Ahold Delhaize, and Kroger are . Theres a lot more that goes into a can. Consumer Reports Warns of Mercury in Canned Tuna All fish contain some level of the metal, but the amounts can vary wildlyand some canned tuna brands can be deemed "safer" than others in the mercury department. Solid tuna comes in large pieces that flake into hearty chunks, which is great for pasta or green salads. It is packed in water and oil, you can choose which is more suitable for your needs. Below, our Test Kitchen experts break down everything you need to know about the chicken of the sea, including your most pressing tuna questions and the best canned tuna brands to buy, so the next time youre craving a cheesy tuna melt, youll know exactly what to do. Priced 30% lower than its nearest competitor,WalmartsGreat Value Chunk Light Tunais our favorite budget tuna brand (and one of our Test Kitchens favorites overall). Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This, in reality, is not acceptable. The results of a Consumer Reports investigation into canned tuna are so concerning, the consumer advocate is now recommending anyone who is pregnant to avoid eating it. It is famous for selling potentially unethical and destructive tuna. If albacore tuna isnt for you, snag a pouch or two of TargetsGood & Gather Chunk Light Tuna. Before you shop some canned tuna, make sure to cross-check all the cons we discussed. . ), Another brand that upholds the light-tuna-is-safer rule is Chicken of the Sea. 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. Additionally, we love that it's moist and meaty making it a great option for cooking recipes like casseroles. While the mercury levels were all within U.S. Food and Drug Administration standards, Consumer Reports urged pregnant women to "avoid canned tuna altogether." FDA guidelines say pregnant women can eat canned tuna in limited quantities. Along with health concerns, questions about whether fishing methods are sustainable and . You'll love the fresh flavors. Consumer Reports reveals some canned tuna is high in mercury levels Without added water or oil, you'll only be tasting pure ingredients, which smell more like fresh seawater than pungent fish. Safe Catch proudly claims to have "lowest mercury of any brand." This Costa Rican brand offers an even more premium product with the Tonnino Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil. Greenpeace evaluated 20 tuna brands. Its also packed with vitamin D, which is essential for your skin health and immune system. there are a variety of no-salt-added tuna brands available, as detailed in our guide: Six of the best-canned tunas on the market, plus four to avoid. An additional plus was the chunkiness of the tuna, which made it seem more meaty and robust. Tuna Noodle Casserole Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares) Yellowfin mostly served as sashimi, sushi, tuna steak or canned. StarKist. Just combine flaky cubed fish with celery, tomatoes, and/or other fresh veggies to create a fast and healthy filling dinner in minutes. Plus, its one of the healthier optionsin the aisle one 3-ounce serving boasts more than 700 milligramsof omega-3s and 21 grams of protein. Our methods catch only smaller migratory fish, that are naturally lower in mercury. The production of this bacteria is caused by "improper handling" and found most prominently in tuna and mackerel. Genova. Feb 10, 2023. 12. WILD TUNA: Our tuna canned in water is responsibly sourced and wild-caught. The Real Reason You Should Avoid Canned Tuna - Mashed.com That said, canned tuna can be great for you since it's an excellent (and convenient!) Save. 6. Cara Murez. This recipe for avocado tuna salad came to me as a way to have a protein-packed meal with lots of pizzazz. The Real Reason Why You Should Avoid Canned Tuna - YouTube Two, it's packed with health benefits: high in protein, low in fat, and loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. In fact, the taste was very lackluster and the texture was broken and mushy. Priced at $0.28 per ounce, it's highly affordable while still maintaining great overall quality (via Amazon). Was it the taste or texture that justified the price? : Shampoo brands to avoid. Their tuna cans come in at roughly 5 ounces each, making it ideal for those who want an average-sized can of tuna or those who are conscious about their portions. 4 Tuba Brands To Avoid For Beginners (Stay Away From These) Written by Corey Morgan. Take a look at our new Swimwear 'Party' Collection, produced with high quality italian fabrics. 3 Worst Canned Tuna Brands To Avoid and Save Your Money You should also pick brands that follow responsible fishing practices and those that go beyond "dolphin-safe." . Youll discover huge and firm solids from the first moment, ensuring a tasty mouth-filling taste that will satisfy picky eaters. Creamy Tuna-Noodle CasseroleWhen you need supper fast, this tuna noodle casserole makes a super one-dish meal. )Go to Recipe Not so surprisingly, this canned tuna ranks highest in overall value pricing out at just $0.14 per ounce, one of the lowest-priced fishes on our list (via Walmart). Albacore is Americas favorite type of canned tunas and its also considered healthier due to its darker meat that contains less mercury than skipjack and yellowfin tuna. Canned tuna is a staple for many people on their lunch break. Shampoo ingredients to avoid. For things like tuna salad or tuna casserole, this is a good option where the meatiness and texture of the tuna enhance the dish. In addition, it only contains 110 calories with each can containing 29g of protein and 25% of your daily calcium. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. } Mercury is often found in high levels in many fish including tuna. However it is important to make sure you are only giving them canned tuna that's been in water. Slow-Cooker Tuna Noodle CasseroleWe tweaked this family-friendly classic to work for the slow cooker. Investigation found "unpredictable" spikes of mercury levels in five But dont stop with lunch! Those brands included: - Chicken of the Sea - Safe Catch - StarKist - Wild Planet - Bumble Bee. In general, tuna is something that our cats can eat. Crunchy Tuna WrapsPacked with protein-rich tuna and fresh, crunchy veggies, these colorful wraps have sensational flavorand they're good for you, too. 1. Snappy Tuna MeltsI lightened up a tuna melt by switching mayo to creamy balsamic vinaigrette. They keep their ingredients simple using just tuna, water, and salt. We're doing our part to keep our seas healthy now and for future generations. Each of them was packed in water and came from five different brands. Its often compared to others like Bumblebee or Chicken of The Sea, but it wins by miles because of its delicious taste and high protein content which makes it an ideal choice if youre trying to lose weight or gain muscle. During our research, we discovered that the majority of these companies caught their tunas using techniques that were harmful to marine life. Diane Selich, Vassar, MichiganGo to Recipe For the best flavor and a richer texture, look for tuna packed in olive oil. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 2 Mw Polar Tuna, All Natural Chunk Light. Crunchy Tuna Salad with TomatoesOn a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. This green salad with white beans and tuna is the perfect place to start. Our testing team said that this fish was delicious enough to eat plain but would be just as welcome in any lunchbox. Get the best food tips and diet advice If your concern for animals extends to the ocean, you may want to skip Costco's . Methylmercury is the type that slowly bio accumulates over time in fish and shellfish that end up on our dinner tables, and soon, our bodies. Unfortunately for Bumble Bee, there's no way we can justify the cost of this particular product, especially with its disappointing flavor profile. Tarragon Tuna SaladIt's surprising how a few herbs can brighten up tuna salad. 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. Families are sure to love the creamy texture and comforting taste of this traditional tuna casserole that goes together in a jiffy. You can eat it on its own; add it to your favorite dishes like sandwiches and salads, or use it as a high-protein ingredient in things like omelets and casseroles. One of the worlds largest tuna dealers owns Ocean Naturals. The term tuna encompasses several species of fish, including skipjack, albacore . The FDA suggests limiting the consumption of white/albacore or yellowfin tuna to one serving per week, and skipjack tuna to two to three servings per week. 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. However, this also varies depending on the type of can that you are using. 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. 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. If youre the type that cares about sustainability and traceable sourcing, this is a good option for you. Good oil-packed tuna will elevate your tuna melt game. With the simplest, high-quality ingredients of just tuna, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, it's easy to love this tuna brand. The organization tested five popular tuna brands, CBS News reported. The answer to the question is, no, you should not eat canned tuna after the expiration date. The reason is that fish has a high risk of spoilage and thus can be dangerous to consume after the expiration date. Connie Staal, Greenbrier, ArkansasGo to Recipe The fresh taste of tuna is a delight to some while a nightmare to others, but its a sensation you can only seek if eating the fish right after catching it. ; American Tuna works to preserve artisanal fisheries and local, micro-canneries and works to build community among small-scale fishers from different countries. If you are concerned about the animals of the ocean, then you should avoid this brand as the tuna used by this brand is also caught by destructive methods. The Right Tuna for Pregnancy | American Pregnancy Association This brand was super flaky and had that classic, rich tuna flavor our Test Kitchen was searching for. Consumer Reports Warns of Mercury in Canned Tuna. This brand offers both water-packed tuna loins, but you need to drain it before use. Eating canned tuna can help improve your vitamin D and omega-3 intake. In addition, Crown Prince Natural Canned Tuna have been made under strict inspection by FDA and USDA inspectors, so there wont be any mercury or other harmful contaminants present in them. Crunchy Tuna Salad with TomatoesOn a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than this salad. Rosella Peters, Gull Lake, SaskatchewanGo to Recipe The variety doesn't stop there, however. Only vessels registered with CIATT, a group that promotes resource conservation and on-board monitors who guarantee only tuna are caught in the mix, are used. Wild Planet. Usage of pea protein. No problem! It is a lean, delicious source of quality protein and essential vitamins and nutrients. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Christine Schenher, Exeter, California Go to Recipe 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. However, you may want to enjoy tuna in moderation, especially if youre pregnant, breastfeeding or feeding young children. Tuba Brands To Avoid For Beginners (Stay Away From These) The brand claims to provide sustainable products. Thats pretty darn good if youre trying to eat healthy and want to incorporate a bit more fish into your diet. Mediterranean Tuna SaladIn spite of a long list of ingredients, this tuna salad is very quick to prepare. At $0.14 per ounce, this can of tuna is the cheapest on our list and likely the cheapest you'll find anywhere (via Walmart). Many of our pros recommended using Portofino albacore to top a Nicoise salad. Packed in water, this brand is super healthyit has 17 grams of protein, 60% of your vitamin 12 for the day and is just 80 calories per package. But make sure to avoid the term line caught which can mean other methods that sound safe but are really not (like longline fishing). Packed in its own juices with no extenders, Supports the wild fish population positively, Includes a decent amount of omega-3 fatty acids, Quick and easy meal solution without cooking, Gives a unique flavor to salads or pasta dishes, Can shrink after opening, so be careful when storing it in the fridge for longer periods, Sustainably caught with minimal bycatch rates, Does not include any additional spices or flavorings, so it may be bland for some people, Improves energy levels thanks to its protein content, Gives a delicious mild flavor that your family will love, Perfect for salads, pasta dishes, and casseroles, Provides firm solids from the first moment, Responsibly caught using pole-and-line or trolling fishing methods, Includes Bumble Bees Smart Catch method of harvesting only younger tunas with higher nutritional value to the consumer, The can is solid and can only be opened with a can opener, Provides moist and meaty chunks for a culinary experience, A perfectly balanced flavor that children will love, Has a natural health benefit by being low in mercury, 130 calories per can, higher than that of water-packed tuna, Has a mild flavor thats perfect for many dishes, Comes with pole-and-line or troll-caught fish, No additives, colorings, GMOs, artificial preservatives, or tartrazine, Provides firm flesh with subtle sweetness and flaking texture, A larger can opening allows you to enjoy tuna whole, Healthy and portable lunches at work or on the go, The meat can be a bit dry if not stored properly, You have to eat it cold since it does not come with heating instructions, Higher sodium levels than regular tuna cans, Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free & cholesterol-free, Certified by Vegetarian Society UK (VSUK), Low in salt content (best for those on a sodium-restricted diet), The minced texture might be a big downside for some people, Perfect texture for sandwiches and salads, Packed in water only, so they are healthier than other canned tuna, Omega-3s supercharge your health and body functions, Taste is not as good as with oil-packed counterparts (but still delicious), Some people might not like the fishy smell, 100% pure tuna fillets (no deriving from other species), Packed in water only without any additional ingredients or preservatives for extra freshness and nutritional value, BPA-free components used to avoid toxic residues, Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, B12, selenium, and potassium, Great for snacking on when youre in a hurry, Its mild and slightly buttery flavor goes well with any cuisine, especially Italian food, Comes in 5 oz cans to make it easy for your daily consumption, Has a strong fishy odor which can be a bit unpleasant for some people, Great for weight loss as its low in calories but high in protein.