Leah Berenson
Leah Berenson
August 27, 2024 ·  3 min read

3 Food Editors Were Asked To Name The Best Canned Tuna, And They All Chose The Same Brand

Many people feel overwhelmed as they walk through the grocery store aisles and find several brands selling the same products. As such, knowing which is best can be difficult. For example, canned tuna is packaged by several manufacturers including Bumble Bee, Kirkland’s Best, and Starkist, to name a few of the most well-known brands. However, food experts have shared their favorite option and it was unanimous. 

Possible Dangers of Canned Tuna

Closeup top view and side view open can of preserve food, tuna flakes in round golden cans isolated on white background, copy space. Preserve food canned concept.
Source: Shutterstock

Fish is highly nutritional and an excellent source of good fats, protein, and amino acids. Yet, it’s an alarmingly expensive commodity with a short shelf life. Fortunately, companies have produced affordable goods like canned Tuna. While tuna has great health benefits, it’s also high in mercury. Sadly, mercury wreaks havoc on the body, causing rashes, and damage to the digestive tract, and in extreme cases the respiratory system and brain. Furthermore, it’s particularly dangerous for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and for their babies. Additionally, elderly people or those with weakened immune systems are also more susceptible to mercury poisoning.

Read More: Woman Asks If She Was Wrong For Refusing To Share Food With Housemate’s 6-Year-Old

Ranking High in Sustainability

Grovetown, Ga USA - 04 20 22: Retail store shelf Safe Catch tuna in a can variety
Source: Shutterstock

However, food experts agree that Safe Catch, sold at Costco, is your best bet for canned tuna. Although it’s more expensive than other brands, experts recommend Safe Catch for numerous reasons. First, this brand is renowned for sustainability, meaning production either has a low carbon footprint or benefits the environment or economy in some way. 

Expert Opinions

Unlabeled canned tuna isolated on white background. A blank mockup tin-coated steel tuna can with open lid on white background. Canned tuna steak and preserved food concept. white background.
Source: Shutterstock

Moreover, Safe Catch canned tuna has a low mercury content, ensuring all the health benefits without running the risk of mercury poisoning. “I am obsessed with Fishwife’s canned tuna if I want to treat myself, but otherwise, I buy the sustainable low mercury brand Safe Catch from Costco.” Explains Jennifer Zyman, a food writer and editor. 

Seconding the Product

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Meanwhile, Megan Scott, Simply Recipe’s Senior Editor, says: “Costco is my go-to store for stocking up on canned tuna, but I don’t grab the store’s famed Kirkland brand. I’ve always reached for those eye-catching navy blue and yellow-labeled Safe Catch cans.” 

Safe Canned Tuna

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA -JUNE 6, 2021: Selected focused on tuna fish fillet in the cans and displayed for sale on shelves in the supermarket. Its comes in a variety of taste and flavors.
Source: Shutterstock

It turns out there’s one more closely related reason that Safe Catch canned tuna is so popular. They’re the only company that guarantees each can is individually tested, ensuring low mercury content. “All Safe Catch tuna and salmon products are Marine Stewardship Council certified and Ocean Wise Partner and follow the recommendations of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program.” According to sources. 

Read More: 9 Non-Food Items You Should Always Keep in The Fridge

Where to Find Safe Catch

Winneconne, WI -10 April 2022: A can of safe catch ahi wild yellowfin tuna on an isolated background
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Although a Costco membership is common among people, especially those with large families, Safe Catch is available at other retailers too. For example, Walmart and others carry Safe Catch Canned Tuna. 

Benefits of Canned Tuna

Canned tuna fillet meat in olive oil, on black background, flat lay
Source: Shutterstock

While canned tuna often contains higher sodium levels than fresh fish, both provide several nutrients. Firstly, look for fish packed in water for lower fat and sodium content. Alternatively, if you want a higher fat content, and more protein, look for fish packed in oil. 

Secondly, canned tuna is higher in omega acids than fresh fish. Meanwhile, both are high in vitamin D, iodine, and selenium. Furthermore, a pescatarian diet has several health benefits including better heart health, a lower risk of cancer, and a healthier gut and appetite. 

Consider a Pescetarian Diet

Los Angeles, California, United States - 05-20-2022: A view of several cans of Starkist canned tuna, on display at a local grocery store.
Source: Shutterstock

Interestingly, a pescatarian diet doesn’t limit you to eating only fish. Rather dairy, eggs, legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds are all a part of a pescatarian diet. Moreover, incorporating more fruits and vegetables into any diet provides the body with ample vitamins and minerals to maintain overall health and well-being. Either way, eating things like Safe Catch will only improve your health and, with so many flavor and seasoning options, canned tuna has become a versatile staple in any kitchen. 

Read More: Couple arrested after 10-year-old son, weighing 36 pounds, found searching for food: report

Sources

  1. Mercury Poisoning.Cleveland Clinic
  2. What is the Pescetarian Diet?Cleveland Clinic
  3. Is Canned Tuna Good for You, or Bad?Healthline. Kelli McGrane November 6, 2020.
  4. Canned Tuna Brands, Ranked Worst To Best.Chowhound.  KYLE GRACE MILLS MAY 18, 2024.
  5. I Asked 3 Food Editors To Name the Best Canned Tuna, They All Said the Same Brand.” MSN. Meghan Splawn. 2024.