Canned tuna is a worldwide known seafood product, which is appreciated due to its convenience, low cost, and healthy properties. According to FAO, the tuna is the most commercially important group of fish in the world, and canned tuna is a significant contributor to the market. The world canned tuna market was estimated to be worth more than US$9 billion in 2023, and it is projected to grow steadily given the rising demand for shelf-stable, high-protein food.

Canned tuna is a nutritious food product and is more than a quick meal, as it is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. Canned tuna is ideal in tuna salad, sandwiches, and even sushi, and there are various types, such as albacore, skipjack, and yellowfin, so they have different tastes and textures. With the increased attention on sustainability, most brands also mention the way they fish their tuna so customers can be informed about their decisions regarding their favorite food in the world.

The 6 Main Types of Canned Tuna Explained

Tinned tuna isn’t a one-size-fits-all product. The canning industry uses several species of tuna, each with a characteristic flavor and texture, making them ideal for a variety of tuna recipes. To provide an overview of the major differences between the different types of tunas, here is a brief comparison table so that you can get a quick idea of what to expect:

Albacore (White Tuna)

Albacore tuna, also called white tuna, is very popular for its light flavor and firm texture. This variety has lighter colored flesh ranging from white to pale pink, and that’s why it has a delicate, a little bit subtle taste. And that is why it is a great option for those who do not like a strong, fishy taste. Albacore is usually taken in solid white cuts, and thus it is preferentially used in tuna salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

The gentleness of albacore tuna also allows it to be very versatile in the kitchen. It goes with a lot of seasonings, herbs, and sauces, making it really easy to create different recipes. Also, albacore is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and that is why it has health benefits like improved health of heart and brain health. Because of the light flesh and gentle flavor of albacore, it is frequently regarded as the premium choice among the various types of canned tuna.

Skipjack (Chunk Light Tuna)

Skipjack tuna, also known as chunk light tuna, is a more affordable choice for consumers. It is darker in color, has a slightly firmer texture, and features a softer texture compared to some albacore tuna. Chunk light tuna is great in tuna salads or with pasta and has a robust taste for a low price. Skipjack is the most commonly used species in light tuna types.

The flesh of skipjack tuna is generally softer and more delicate than albacore, making it a different but still tasty one. It has a slightly stronger flavor that goes well with meals in which you want the taste of the tuna to be the star. Thanks to its plentiful availability, it is considered one of the best canned tunas for economical yet tasty dishes.

Yellowfin Tuna

Another common option is the yellowfin tuna, which is popular in sushi. This kind of tuna is slightly mild in taste compared to skipjack, yet stronger-tasting than albacore. Being canned, it is commonly found in a solid tuna cut, which is ideal both in a salad and a stir-fry. The meat is also light in color, like skipjack, but darker than albacore, thus differentiated in appearance.

It is said to have a more complex taste and complements the seasoning, such as soy sauce, garlic, and lemon. It is a well-known fact that it suits well in sandwiches or even fancy dishes. It is also a sustainable choice for people who are conscious about their fishery impact.

Bigeye Tuna

Bigeye tuna is less frequent in cans; however, it is another precious alternative on the scene of canned fish. Bigeye tuna is known to be a firm fish and has a rich, bolder flavor and is a little fattier, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a meatier meal. It is perfect in the recipes where a more tasty tuna is needed, like curries, or a more savory pasta meal.

Bluefin Tuna

Although bluefin tuna is more likely to appear in the sushi restaurant of a high-end chain because of its high cost, it can also be found in canned tuna products. Bluefin tuna is dark and rich in flavor, and has a marbled texture, which makes it especially strong in taste in comparison to others. Its peculiarity is that it has a complex and soft taste due to its rich fattiness, which can enhance a lot of depth in any food.

Tongol Tuna

Tongol tuna, which is found in tuna dishes requiring mild but firm fish, is less familiar in the American market but is very valued in international markets. It is less firm than skipjack or albacore, and the flesh is lighter-colored, so it looks delicate and is ideal in light salads or plain fish preparations.

Oil-Packed vs. Water-Packed Tuna: Which Is Better?

Oil-packed and water-packed canned tuna is a matter of choice that relies on your cooking requirements and dietary desires.

Tuna packed in oil, usually stored in either olive or vegetable oil, has a fuller taste and is wetter. The oil assists in maintaining the natural fats in the tuna, and therefore, it is best suited in the dish where the taste and mouthfeel are the main focus, like salads, antipasto, or open sandwiches. Nevertheless, it is normally rich in calories and fat because of oil absorption.

In comparison, water-packed tuna has less fat and calories, and it is usually the preferred tuna when the person is on a diet that emphasizes lean protein or less dietary fat. It is sweeter, less fishy tasting, and goes well in dishes when tuna is combined with other products such as casseroles, tuna mayonnaise, or curries. With that said, it may at times be a bit drier in texture.

Each of the two can be found in a variety of forms (solid, chunk, flaked) and varieties (albacore, skipjack, etc.), giving freedom of choice on both taste and nutrition. Finally, none of them is superior in all circumstances. It depends on what suits your dish and dietary preferences.

The Different Cuts of Canned Tuna: Solid, Chunk, and Flaked

Solid tuna is one complete piece or a large portion of fish, which is mainly available in the more expensive varieties. It is firm and clean-looking, so it can be used in any dish in which presentation is important, such as salads or plated hors d’oeuvres.

Chunk tuna consists of medium-sized pieces, which are cut from larger fillets but remain large. It is usually utilized in chunk light and chunk white products. This one is a tradeoff of both texture and versatility, as it will do well in tuna salads, sandwiches, or mixed with pasta.

Flaked tuna is cut into very small pieces, which results in a soft and smooth texture. It is better in a recipe where the tuna is mixed with other ingredients, such as spreads, fillings, or sauces, where the tuna is not required to maintain its form.

Each cut serves a specific purpose:

• Solid for structure and visual appeal
• Chunk for flexible use in everyday meals
• Flaked for smooth blending in prepared recipes

Our Top Brand Picks for Every Need

Various brands of canned tuna have distinct features that can be categorized in quality, mercury level, taste preferences, and pricing policy. These are some of the most recommended brands in terms of market reputation, product labels, nutritional transparency, and sustainable standards:

• Quick Tip:

The detailed nutritional label should always be read when choosing a brand so as to make sure of the type of tuna (skipjack or albacore), the packing liquid (water or oil), and the catch method (MSC or Dolphin Safe certifications).

Cans, Pouches, and Jars: Packaging Differences Explained

When selecting canned tuna, you will see that there are three primary package varieties: cans, pouches, and glass jars. They all use the same great tuna, but each type has its advantages in shelf life, recyclability, price, and convenience.

Cans

Tuna cans are great for bulk storage as well as for emergency supplies due to their long shelf life of 2 to 5 years. They are also easily recyclable and accepted in most recycling programs. In terms of price, they are the most affordable per ounce, which is why they are favored by large families or those looking to stock up. On the downside, each can requires a can opener, which is inconvenient for those in a hurry.

Pouches

The shelf life for tuna in pouches is shorter, at 1-2 years, and is sold in single-serving sizes. Pouches are lightweight, simple to open, and often pre-drained, leaving no need to worry about extra calories or mess. They do tend to be more costly per ounce than tuna cans. Pouches are great for quick meals, lunches on the go, or for anyone looking for a handy option that does not require a can opener.

For a more detailed comparison between tuna pouches and cans, check out this article: Tuna Pouch vs Can: Which is Best for You?.

Jars

Jars, especially glass ones, present the highest tier option as they usually contain premium tuna like white albacore or yellowfin in olive oil. Just like pouches, jars also last around 1 to 2 years. Although jars are expensive and heavy, they reveal the contents inside, making them suitable for chic recipes or occasions where the tuna needs to look its best. Although glass is highly recyclable, the energy used ineffectively during transporting these jars makes them worse than cans or pouches in terms of eco-friendliness. If you’re looking for a glorious display as well as fine tuna, jars will offer you the best choice.

Matching Tuna Packaging Types with the Right Processing Line

Since the canned tuna market is ever diversifying, the production lines have to become more efficient with their highly automated machines that can accommodate various packaging requirements and formats. These transformations do not only concern the fulfillment of consumer taste preferences, but they are also related to the increased demands on small-batch, multi-spec, and premium-quality products.

As an example, various kinds of tuna have different packaging strategies, and such strategies directly affect the design of production lines and the arrangement of equipment:

• Albacore (White Tuna) is usually exported in canned form of the so-called solid white meat, which highlights the integrity and the look of the chunks of the whole tuna. In order to achieve this standard, production lines should provide high-speed and high-precision filling and vacuum sealing technologies to achieve both freshness and aesthetics.
• Skipjack Tuna, in its turn, is more frequently processed into a chunk or pouch form. This demands more flexibility in filling systems and increased flexibility of the production line. To accommodate such dynamic production requirements, the equipment should be able to adjust quickly to various packaging containers and sizes.

In addition to species differences, the choice of packaging format also affects the requirements of equipment:

• As glass jars, aluminum cans, and easy-open pull-top lids became common, production lines had to be able to accommodate a variety of container materials and seal them firmly, and have a long shelf life.
• Growing customer demand for small-batch, multi-spec OEM orders implies that the modern packaging equipment has to be modular, in which case, it can be changed in a short time, and the spec can be interchanged to meet the requirement of rapid brand iteration and personalization of the products.

LevaPack provides specific solutions to deal with these challenges:

• Multi-Format Compatibility: Supports a wide range of container types, including metal cans, glass jars, and plastic pouches, with easy parameter adjustment.
• Highly Automated Systems: Combine filling, sealing, labeling, and inspection into an automated process to raise both the speed and consistency of the production.
• Customized Engineering: OEM/ODM services, based on the needs of a client, which makes brands adapt fast to the changes in the market.
• Smart Inspection & Quality Assurance: Utilize advanced monitoring systems to guarantee each can of tuna meets the highest safety and quality standards, ensuring compliance with industry certifications like MSC and Dolphin Safe.

With these new solutions, LevaPack supports you in fulfilling the increasing needs of the canned tuna market, but with an outstanding product quality and efficiency. Are you ready to improve your production line and keep on top of the market tendencies? Call us today and learn how we can tailor our automated packaging systems to your requirements and enhance your production capacity.

Conclusion

The canned tuna is a world staple, with exceptional versatility, nutrition, and convenience. Whether it is albacore or skipjack and so on, each of them offers distinct flavors, textures, and cooking options, so it is not hard to find the right type of tuna that fits any meal or diet. Tuna products come in oil or water packing, cans, pouches, or jars, and they are constantly changing with the preferences of the consumers and the sustainability objectives. With the increase in demand for premium quality and various packaging, sophisticated solutions such as LevaPack automated systems are the guarantee of efficient and quality production. With proper knowledge and gear, brands and consumers can have the best of what canned tuna has to offer: taste, health, and innovation.