15 Tuna Brands In The U.S. That Are Best To Skip

Navigating the canned tuna aisle can be a minefield, especially when sustainability and quality vary widely among brands. While some tuna offers delicious and environmentally friendly options, others fall short in taste, texture, and ethical sourcing. This list highlights 15 tuna brands in the U.S. that consumers might want to reconsider.

1. Bumble Bee

Once celebrated as a reliable choice, Bumble Bee’s reputation has been tarnished by sustainability concerns and legal issues related to price-fixing. Some consumers have reported an unappealing metallic aftertaste, which detracts from the overall enjoyment. Additionally, the texture can be inconsistent, often described as watery rather than firm. These factors contribute to its fall from grace in the eyes of many tuna lovers. Did you know? Bumble Bee was once one of the most trusted names in canned tuna, but recent controversies have significantly altered its standing.

2. Chicken of the Sea

With a name as iconic as Chicken of the Sea, expectations are high, yet the sourcing practices have faced scrutiny. The brand’s lack of full traceability has been highlighted in reports, raising questions about its commitment to sustainability. Consumers frequently mention an inconsistent flavor profile, which can be disappointing. Despite its recognizable branding, the product often falls short of delivering consistent quality. This brand holds a significant place in canned tuna history, but its legacy is now tainted by transparency issues.

3. Starkist

Starkist remains a popular budget-friendly option, yet it often delivers a less-than-stellar product. Reports indicate the tuna can be mushy, accompanied by an off-putting smell that deters consumers. The brand has also been criticized for its poor fishing transparency and limited guarantees of being dolphin-safe. While Starkist’s affordability is appealing, the quality frequently leaves much to be desired. Its legacy as a staple in American pantries is overshadowed by these ongoing issues. Affordability does not always equate to quality.

4. Great Value (Walmart)

Great Value offers an economical choice for shoppers, yet the quality is often questioned. Many reviews highlight an inconsistent texture that can be off-putting. Consumers frequently describe the flavor as sour or overly “fishy,” which can be a deal-breaker for many. While the low price point is tempting, it often reflects the product’s lack of refinement. Despite its widespread availability, Great Value’s canned tuna struggles to meet discerning tastes. Its reputation is hindered by these quality issues, making it a brand to reconsider.

5. Kroger Brand Tuna

Kroger’s store brand tuna doesn’t quite hit the mark in terms of quality. Consumers often find it overly salty, with a dryness that detracts from the expected clean, flaky texture. The tuna’s lack of flavor depth often leaves consumers seeking more satisfying alternatives. While Kroger offers convenience and accessibility, the quality of its tuna often falls short. Despite being a staple in many households, its shortcomings in flavor and texture make it a less desirable option for many. Consider alternatives for a better experience.

6. Aldi Northern Catch

Aldi’s Northern Catch offers a budget-friendly tuna option, attracting a loyal customer base. However, critics often point out the lack of quality control and questionable fishing practices that mar some batches. These inconsistencies can sometimes result in an unsatisfactory product. The brand’s appeal lies in its affordability, yet this comes at the cost of quality assurance. Despite its popularity among budget-conscious consumers, the potential pitfalls make it a brand to skip if quality is a priority for your tuna selection.

7. Essential Everyday (SuperValu)

Widely available and budget-friendly, Essential Everyday tuna is not known for its quality. Often, it is overly packed with water or oil, leading to a mushy consistency that lacks flavor. The brand’s generic appeal is overshadowed by these quality concerns. Reviews frequently cite a bland taste, which is a major detractor for those seeking a flavorful tuna experience. Despite being a common sight on grocery shelves, it often fails to deliver the desired texture and taste. Consider exploring other options for better quality.

8. Hy-Vee Tuna (in Oil)

Hy-Vee’s tuna in oil is often overshadowed by its lackluster reception. While the brand boasts better sourcing policies than some competitors, the oil varieties are criticized for being overly greasy. This imbalance can detract from the natural flavor of the tuna. Despite the brand’s efforts in ethical sourcing, the quality of the tuna itself leaves room for improvement. The texture and flavor shortcomings often lead consumers to seek alternatives. Hy-Vee’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, but the product’s execution needs refinement.

9. Food Lion Chunk Light Tuna

Food Lion’s Chunk Light Tuna offers affordability but often falls short in quality. Many reviews highlight a mushy texture, with a dull color that doesn’t inspire confidence in freshness. Consumers frequently note inconsistency in quality, which can be off-putting. While its low cost is attractive, the quality issues are hard to ignore. The brand’s attempts to offer a budget-friendly option often result in a compromised product. For those seeking a reliable tuna experience, it might be worth exploring other brands with more consistent quality.

10. Clover Valley (Dollar General)

Clover Valley, one of the most affordable brands, reflects its low price in quality. Consumers report overly processed meat with an odd chemical taste, which can be off-putting. While convenience and price are appealing, the quality often leaves much to be desired. The brand’s low-cost appeal is overshadowed by these significant drawbacks. For those prioritizing quality over savings, it may be advisable to consider other options. Despite its presence in many households, its reputation is hindered by these quality concerns, making it a prudent choice to skip.

11. Best Yet Tuna

Best Yet faces challenges in quality perception, often criticized for containing too much water. This imbalance affects the texture and taste, making it a less appealing option for tuna enthusiasts. The metallic aftertaste reported by some consumers further detracts from its desirability. Despite its attempts to offer a competitive product, the brand often struggles to meet expectations for texture and flavor. Its presence in the market is marked by these shortcomings, making it a brand to approach with caution. Quality alternatives are worth considering.

12. Signature Select (Safeway/Albertsons)

Signature Select offers a mediocre tuna experience at best. Often described as gritty and dry, the texture can be unappealing unless heavily modified with condiments. This lack of flavor depth can disappoint those seeking a standalone tuna dish. Despite its availability in major grocery chains, the quality does not always meet consumer expectations. For those who prefer a richer taste and better texture, exploring different brands might be beneficial. The brand’s presence is noticeable, but its quality often fails to satisfy discerning palates.

13. H-E-B Chunk Light Tuna

H-E-B’s Chunk Light Tuna ranks low in flavor and flake quality. Despite the store’s overall reputation, the tuna often disappoints with its texture issues. Consumers frequently find the product lacks the satisfying flakiness expected from quality tuna. This inconsistency detracts from the overall experience, leaving consumers searching for more reliable options. While H-E-B offers a wide range of quality products, their canned tuna selection often falls short of expectations. For those seeking a dependable tuna product, other brands might offer better satisfaction.

14. Wild Harvest

Marketed as a natural option, Wild Harvest tuna has faced criticism for its high sodium content. This excessive saltiness can overshadow the natural flavors consumers seek in canned tuna. Additionally, reports of a muddy, fishy taste have deterred some consumers from repeat purchases. While the brand positions itself as a healthier choice, these flavor and content issues often negate the intended benefits. For those prioritizing flavor and nutritional balance, exploring other brands might be more satisfying. The brand’s potential is hindered by these shortcomings.

15. Walgreens Nice! Brand

Convenient and accessible, Walgreens Nice! Brand tuna often fails to impress with its quality. Reports of overly salty content and inconsistent packing are frequent, leading to a spongy texture that detracts from the overall experience. While the brand offers convenience, the quality concerns make it less appealing to discerning tuna consumers. For those seeking a more satisfying and consistent tuna product, alternative brands might be a better choice. Despite its widespread availability, its presence is often marked by these quality shortcomings, making it advisable to consider other options.