Canned tuna can be sustainable, depending on the brand. The Marine Stewardship Council certifies products that come from fisheries that meet the following criteria: The fishery takes into account the long-term health of a stock or species before fishing, is well-managed so stocks can be fished over a long period of time, and is minimizing their impact on the wider ecosystem and other species. MSC-certified brands will have a blue logo that indicates their sustainability.<\/span><\/p> Another sustainability-related label you may see on canned tuna is dolphin-safe, which is a regulated term by the U.S. Yellowfin tuna and dolphins often swim together, and dolphins can be harmed or killed in the fishing process. A dolphin-safe label indicates that the brand's sourcing process doesn't harm dolphins.<\/span> While many brands are dolphin-safe, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that it is not a legal requirement for canned tuna sold in the U.S.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Should you be concerned about mercury in tuna?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Mercury is a chemical that can be found in the ocean as a result of natural sources, as well as artificial sources like pollution. Fish and seafood absorb the mercury in the water; larger fish tend to absorb more mercury than smaller fish, as they consume the mercury in the ocean, as well as the mercury present in the smaller fish they may ingest. While brands test for mercury, a 2023 Consumer Reports test found that levels of mercury can vary widely from can to can. While certain groups of people, like people who are pregnant and children, are at higher risk when consuming mercury, the Food and Drug Administration notes that it is safe for these at-risk groups, and other adults, to consume tuna in moderation.<\/span> The FDA recommends consuming fish lower in mercury. For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What's the difference between solid and chunk tuna?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Cans of solid tuna will feature whole chunks of fillets in larger, unbroken pieces. Solid tuna is a great choice when you want larger flakes in a dish, like pasta<\/a> or salad. Cans of chunk tuna will feature smaller pieces of tuna that have already been flaked. The size of the flakes can vary, and the texture of chunk tuna is often softer and mushier. Chunk tuna is a delicious option when you want to make a tuna salad<\/a> or spread<\/a>.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What's the difference between oil-packed and water-packed tuna?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Canned tuna is usually oil-packed or water-packed. Oil-packed tuna is typically packed in olive oil, extra-virgin olive oil or vegetable oil. With oil-packed tuna, the fish may take on a slight flavor from the oil. While nutrition may vary<\/a> depending on variety, oil-packed tuna is typically higher in calories, fat and sodium. Meanwhile, water-packed tuna is just like it sounds—packed in water—and may or may not include salt as well.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Should you be concerned about BPA in canned tuna?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " One phrase you may see when buying canned tuna is "BPA-free." BPA, or bisphenol A, is a chemical component that is often used in the manufacturing of can liners. While the FDA states that the use of BPA in food containers and packaging is safe for consumers, some brands include the BPA-free language for consumer visibility.<\/p>"
}
}
]
} ] }
]
<\/p>