Canned tuna has become one of the most popular food items in recent times. With a long shelf life and the ability to provide a reserve of non-perishable food, it's no wonder why people love it. Italy and the Mediterranean have a rich history of preparing canned tuna, with coastal areas like Sicily and Sardinia being especially involved. While Italian brands that use local fish are rare, there are many options available from Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
Altroconsumo, a consumer protection organization, conducted a thorough investigation of 24 brands of canned tuna to determine the best options. They evaluated factors such as the quality of the fish, organoleptic characteristics, safety for consumption, and label completeness. Two tasting tests were also conducted. After analyzing all the data, Altroconsumo ranked As do Mar as the best brand of canned tuna, specifically the whole fillet type, with an average price of €5.39 per package.
Top Brands of Canned Tuna
1. As do Mar whole fillet (Average price of €5.39): This brand ranked highest in Altroconsumo's investigation and offers excellent quality tuna.
2. Selex in olive oil (Average price of €2.55): This brand offers a great balance of quality and affordability.
Other brands that received a good rating include As do Mar in olive oil, Callipo in olive oil, Fratelli Carli in olive oil, Rio Mare in olive oil caught by rod, Consorcio in olive oil, and more. These brands offer a range of prices and options for consumers to choose from.
Average-Sufficient Rated Tuna Brands
If you're looking for more affordable options, there are also several brands that received an average-sufficient rating:
1. Nixe from Lidl (Average price of €1.99)
2. Mareblu Light (Average price of €2.82)
3. Mareblu True flavor (Average price of €3.93)
4. Carrefour yellowfin (Average price of €3.17)
5. Pescantina in extra virgin olive oil (Average price of €4.30)
6. Maruzzella in olive oil – higher mercury content (Average price of €3.24)
7. Athena from Eurospin (Average price of €0.69)
Beware of Mercury Content
It's important to be mindful of the mercury content in canned tuna, as it can be toxic to the nervous system and particularly dangerous for pregnant women and children. While all the analyzed cans were within legal limits, some brands came close to the limit. The brand with the highest mercury content was Maruzzella tuna in olive oil. Additionally, many of the products also contain excessive amounts of salt, except for those labeled as “low salt content.”
Despite these considerations, it's still recommended to limit consumption to a maximum of 50 grams of drained tuna per week, as it is a processed product. This helps maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Ranking According to Salute Opinioni
Salute Opinioni provides another ranking of the best canned tuna options, offering more insights into the varieties available:
1. Callipo Italian tuna in olive oil: Made from yellowfin tuna caught in the Mediterranean and packaged in Vibo Valentia, Calabria. It's processed on the same day as the catch and aged in oil for a year.
2. Il Viaggiator Goloso in olive oil: This brand guarantees sustainable fishing practices and uses high-quality tuna.
With all this information, consumers can make informed choices when purchasing canned tuna. Whether you're looking for the highest quality or the most affordable option, there are various brands to choose from. Just be sure to choose responsibly and keep in mind the recommendations for safe and healthy consumption.
My name is Olivia and I am a passionate writer on the team at spartanewspapers.com. With a deep love for health and wellness, I bring a unique perspective to our blog. An anecdote that always makes me smile is when I discovered the power of herbal remedies by successfully treating my own persistent cold with a homemade ginger tea.