Top Tuna Brands in Water: A Seafood Savvy Guide

When it comes to selecting tuna in water, consumers today are spoilt for choice with an array of quality brands available on the market. These brands stand out by offering high-quality, sustainably caught tuna that is both delicious and responsibly sourced. Among them, some brands have garnered a loyal following for their commitment to freshness, taste, and environmental responsibility. Curious about which tuna brands have made a splash in the market? Dive into our detailed list below to discover the best options for your next tuna purchase.

Illustration of tuna in water

Best brands of tuna in water in 2025

Wild Planet

Wild Planet is renowned as one of the best producers of tuna in water, distinguished by its commitment to sustainability and high-quality products. The company uses only the highest quality fish, caught using sustainable methods such as pole and line, troll, or handline, which ensures lower mercury levels - for example, their Skipjack tuna averages 0.067PPM, 14 times lower than the FDA's action limit. Each fish is hand-cut and hand-packed, resulting in 40% more tuna per can compared to conventional brands. Wild Planet's products have garnered high consumer satisfaction, with 91% of shoppers expressing intent to buy again after trying their Skipjack Wild Tuna. The company's mission to revolutionize the fishing industry through selective harvesting and community partnerships further enhances its reputation.

Bumble Bee

Bumble Bee, a 120-year-old brand, is a leading producer of tuna in water, holding a 22% share of the U.S.'s shelf-stable seafood market. Acquired by Taiwan-based Fong Chun Formosa Fishery Company (FCF) in 2020 for $928 million, Bumble Bee has been a significant player in the global tuna industry, supplying over 95% of its albacore and 70% of its light meat tuna through FCF over the last decade. Despite controversies surrounding human rights and environmental practices, Bumble Bee remains a major brand, offering products rich in protein and omega-3s, such as its 5 oz. can of Albacore Solid White tuna containing 29 grams of lean protein and 300mg of Omega-3s. The brand's commitment to sustainability and global fisheries conservation is highlighted, although it faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its supply chain practices. For more details about their products and sustainable initiatives, visit their official website.

StarKist

StarKist, as America's favorite tuna brand, represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust, and a commitment to sustainability. Founded in 1961, StarKist is known for its innovative products, including single-serve pouches like Tuna Creations(r), and its iconic brand icon, Charlie(r) the Tuna. As a subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd., StarKist operates significant facilities in Pago Pago, American Samoa, and Guayaquil, Ecuador, processing close to two million cans per day. The company faces challenges such as declining market demand and international competition but remains a leader in the tuna industry. StarKist's parent company, Dongwon Industries, operates 42 vessels and is a global leader in sourcing and processing seafood products. Learn more about StarKist's history and sustainability efforts.

Safe Catch

Safe Catch is a leading brand in the tuna industry, renowned for its stringent mercury testing and sustainable practices. Founded in 2014, Safe Catch sets a high standard by testing every tuna for mercury, with a limit of 0.1 parts per million, which is 10 times lower than the FDA's requirement. This commitment has helped the brand regain consumer trust in canned tuna, a category that saw a 30% market decline due to mercury concerns. Safe Catch's tuna products are also certified as "100% Sustainably Caught Wild Tuna" and meet Consumer Reports' 'Low Mercury' criteria, making them safer for sensitive populations like pregnant women and children. The brand's proprietary technology ensures quick and accurate mercury testing within 35 to 60 seconds. For more insights into Safe Catch's efforts, visit their dedicated information page.

Ocean Naturals

Ocean Naturals is renowned as one of the top producers of tuna in water, known for its high-quality and sustainably sourced products. The global tuna market, which includes brands like Ocean Naturals, is projected to grow significantly, with the overall tuna fish market expected to reach USD 54.45 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.01% during the forecast period. Tuna in water is a favored option due to its low fat and calorie content, as well as its rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which contribute to its health benefits. The skipjack segment, which is often used in such products, accounts for the largest market share due to its easy availability and high nutritional value. With increasing awareness about health benefits and the rapid adoption of new products, brands like Ocean Naturals are poised for continued growth.

American Tuna

American Tuna stands out as a premium producer of tuna in water, renowned for its commitment to sustainable fishing practices and high-quality products. The company exclusively uses Pole & Line techniques, which not only protect marine ecosystems but also result in notably low mercury levels, consistently below U.S. safety standards. Their albacore tuna is sourced from MSC Certified Fisheries and is hand-packed by artisanal canners in Oregon and Washington State, ensuring maximum retention of omega-3s and flavor. With a focus on transparency, every can of tuna can be traced back to an individual U.S. flagged fishing vessel. This dedication to quality and sustainability has made American Tuna a favorite among consumers seeking the best in canned tuna.

Chicken of the Sea

Chicken of the Sea is a prominent brand in the canned tuna market, renowned for its high-quality tuna in water products. In 2019, the global canned tuna market, featuring brands like Chicken of the Sea, was valued at USD 7.74 billion and is projected to reach USD 10.60 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 2.50%. Despite past recalls due to sterilization issues, the brand has maintained its market presence, with North America dominating the market share, significantly supported by the U.S. market. Chicken of the Sea tuna is widely recognized for its convenience and longer shelf stability, fueling the growth of the canned tuna market. The brand's offerings are available in various formats, including 5-ounce cans of chunk light tuna packed in water.

Kirkland Signature

Kirkland Signature, known for its high-quality products, stands out as a top producer of tuna in water, particularly with its Albacore Solid White Tuna. This product, made in collaboration with Bumble Bee, a staple in the canned tuna industry since 1910, ensures superior quality and a milder flavor profile. Each 7 oz can contains 42 grams of protein and is wild-caught, packed in water, and certified Kosher parve. Introduced in the early 2000s, this product has maintained its excellence, with Costco monitoring production closely to ensure quality. The brand's commitment to quality has made it a favorite among consumers, with Kirkland Signature being one of the largest consumer packaged brands in the world, generating over $52 billion in annual sales. For more details on this offering, explore the Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water on the Costco website.

Genova

Genova Seafood is renowned for its premium tuna products, particularly its albacore and yellowfin tuna packed in water with a touch of sea salt. These products are made from the finest cuts of wild-caught fish, hand-filleted and packed with care, ensuring no GMOs or preservatives are used. Genova's tuna is praised for its Mediterranean flavor and has been awarded "2023 Best Foods" by People Magazine. The company's commitment to sustainability is highlighted through its SeaChange(r) plan, supporting a better future for both people and the planet. With a focus on traceability, consumers can track their seafood from vessel to store.

Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf, particularly in San Francisco, is not primarily known for being a major producer of tuna but stands out as a significant commercial fishing hub and a popular tourist destination. It is home to the largest fishing industry center along the California coast, with facilities like Pier 45 dedicated to fishing boat operations and fish handling. However, the global tuna industry is valued highly, with commercial fishing vessels landing around 5.2 million metric tons of tuna in 2018, and skipjack accounting for over 57% of these landings. The end value of tuna in 2018 reached at least $40.8 billion, with the Pacific Ocean being the largest contributor to global tuna sales. For more detailed information about Fisherman's Wharf's role in the fishing industry, you can check the Fisherman's Wharf Subarea document.