When time is limited, tuna salad is a lunchtime hero that keeps us from having boring sandwiches and feeling hungry.
However, not all premade tuna salads are made equal! While some manufacturers heavily rely on mayo and preservatives, others employ sustainable fishing methods and fresh ingredients.
Time to reel in the tuna truth—some brands belong in your cart, while others should swim straight into the no-thanks zone.
1. StarKist Tuna Creations
How awesome are these flavor-packed pouches? StarKist Tuna Creations come in varieties like Herb & Garlic, Lemon Pepper, and Honey BBQ that’ll make your taste buds dance! Though slightly higher in sodium than some competitors, the convenience factor and tasty options make these pouches worth grabbing during your next grocery run.
2. Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna Salad
If sustainability makes your heart happy, Wild Planet will be your new BFF!
With just organic ingredients and pure protein deliciousness, their pole-caught tuna has no water nor oil added. What if I told you that they only cook the fish once to preserve the omega-3s? Supporting this environmentally aware company will benefit both your body and the seas!
3. Safe Catch Elite Tuna Salad Kit
Mercury concerns? Safe Catch tests EVERY fish for mercury levels, making it the safest option for pregnant women and kiddos. Their minimally processed kits contain wild-caught tuna mixed with clean ingredients. Though pricier than conventional brands, can you really put a price on peace of mind? Grab these for a truly worry-free tuna experience!
4. Chicken Of The Sea Tuna Salad Cups
Convenient? Check! Affordable? Double check! Chicken of the Sea’s portable cups make lunchtime prep practically nonexistent.
Mayo and tuna are expertly balanced in their original version, while their light version reduces calories without compromising taste. Have you ever wondered how those combination packs manage to keep the crackers so crispy? The secret is lunchbox magic!
5. Trader Joe’s Tuna Salad
Holy mouthwatering goodness! Trader Joe’s deli-style tuna salad brings that homemade taste without all the chopping and mixing.
Celery, onions, and a small amount of mayo are the main ingredients in their recipe. It costs a little more than other grocery brands, but the fresh flavor and high-quality ingredients make it well worth the money. #TJsFanForLife!
6. Whole Foods Market Tuna Salad
Fancy-schmancy tuna alert! Whole Foods’ version features responsibly caught fish mixed with organic veggies and herbs. While your wallet might feel a bit lighter after purchasing, your conscience will thank you for supporting their strict sustainability standards.
Grab it from their prepared foods section for a guilt-free protein boost that tastes homemade!
7. Good Catch Plant-Based Tuna Salad
Vegans, rejoice! Good Catch has created a fish-free wonder using a blend of peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans, and navy beans that mimics tuna’s texture surprisingly well.
Though not identical to the real deal, this plant-powered alternative satisfies that tuna salad craving without harming any sea creatures. Spread it on crackers and fool your omnivore friends—I dare you!
8. Costco’s Kirkland Signature Tuna Salad
Bulk buyers, listen up! Kirkland’s massive tub of tuna salad delivers serious bang for your buck.
Perfect for feeding hungry families or meal-prepping lunches for the week, this creamy concoction has just the right balance of crunch from celery and onions.
Share a pic of your Costco haul featuring this gem and watch your social media blow up with fellow bulk-buying enthusiasts!
9. 365 By Whole Foods Market Tuna Salad
Budget-conscious health nuts, this one’s for you! 365’s tuna salad delivers Whole Foods quality without the premium price tag.
Made with simple ingredients you can actually pronounce, this no-nonsense option balances flavor and nutrition perfectly. Why not grab a container next time you’re feeling fancy but your bank account is feeling frugal?
10. Fresh Market Deli Tuna Salad
Gourmet alert! Fresh Market’s deli counter whips up small batches daily using premium albacore tuna, crisp vegetables, and their secret blend of seasonings. Hence, the slightly higher price point compared to mass-produced options.
For tuna lovers who value better things in life, this is worth the extra money because of its restaurant-caliber flavor and freshly-made quality!
11. Tonnino Tuna Salad
Fancy-pants tuna alert! Tonnino uses premium yellowfin tuna fillets that’ll make your standard canned stuff seem downright pedestrian.
Their Mediterranean version with olives and capers delivers vacation vibes in every bite! Where has this luxurious tuna been all your life? Though it costs more than mainstream brands, treat yourself to this gourmet experience at least once.
12. Wegmans Tuna Salad
East Coast folks know what’s up! Wegmans’ deli-style tuna salad has a cult following for good reason.
You’ll be transported to sandwich nirvana with their traditional recipe’s flawless blend of crunchy and creamy textures. Their tuna salad alone may make it worthwhile to schedule your next trip around Wegmans locations, even if it’s only accessible in areas with Wegmans stores!
13. Great Value Tuna Salad Kit
Yikes! Walmart’s budget option might save you pennies, but at what cost? The fishy aftertaste and excessive mayo might have you questioning your life choices.
Furthermore, the tuna quality feels suspiciously mushy. Though the price tag seems attractive, your taste buds deserve better treatment than this subpar option that skimps on quality ingredients and overcompensates with salt and preservatives.
14. Bumblebee Ready-To-Eat Tuna Salad With Crackers
Wait, didn’t Bumblebee make the good list before? Their premium line is great, but these budget kits fall short.
The overly processed tuna lacks texture, while the mysterious mayo-like substance dominates every bite.
You will regret picking this sodium-filled, preservative-filled letdown over fresher options, even if the handy packaging may lure you when you’re supermarket shopping.