Three Culinary Pros Recommend This Canned Tuna Brand,But Not the Same Can

Canned tuna is a pantry staple that can make life easier. Whether you’re making a quick tuna sandwich, tossing together a salad, or whipping up a simple weeknight pasta dish, a can in the cupboard can save you time and effort.

But with so many brands competing for space on supermarket shelves, choosing a good one isn’t always easy. Some promise better flavor, others focus on sustainability, and some cost considerably more than the familiar supermarket options.

So, when three culinary professionals were asked to name the canned tuna brand they regularly buy, their recommendations had something interesting in common. All three pointed to Wild Planet.

However, there’s an important detail worth knowing: They didn’t all choose the exact same product. Two recommended the brand’s Premium Wild Albacore Tuna, while the third picked its Premium Skipjack Wild Light Tuna.

Here’s what makes the brand stand out and what shoppers should know before adding a few cans to their grocery carts.

The Brand That Got All Three Recommendations

Real Simple published the recommendations on November 8, 2026, in an article by Kirsten Nunez.

The three culinary professionals were Dennis Littley, Erin Clarke, and Christine Pittman. Each has experience in food preparation, recipe development, or culinary publishing.

Littley and Clarke both recommended Wild Planet’s Premium Wild Albacore Tuna. Pittman selected the brand’s Premium Skipjack Wild Light Tuna.

That means they shared the brand recommendation, not an identical can.

It’s also worth clarifying that this wasn’t a blind taste test. The professionals were asked about the canned tuna brand they regularly buy, and their individual recommendations were reported in the publication.

Still, three people independently pointing to the same brand makes it an interesting option to consider on your next grocery trip.

What Makes Wild Planet Different?

One thing that stands out about Wild Planet’s standard albacore and skipjack products is their short ingredient list.

Both contain just two ingredients: tuna and sea salt.

Unlike many conventional canned tuna products, these particular varieties don’t have added water or oil. The company says the tuna is packed in its natural juices, so shoppers don’t need to drain it before using it.

That can be convenient when you’re preparing lunch in a hurry. Instead of opening a can, searching for a strainer, and pouring away the liquid, you can simply flake the tuna and use it.

The company also says its standard products are hand-cut, hand-packed, and cooked once in the sealed can.

Another detail is the size of the tuna pieces. Clarke specifically praised the meaty chunks and said the tuna smelled less fishy than other brands she had tried.

For Littley, texture matters when tuna is the main ingredient in a salad or sandwich. He prefers substantial pieces rather than a can filled mostly with tiny flakes.

Why Two Professionals Chose Albacore

Wild Planet’s Premium Wild Albacore Tuna received recommendations from both Littley and Clarke.

Albacore is commonly sold as white tuna and is known for its lighter-colored meat and relatively firm texture.

The product contains albacore tuna and sea salt, with no added packing liquid. A standard can contains 5 ounces.

Clarke particularly appreciated the simple ingredients and the fact that the tuna doesn’t need draining. Littley highlighted its substantial pieces, which can make a difference when preparing traditional tuna sandwiches and salads.

However, albacore isn’t the only option worth considering.

The Third Recommendation Was Skipjack

Pittman chose Wild Planet’s Premium Skipjack Wild Light Tuna.

Skipjack is a different species from albacore, and the distinction matters when comparing canned tuna.

The standard Wild Planet skipjack can also contains tuna and sea salt, with no added water or oil. It comes in a 5-ounce can.

One important difference between the two varieties is their mercury classification.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, canned light tuna, which includes skipjack, falls into the Best Choices category. Albacore falls into the Good Choices category.

This information helps shoppers understand the differences between tuna species. The FDA and Environmental Protection Agency recommend paying attention to fish type and following their consumption guidance, particularly for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

Is Wild Planet More Expensive?

Here’s where some shoppers might hesitate.

Wild Planet generally costs more than familiar supermarket brands such as StarKist, Bumble Bee, and Chicken of the Sea.

For example, a 5-ounce can of Wild Planet albacore was listed at approximately $4.85 at Walmart during the November 2026 research snapshot. The manufacturer’s website displayed an equivalent price of approximately $5.40 per can.

Its skipjack variety was listed at approximately $3.52 to $4.01 per 5-ounce can across the observed listings.

By comparison, some conventional chunk-light tuna options were available for less than $1.50 per 5-ounce can.

That’s a noticeable difference, especially for households that regularly use canned tuna.

However, price isn’t the only thing to consider. Ingredients, species, texture, packing liquid, and personal preference can all influence which product makes sense for your kitchen.

Other Brands Are Still Worth Considering

Wild Planet isn’t the only option available in American supermarkets.

StarKist is a familiar choice for shoppers looking for affordable canned tuna. Its Chunk Light Tuna in Water is commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.

Bumble Bee also offers chunk-light tuna in water, while Chicken of the Sea has several can sizes and multipack options.

For shoppers who prefer tuna packed in olive oil, Genova and Tonnino offer yellowfin varieties.

Safe Catch is another alternative. Its Elite Wild Tuna contains skipjack as its sole ingredient, and the company highlights its individual-fish mercury testing process.

Each brand has different products, ingredients, and prices. A cheaper can isn’t automatically a poor choice, just as a more expensive one isn’t guaranteed to taste better.

What to Check Before Buying Canned Tuna

Before picking up a can, take a moment to look beyond the brand name.

First, check the species. Albacore, skipjack, and yellowfin are different types of tuna, and their mercury classifications aren’t identical.

Next, look at the ingredient list. Some products contain only tuna and salt, while others include water, vegetable broth, or additional ingredients.

Also check the packing liquid. Tuna packed in water, olive oil, and its natural juices can have different textures and flavors.

Finally, compare the price per ounce rather than the price per can. Multipacks can sometimes offer better value.

So, Is Wild Planet Worth Trying?

These three recommendations give Wild Planet an interesting advantage, especially for shoppers who want substantial tuna pieces and simple ingredients.

Its standard albacore and skipjack products offer two different options, depending on the species and texture you prefer.

However, don’t assume everyone will enjoy the same brand. Independent taste tests and consumer reviews show that canned tuna preferences vary, even among experienced food professionals.

If you’re curious, try one can before committing to a large multipack. Compare it with your usual brand and see whether the difference in texture, ingredients, and flavor is worth the extra money.

After all, the best canned tuna for your kitchen isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. It’s the one you actually enjoy eating.