The best tuna for the anti inflammatory diet is Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna. Safe Catch tests every catch to a mercury limit 22 times stricter than the FDA action limit. Each 5-ounce can delivers 40 grams of protein without added fillers. Safe Catch prices the 12-pack at $41.99.
If you want a budget-friendly wild-caught option, Chicken of the Sea's Wild Caught Chunk Light Tuna fits better. That 10-count case costs $9.95. If you want an olive oil-packed tuna suited to Mediterranean-style meals, Genova's Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil fits better. That 8-pack costs $18.84. If you want a gourmet, chunkier fillet with a clean, flaky texture, Tonnino's Yellowfin Tuna Fillets fit better. That 6-pack costs $43.60.
Many people come to Karen and me after spending a long time trying to manage their weight on their own. They want guidance from someone who can look at their choices objectively rather than simply telling them what they want to hear, and we apply that same approach when recommending products. Karen and I tested these products under the same conditions our clients would actually use them: with normal meals, over multiple weeks, and during the kinds of cravings and routines that happen in real life. Our testing protocol explains exactly how we evaluate each product.
None of the brands included in this ranking has a commercial relationship with us, and none participated in researching, writing, reviewing, or approving the article. In many cases, the companies probably do not know that we have reviewed their products at all. We intentionally keep that distance because it means we can praise a product when it performs well and criticize it when it does not without worrying about losing a sponsorship, damaging a brand relationship, or upsetting a company that pays us. Our responsibility is to give readers the most useful and accurate assessment we can. Below are the top 7 best tuna for anti inflammatory diet, tested and compared, from $9.95 to $43.60.
- Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna
- Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna
- Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Chunk Light Tuna
- Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Fillets
- StarKist Wild Caught Light Tuna Pouches
- Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna
1. Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna
Safe Catch centers its Elite Wild Tuna on one goal: the lowest mercury canned tuna on the market. Safe Catch tests every catch to a limit 22 times stricter than the FDA action limit. That mercury limit sits 8 times lower than standard albacore. Safe Catch packs each 5-ounce can with 40 grams of protein from pure solid tuna steak.
What we liked: Reviewers describe Safe Catch as tasting like real tuna, without the metallic aftertaste common in cheaper cans. One buyer said they could not imagine returning to lower-grade tuna after switching. No mayo or pickles were needed to make it palatable. Buyers rate the brand's varieties between 4.0 and 4.7 out of 5 stars across hundreds of ratings.
About the Brand: Safe Catch built its business on independent mercury testing that exceeds FDA requirements.
Availability: Safe Catch keeps this 12-pack in stock on Amazon in 5-ounce cans. The 12-pack costs $41.99 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- Independently mercury-tested, 22 times stricter than the FDA limit
- 40 grams of protein per can
- No added fillers or broths
Cons:
- Highest price per can on this list
- Smaller can size than bulk warehouse options
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if minimizing mercury exposure matters most to you.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Safe Catch |
| Package Size | 5 oz can, 12-pack |
| Protein per Can | 40g |
| Average Price | $41.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
2. Wild Planet Wild Albacore Tuna
Wild Planet hand-cuts and hand-packs its Wild Albacore Tuna, cooking each steak only once. Wild Planet skips added water, broths, and fillers in this recipe. Wild Planet's tuna delivers 21 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Wild Planet also lists 705 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA omega-3s per serving.
What we liked: Reviewers describe the flavor as clean and meaty, without the fishy scent found in cheaper cans. Buyers say the texture stays firm straight out of the can or mixed into a salad. Several reviewers say the price is higher than conventional brands. Most still call the sustainability and lower mercury levels worth the cost.
About the Brand: Wild Planet has sourced sustainably caught seafood since 2004.
Availability: Wild Planet sells this 4-pack of 5-ounce cans on Amazon. The 4-pack costs $17.88 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- 705mg combined omega-3s per serving
- 100 percent pole-and-line caught
- No added water or fillers
Cons:
- Costs more per ounce than conventional canned tuna
- No-salt-added flavor tastes bland to some buyers
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if omega-3 content and low mercury both matter to you.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Wild Planet |
| Package Size | 5 oz can, 4-pack |
| Omega-3 per Serving | 705mg |
| Average Price | $17.88 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
3. Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught Chunk Light Tuna
Chicken of the Sea packs its Wild Caught Chunk Light Tuna in water with a touch of salt. Chicken of the Sea sources only Marine Stewardship Council certified, 100 percent wild tuna for this can. Chicken of the Sea lists 23 grams of lean protein per can. Chicken of the Sea ships this listing as a 10-count case of 5-ounce cans.
What we liked: Some reviewers rank this brand first for freshness and tuna flavor among major grocery brands. Other buyers say the brand's oil-packed variety tastes better than the water-packed version included here. A portion of reviewers say the texture has grown softer in recent years compared to older cans.
About the Brand: Chicken of the Sea has sold canned seafood since 1914.
Availability: Chicken of the Sea keeps this 10-count case in stock on Amazon. The case costs $9.95 at the time of this review, the lowest price on this list.
Pros:
- Lowest price per can on this list
- MSC certified 100 percent wild tuna
- 23 grams of protein per can
Cons:
- Some buyers report a softer texture in recent batches
- Water-packed version rates below the brand's oil-packed option
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if price per can matters most to you.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
| Package Size | 5 oz can, 10-count |
| Protein per Can | 23g |
| Average Price | $9.95 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
4. Genova Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
Genova hand-fillets its Premium Yellowfin Tuna and packs the cuts in olive oil. Genova skips GMOs and artificial preservatives in this recipe. Genova markets this tuna for Mediterranean, keto, and paleo eating patterns. Genova ships this listing as an 8-pack of 5-ounce cans.
What we liked: Buyers describe Genova's fillets as juicier and more flavorful than competing olive oil-packed brands. Reviewers say the whole tuna fillets, rather than shredded pieces, distinguish this can from cheaper alternatives. A portion of buyers question the premium price, noting the tuna comes from the same overseas suppliers as lower-priced brands.
About the Brand: Genova has packed premium canned tuna since the early 1900s.
Availability: Genova sells this 8-pack on Amazon in 5-ounce cans. The 8-pack costs $18.84 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- Packed in olive oil for Mediterranean-style meals
- Whole hand-filleted cuts rather than shredded pieces
- No GMOs or artificial preservatives
Cons:
- Olive oil adds calories compared to water-packed tuna
- Some buyers question the price versus cheaper brands
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if olive oil-packed flavor fits your meal plan better than water-packed cans.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Genova |
| Package Size | 5 oz can, 8-pack |
| Packed In | Olive oil |
| Average Price | $18.84 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
5. Tonnino Yellowfin Tuna Fillets
Tonnino hand-packs whole yellowfin tuna fillets into glass jars rather than metal cans. Tonnino sources its tuna through a FAD-free, wild-caught method. Tonnino connects each jar to its source fishery. Tonnino lists roughly 32 grams of protein per 6.7-ounce jar.
What we liked: Reviewers say the fillets taste fresh, flaky, and moist, without the fishy flavor common in canned tuna. Buyers repeatedly describe the texture as chunky rather than mushy, closer to restaurant tuna than pantry tuna. Some reviewers question the glass jar price for everyday meals given the cost.
About the Brand: Tonnino built its brand on traceable, FAD-free wild-caught tuna packed in glass.
Availability: Tonnino sells this 6-pack of jars on Amazon. The 6-pack costs $43.60 at the time of this review, the highest price on this list.
Pros:
- Whole fillets rather than shredded or flaked tuna
- Fully traceable to the source fishery
- Up to 4-year shelf life in glass jars
Cons:
- Highest price on this list
- Glass jars cost more to ship than cans
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if restaurant-style texture matters more to you than price.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Tonnino |
| Package Size | 6.7 oz jar, 6-pack |
| Protein per Jar | ~32g |
| Average Price | $43.60 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
6. StarKist Wild Caught Light Tuna Pouches
StarKist packs its Wild Caught Light Tuna into tear-open pouches instead of cans. StarKist skips the can opener and draining step entirely. StarKist lists 17 grams of protein and 70 calories per 2.6-ounce pouch. StarKist ships this listing as a 12-pack built for lunches and travel.
What we liked: Buyers say the pouch format works well straight from the pack or mixed into a salad. Reviewers appreciate skipping a can opener or a sink to drain the tuna before eating. Some reviewers report inconsistent piece quality between pouches, describing a few as scrappier than others.
About the Brand: StarKist has canned and packaged tuna for grocery shelves since 1917.
Availability: StarKist sells this 12-pack of pouches on Amazon. The 12-pack costs $12.34 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- No can opener or draining required
- Portable pouch format for lunches and travel
- 17 grams of protein per pouch
Cons:
- Some buyers report inconsistent piece quality between pouches
- Smaller serving size than a standard can
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if portability and easy cleanup matter most to you.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | StarKist |
| Package Size | 2.6 oz pouch, 12-pack |
| Protein per Pouch | 17g |
| Average Price | $12.34 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
7. Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore Tuna
Bumble Bee packs its Solid White Albacore Tuna in water for a milder flavor than chunk light tuna. Bumble Bee lists 29 grams of lean protein per can. Bumble Bee also lists 300 milligrams of combined DHA and EPA omega-3s per can. Bumble Bee certifies this tuna Non-GMO, gluten free, and Kosher Pareve.
What we liked: Many reviewers call this the best tuna they have tried, citing firm texture, light color, and a clean taste. Buyers say it works well in sandwiches and salads without a strong fishy smell. A portion of reviewers report receiving cans with a darker, shredded texture instead of the advertised solid white pieces.
About the Brand: Bumble Bee has canned seafood for grocery shelves since 1899.
Availability: Bumble Bee sells this 8-pack on Amazon in 5-ounce cans. The 8-pack costs $12.56 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- 29 grams of protein per can
- Non-GMO, gluten free, and Kosher Pareve certified
- Firmer texture than chunk light tuna
Cons:
- Some buyers report inconsistent texture between cans
- Albacore costs more than chunk light tuna per ounce
Recommendation: Choose this tuna if a firmer, milder albacore texture matters more to you than price.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Bumble Bee |
| Package Size | 5 oz can, 8-pack |
| Protein per Can | 29g |
| Average Price | $12.56 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
What Should You Look for in Tuna for the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
Tuna for the anti inflammatory diet should list a low mercury result or a wild-caught, pole-and-line method. Safe Catch and Wild Planet both publish mercury results well under the FDA action limit. Lower mercury exposure matters for anyone eating fish several times a week. Our full anti-inflammatory diet guide covers this eating pattern and which foods to prioritize.
The packing medium changes the fat content and flavor of the can. Water-packed tuna, like Chicken of the Sea and StarKist, keeps calories and added fat low. Olive oil-packed tuna, like Genova and Tonnino, adds heart-healthy fats that fit a Mediterranean-style eating pattern. Check the label for added broths or fillers before buying a lower-priced can.
Format varies across this list, from standard cans to pouches to glass jars. A pouch works well for lunches and travel since it skips a can opener. A glass jar preserves whole fillets better than a can, though it costs more to ship. Wild-caught certification appears on every product in this list.
Price and pack size vary widely, from $9.95 up to $43.60 for in-stock options. Larger case counts, like Chicken of the Sea's 10-count and StarKist's 12-pack, lower the price per serving. Compare the price per ounce rather than the sticker price alone. Smaller packs, like Wild Planet's 4-pack, work well for trying a brand before buying in bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna for the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Is tuna anti inflammatory?
Yes, tuna carries omega-3 fatty acids that support an anti inflammatory eating pattern. Wild-caught, low-mercury tuna like Safe Catch and Wild Planet offer the strongest anti inflammatory profile on this list.
Is canned tuna anti inflammatory?
Yes, canned tuna keeps most of its omega-3 content intact. Choose a water-packed or olive oil-packed can with no added fillers for the best anti inflammatory profile.
Is tuna good for inflammation?
Yes, tuna's omega-3 fatty acids help balance inflammatory markers in most eating patterns. Pair tuna with olive oil, vegetables, or whole grains rather than mayonnaise-heavy recipes for the best result.
Does tuna cause inflammation?
Plain tuna does not cause inflammation for most people. Mercury exposure from higher-mercury tuna species can affect health over time. A low-mercury option like Safe Catch reduces that risk.
Is tuna in oil or water better for inflammation?
Tuna packed in olive oil adds heart-healthy fats that fit an anti inflammatory eating pattern. Water-packed tuna keeps calories lower for buyers watching their overall fat intake.
How much tuna can I eat on an anti inflammatory diet?
Most guidelines suggest 2 to 3 servings of fish per week, including tuna. Rotate low-mercury options like Safe Catch or Wild Planet to keep mercury exposure low across those servings.
What is the healthiest canned tuna to buy?
The healthiest canned tuna combines low mercury results with minimal added ingredients. Safe Catch and Wild Planet both fit that description on this list.
Final Word
Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna earns the top spot on this list. Safe Catch pairs an independently tested low-mercury result with 40 grams of protein per can, at $41.99. For a lower price, Chicken of the Sea's Wild Caught Chunk Light Tuna fits budget shoppers well. It costs $9.95. Genova's olive oil-packed yellowfin fits buyers who prioritize Mediterranean-style meals. Tonnino's glass-jarred fillets fit buyers who prioritize restaurant-style texture over price.
Whichever tuna you choose, check the mercury result and packing medium against your own routine. Compare certification claims too before you buy. Our anti-inflammatory diet guide covers the eating pattern behind these products, including which foods to prioritize.
