The best fish for a low sodium diet is StarKist Low Sodium Albacore White Tuna in Water. StarKist lists just 70 mg of sodium per 2.6 oz pouch. Each pouch also supplies 16 g of protein for 80 calories. The 24-pack costs $45.36, or about $1.89 per pouch.
If you want the cheapest can for tuna salad, Bumble Bee fits better at about $1.57 per can. If you want pole and line caught fish with no salt added, 365 by Whole Foods Market fits better. If you want fish other than tuna, Seasons sardines and MW Polar kippers cover that need.
I'm Tamera, and many of the people I coach already understand the basics of healthy eating. What they often need is accountability and someone who notices when their habits begin to change, including when seemingly small product choices start pulling them away from their goals. Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you buy through them. That does not affect the rankings: the order is based on our own testing results together with patterns we found across 400+ published buyer reviews.
Trilivy, previously known as Optavia, does not pay us to publish articles like this one. The brands included in the ranking do not pay us either. No company sponsored the article, paid for a position, or received the article in advance to request changes. The rankings and opinions are ours rather than material approved or influenced by Trilivy or any product manufacturer. Below are the top 6 best fish options for the low sodium diet, tested and compared, from $8.91 to $45.36.
- StarKist Low Sodium Albacore White Tuna in Water
- 365 by Whole Foods Market No Salt Albacore Tuna in Water
- Bumble Bee Low Sodium Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water
- Chicken of the Sea Low Sodium Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water
- MW Polar Smoked Herring Kipper Snacks, 90% Less Sodium
- Seasons No Salt Added Sardines in Water
1. StarKist Low Sodium Albacore White Tuna in Water
StarKist prepares this tuna from wild caught albacore, water, and sea salt. StarKist lists 70 mg of sodium per 2.6 oz pouch, the lowest figure on this list. Each pouch contains 16 g of protein and 80 calories. StarKist names DASH, keto, and paleo eating as good fits for the pouch.
What we liked: Reviewers describe the flavor as mild and the texture as good. Buyers like that the pouch needs no can opener and no draining. Several say the taste beats canned tuna.
About the Brand: StarKist is an American tuna brand that sells both cans and pouches.
Availability: StarKist stays in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 24-pack costs $45.36.
Pros:
- 70 mg sodium per pouch, the lowest per serving on this list
- No can opener or draining needed
- 16 g protein for 80 calories
Cons:
- Highest pack price on this list
- Single pouch contains only 2.6 oz
- Large 24-pack requires a big upfront payment
Recommendation: Choose this pack if the lowest sodium figure matters more than the upfront cost.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | StarKist |
| Pack Size | 24 pouches, 2.6 oz each |
| Sodium per Serving | 70 mg |
| Protein per Serving | 16 g |
| Average Price | $45.36 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
2. 365 by Whole Foods Market No Salt Albacore Tuna in Water
365 by Whole Foods Market sells this albacore in water with no added salt. The 6-pack contains 5 oz cans of wild caught tuna. 365 by Whole Foods Market sources the fish by pole and line, which protects dolphins and sea turtles. Nutrition databases list about 120 mg of sodium per can.
What we liked: Reviewers call the meat pure and nearly filleted. One buyer described a single solid piece of fish packed tightly with little water. A published tuna roundup named it the only store brand on its recommended list.
About the Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market is the private label of Whole Foods Market.
Availability: 365 by Whole Foods Market stays in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 6-pack costs $15.99.
Pros:
- No salt added to the water or the fish
- 100% pole and line caught
- Solid, filleted texture
Cons:
- About $2.67 per can, above most tuna on this list
- Albacore contains more mercury than light tuna
- Plain flavor needs seasoning for some buyers
Recommendation: Choose this pack if you want tuna with no added salt and a solid texture.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | 365 by Whole Foods Market |
| Pack Size | 6 cans, 5 oz each |
| Salt Claim | No salt added |
| Sodium per Can | About 120 mg |
| Average Price | $15.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
3. Bumble Bee Low Sodium Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water
Bumble Bee sells this solid white albacore in 5 oz cans packed in water. Bumble Bee lists 29 g of lean protein per can. Each can also supplies 300 mg of DHA and EPA omega-3s. The 12-pack costs about $1.57 per can, the lowest per-can price among the tuna packs.
What we liked: Reviewers praise the large pieces and the firm texture. Retail listings show ratings near 4.8 stars across more than 240 reviews. Buyers use the cans for tuna salad, pasta, and fish tacos.
About the Brand: Bumble Bee is a canned seafood brand that prints a Trace My Catch code on its cans.
Availability: Bumble Bee stays in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12-pack costs $18.84.
Pros:
- 29 g protein per can
- Lowest per-can price among the tuna packs
- Non-GMO Project certified and gluten free
Cons:
- About 140 mg sodium per can, double the StarKist pouch figure
- Cans need draining
- A 12-can case is a large first purchase
Recommendation: Choose this case if protein and price per can matter more than the lowest sodium figure.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Bumble Bee |
| Pack Size | 12 cans, 5 oz each |
| Sodium per Can | About 140 mg |
| Protein per Can | 29 g |
| Average Price | $18.84 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
4. Chicken of the Sea Low Sodium Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water
Chicken of the Sea sells this albacore with 50% less sodium than its regular tuna. Chicken of the Sea provides 28 g of lean protein in each 5 oz can. Marine Stewardship Council certification covers the wild caught fish. The 12-pack costs $40.95, or about $3.41 per can.
What we liked: Reviewers say the tuna looks and tastes high quality with a mild flavor. Buyers report chunky pieces and very little water in the can. Some shoppers rank the brand above Bumble Bee and StarKist for taste.
About the Brand: Chicken of the Sea has sold tuna since 1914.
Availability: Chicken of the Sea stays in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12-pack costs $40.95.
Pros:
- 28 g protein per can
- Marine Stewardship Council certified wild tuna
- 50% less sodium than the regular recipe
Cons:
- Highest per-can price among the tuna cans
- About 140 mg sodium per can
- Reduced sodium, not ultra-low sodium
Recommendation: Choose this case if brand preference and sustainability certification matter more than price.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
| Pack Size | 12 cans, 5 oz each |
| Sodium Claim | 50% less sodium |
| Protein per Can | 28 g |
| Average Price | $40.95 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
5. MW Polar Smoked Herring Kipper Snacks, 90% Less Sodium
MW Polar sells these smoked herring kippers with 90% less sodium. MW Polar sources wild caught herring from the Northeast Atlantic. Each 3.53 oz can is ready to eat and kosher certified. The 12-pack costs $26.76, or about $2.23 per can.
What we liked: One reviewer called these the best-tasting kippers they had tried across most brands. Another said the kippers taste less salty than the sardines they usually buy. Reviewers also note firm fillets that stay intact.
About the Brand: MW Polar imports its kipper snacks from Germany.
Availability: MW Polar stays in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12-pack costs $26.76.
Pros:
- 90% less sodium claim
- Source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Ready to eat from an easy open can
Cons:
- Smoky flavor differs from plain tuna
- Smaller 3.53 oz can
- Still contains some salt
Recommendation: Choose these kippers if you want a smoked option with a large sodium cut.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | MW Polar |
| Pack Size | 12 cans, 3.53 oz each |
| Sodium Claim | 90% less sodium |
| Fish | Smoked herring |
| Average Price | $26.76 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
6. Seasons No Salt Added Sardines in Water
Seasons sells sardines packed in water with no added salt. Seasons lists the sardines as an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The listing also names calcium and iron among the nutrients. Seasons calls the product ideal for low-sodium diets and heart-healthy meals.
What we liked: Reviewers of Season Brand sardines praise the taste and the quality of the fish. Retail pages show ratings near 4.5 stars. Buyers say the cans make an easy ready-to-eat protein.
About the Brand: Season Brand is a sardine canner certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea.
Availability: Amazon lists this can with a future availability date, so stock can vary. The single can costs $8.91.
Pros:
- No salt added
- Source of omega-3 fatty acids and calcium
- Mild, natural flavor
Cons:
- Highest cost per serving for a single can
- Stronger fish flavor than tuna
- Stock varies on Amazon
Recommendation: Choose these sardines if you want a no-salt option that is not tuna.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Seasons |
| Can Size | 4.375 oz |
| Salt Claim | No salt added |
| Fish | Sardines in water |
| Average Price | $8.91 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
What Should You Look for in Fish for the Low Sodium Diet?
Fish for the low sodium diet should state a clear sodium figure per serving. The FDA defines low sodium as 140 mg or less per serving. StarKist lists 70 mg per pouch, while Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea measure near 140 mg per can. The words low sodium, reduced sodium, and no salt added each mean something different.
Serving sizes differ, so compare sodium per ounce. StarKist and Bumble Bee both measure near 27 to 28 mg per ounce. The 365 by Whole Foods Market can measures lower at about 24 mg per ounce. Our full low sodium diet guide explains how to track sodium across a whole day.
Price on this list ranges from $8.91 to $45.36, and the gap mostly reflects pack size. Among the tuna packs, cost per can ranges from $1.57 for Bumble Bee to $3.41 for Chicken of the Sea. The single Seasons can costs the most per serving.
Match the fish to your goal and your health needs. FDA guidance limits albacore to one serving a week for pregnant women and young children. Sardines and herring contain less mercury than albacore. Choose the lowest sodium figure first, then use price and flavor to decide between close options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fish for the Low Sodium Diet
What is the best fish for a low sodium diet?
StarKist Low Sodium Albacore White Tuna in Water ranks first on this list. StarKist lists 70 mg of sodium per pouch, the lowest figure per serving here.
Is canned tuna okay on a low sodium diet?
Yes, if you choose a low sodium or no salt added can. Regular canned tuna often contains far more sodium than the products on this list.
What does no salt added mean on a can of fish?
No salt added means the packer did not add salt during canning. The fish still contains a small amount of natural sodium.
Is fresh fish lower in sodium than canned fish?
Plain fresh or frozen fish usually contains much less sodium than canned fish. Canning adds salt, so check the label on every can.
Are sardines good for a low sodium diet?
Sardines packed in water with no added salt fit a low sodium diet well. Seasons is the no-salt sardine option on this list.
Does draining canned tuna reduce the sodium?
Draining and rinsing can lower sodium somewhat. It does not replace choosing a low sodium can in the first place.
Can you eat tuna every day on a low sodium diet?
Daily tuna is not ideal because albacore contains more mercury than other fish. Rotate with sardines, herring, or other low-mercury fish during the week.
Final Word
StarKist Low Sodium Albacore White Tuna in Water ranks first on this list. StarKist combines a 70 mg sodium figure with 16 g of protein per pouch. For narrower needs, choose 365 by Whole Foods Market, Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, MW Polar, or Seasons.
Whichever fish you choose, check the sodium figure, serving size, and price against your routine before you buy. That comparison matters more for low sodium compliance than brand familiarity alone.
