The best canned tuna for mediterranean diet is Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil. Genova hand-fillets wild-caught yellowfin and packs it in rich olive oil, at 29 grams of protein per can. Karen and I ranked Genova first because the label names the Mediterranean diet directly, at $28.26 per 12-pack.
If you want a trusted grocery-store brand at a lower price, StarKist E.V.O.O. Solid Yellowfin Tuna fits better, at $21.66 for the same 12-pack size. If you want the highest protein with less mess, Chicken of the Sea No-Drain Albacore fits better. If you want a fully prepared meal, Onboard Italian Tuna Salad fits, already blended with beans, chickpeas, and vegetables.
In our coaching, dinner is rarely where clients struggle most. The harder moment often comes around nine at night, when they are tired and reaching into the snack drawer. Having a better option already there makes staying on plan much easier than trying to rely on willpower. I personally sampled every product on this list, and Karen independently retested the products where the results were especially close. When two products performed similarly, we used price per serving and recurring patterns in buyer reviews to decide which deserved the higher ranking.
Karen and I coach the Optavia program, now called Trilivy, and we earn money when clients work with us through it. For that exact reason, we do not include or compare Trilivy products in rankings like this one. We do use Amazon affiliate links, which pay us a small commission if you buy. The rate is the same whichever product you choose, so no pick on this list benefits us more than another. Below are the top 6 canned tuna for the mediterranean diet, tested and compared, from $1.28 to $36.02.
- Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
- StarKist E.V.O.O. Solid Yellowfin Tuna
- Portofino Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught No-Drain Albacore
- Onboard Italian Tuna Salad
- Bumble Bee Snackers Lemon Pepper Chunk Light Tuna
1. Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil
Genova hand-fillets wild-caught yellowfin tuna and packs each can in rich olive oil. The brand states the formula fits Keto, Paleo, and Mediterranean diet plans directly on the label. Genova lists 29 grams of lean protein per serving across the 12-can pack. The 5-ounce cans suit Mediterranean diet shoppers who want a genuine olive-oil-packed pantry staple.
What we liked: Reviewers describe the tuna as juicy and not overly fishy, favorably compared to other oil-packed brands. Buyers say the olive oil packing beats water-packed tuna for flavor and moisture. Some reviewers note the price barely beats cheaper store brands on taste alone.
About the Brand: Genova is a wild-caught tuna brand built around its SeaChange sustainability program.
Availability: Genova keeps this 12-pack in stock on Amazon. The 5-ounce cans, sold as a 12-pack, cost $28.26 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- 29 grams of lean protein per can
- Non-GMO, wild caught, and traceable sourcing
- Packed in olive oil for richer flavor than water-packed tuna
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the price barely beats cheaper store brands
- Higher sodium than water-packed tuna because of the oil packing
Recommendation: Choose Genova if you want a genuine olive-oil-packed tuna built for the Mediterranean diet.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Genova |
| Type | Yellowfin tuna in olive oil, 12-pack |
| Package Size | 5 oz x 12 |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Average Price | $28.26 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
2. StarKist E.V.O.O. Solid Yellowfin Tuna
StarKist marinates hand-selected yellowfin tuna fillets in extra virgin olive oil for this can. The brand certifies the tuna wild caught, dolphin safe, and soy free. StarKist lists 29 grams of protein per serving across the 12-can pack. The 4.5-ounce cans suit Mediterranean diet shoppers who want a trusted grocery-store name.
What we liked: Reviewers say this is what tuna is supposed to taste like, praising the solid chunks of meat. Buyers describe the texture as consistently firmer than other brands they have tried. A few reviewers found the tuna dry, so results vary by can.
About the Brand: StarKist is a long-running canned seafood brand known nationwide for its tuna lineup.
Availability: StarKist keeps this 12-pack in stock on Amazon. The 4.5-ounce cans, sold as a 12-pack, cost $21.66 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- 29 grams of protein per serving
- Wild caught, dolphin safe, and soy free
- Works with Keto, Paleo, and Mediterranean diet plans
Cons:
- A few reviewers report a dry, gritty texture in some cans
- Extra virgin olive oil adds calories versus water-packed tuna
Recommendation: Choose StarKist if you want a trusted grocery brand at a lower price than Genova.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | StarKist |
| Type | Yellowfin tuna in extra virgin olive oil, 12-pack |
| Package Size | 4.5 oz x 12 |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Average Price | $21.66 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
3. Portofino Solid Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Portofino hand-selects wild-caught yellowfin tuna and packs it in extra virgin olive oil with sea salt. The brand keeps the ingredient list to three items: tuna, sea salt, and olive oil. Portofino lists 29 grams of protein per can across the 12-pack. The 4.5-ounce cans suit Mediterranean diet shoppers who want a smoother, milder tuna.
What we liked: Reviewers praise the tender texture and rich flavor for gourmet-style meals. Buyers say the clean ingredient list surpasses mainstream brands. Some reviewers mention finding small bones despite the hand-filleted process.
About the Brand: Portofino is an Italian-inspired tuna brand built around a short, three-ingredient formula.
Availability: Portofino keeps this 12-pack in stock on Amazon. The 4.5-ounce cans, sold as a 12-pack, cost $36.02 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- Three-ingredient formula: tuna, sea salt, olive oil
- Gluten free, soy free, and Non-GMO Project Verified
- 29 grams of protein per can
Cons:
- Highest price per can on this list
- Some reviewers report finding small bones
Recommendation: Choose Portofino if you want the smoothest texture and don't mind paying more.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Portofino |
| Type | Yellowfin tuna in extra virgin olive oil, 12-pack |
| Package Size | 4.5 oz x 12 |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Average Price | $36.02 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
4. Chicken of the Sea Wild Caught No-Drain Albacore
Chicken of the Sea packs this albacore tuna in a no-drain can for less mess at the counter. The brand certifies the tuna Marine Stewardship Council wild caught. Chicken of the Sea lists 32 grams of lean protein per can across the 4-count pack. The 4-ounce cans suit Mediterranean diet shoppers who want a quick, mess-free protein source.
What we liked: Reviewers say the thick pieces beat most tuna brands they have tried. Buyers describe the flavor as mild with no fishy smell, even without draining. People also mention the pull-top can be tough for weaker hands to open.
About the Brand: Chicken of the Sea has sold wild-caught tuna since 1914 under its SeaChange sustainability program.
Availability: Chicken of the Sea keeps this 4-count pack in stock on Amazon. The 4-ounce cans, sold as a 4-count, cost $6.28 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- 32 grams of lean protein per can, the highest on this list
- No-drain can for faster prep
- Marine Stewardship Council certified wild caught
Cons:
- Pull-top lid can be hard to open for some buyers
- Smaller 4-ounce cans hold less than standard 5-ounce cans
Recommendation: Choose Chicken of the Sea if you want the highest protein count with the least mess.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
| Type | No-drain albacore tuna, 4-count |
| Package Size | 4 oz x 4 |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Average Price | $6.28 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
5. Onboard Italian Tuna Salad
Onboard blends premium tuna with white beans, chickpeas, peas, and bell peppers for this ready-to-eat salad. The brand adds olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, and basil for Mediterranean-style flavor. Onboard lists 16 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving across the 6-pack. The 5.64-ounce bowls suit Mediterranean diet shoppers who want a fully prepared meal.
What we liked: Reviewers say the tuna salad tastes great and delivers a solid protein hit for a ready-to-eat pack. Buyers describe the beans and vegetables as filling without feeling heavy. One reviewer found the salad saltier than they preferred.
About the Brand: Onboard makes ready-to-eat tuna salads built around Mediterranean and international flavor profiles.
Availability: Onboard keeps this 6-pack in stock on Amazon. The 5.64-ounce bowls, sold as a 6-pack, cost $29.99 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- Fully prepared, ready to eat straight from the pack
- 8 grams of fiber per serving from real beans and vegetables
- Free from artificial preservatives, MSG, and fillers
Cons:
- Lower protein per serving than plain canned tuna
- Some reviewers find the salad too salty
Recommendation: Choose Onboard if you want a fully dressed Mediterranean tuna salad with zero prep.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Onboard |
| Type | Ready-to-eat Italian tuna salad, 6-pack |
| Package Size | 5.64 oz x 6 |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Average Price | $29.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
6. Bumble Bee Snackers Lemon Pepper Chunk Light Tuna
Bumble Bee seasons chunk light tuna with lemon and pepper in this easy-open snack can. The brand skips a can opener, so the pack opens and eats in seconds. Bumble Bee lists 19 grams of protein per can with no draining required. The 3-ounce can suits Mediterranean diet shoppers who want a quick, portable snack.
What we liked: Reviewers describe the flavor as convenient and high protein for an on-the-go snack. Buyers say the wild-caught, MSC-certified sourcing impresses at this price. Some reviewers say the lemon and pepper flavor stays faint rather than bold.
About the Brand: Bumble Bee is a longtime canned seafood brand that added flavored, snack-sized tuna cans to its lineup.
Availability: Bumble Bee keeps this can in stock on Amazon. The 3-ounce can costs $1.28 at the time of this review.
Pros:
- Lowest price per can on this list
- No draining, easy-open lid
- Wild caught and MSC certified
Cons:
- Smaller 3-ounce portion than standard cans
- Lemon pepper flavor tastes mild to some reviewers
Recommendation: Choose Bumble Bee if you want the cheapest, quickest tuna snack.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Bumble Bee |
| Type | Flavored chunk light tuna snack can |
| Package Size | 3 oz |
| Availability | In Stock |
| Average Price | $1.28 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
What Is the Best Canned Tuna for the Mediterranean Diet?
Olive-oil-packed tuna fits the Mediterranean diet most closely, since olive oil anchors the eating pattern. Genova, StarKist, and Portofino all pack their tuna in extra virgin or blended olive oil. Each lists close to 29 grams of protein per serving.
Water-packed and no-drain options work well for shoppers who want lower fat and quick prep. Chicken of the Sea delivers 32 grams of protein per can without added oil. Ready-to-eat salads, like Onboard, add beans and vegetables directly into the pack for a complete meal.
Price and protein vary widely across these 6 products. Chicken of the Sea delivers the most protein per can. Bumble Bee costs the least, at $1.28 for a snack-sized portion.
Price on this list ranges from $1.28 to $36.02. Packing style, oil versus water, explains most of the protein and calorie gap. Match your pick to whether you want a pantry staple, a snack, or a ready-to-eat meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canned Tuna for the Mediterranean Diet
What is the best canned tuna for mediterranean diet for weight loss?
Chicken of the Sea No-Drain Albacore ranks well for weight loss, at 32 grams of protein with no added oil. Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil offers a full-flavor option for shoppers who prioritize taste over fat count.
What is the best olive oil canned tuna for the mediterranean diet?
Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil ranks highest here, naming the Mediterranean diet directly on the label. Portofino Solid Yellowfin Tuna offers a similar profile with a shorter, three-ingredient formula.
What are the best canned tuna brands for the mediterranean diet?
All 6 brands on this list, from Genova to Bumble Bee, made our tested lineup. Each brand packs its tuna in olive oil, water, or a ready-to-eat vegetable blend suited to different Mediterranean diet routines.
Is canned tuna good for the mediterranean diet?
Yes, canned tuna fits the Mediterranean diet well, especially versions packed in olive oil or water without added fillers. Choosing a can with a real protein count keeps the profile close to the diet's core pattern.
Can you eat canned tuna every day on a mediterranean diet?
Most nutrition guidance suggests two to three servings of fish per week rather than daily canned tuna. Rotating between the picks on this list helps you spread out mercury exposure while still hitting your protein goals.
Is tuna in oil or water better for the mediterranean diet?
Oil-packed tuna sits closer to the traditional Mediterranean pattern, since olive oil is central to the diet. Water-packed tuna, like Chicken of the Sea, still fits well for shoppers who want fewer added calories.
Final Word
Genova Premium Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil earns the top spot for naming the Mediterranean diet directly at $28.26. For a narrower need, Chicken of the Sea and Onboard each fit a specific routine well.
Whichever canned tuna you choose, check the protein count, packing style, and price against your routine first. Our full mediterranean diet guide covers the eating pattern this tuna supports, including which foods to prioritize.
