There is no single standard size for a can of tuna. U.S. retail examples include 5-ounce and 7-ounce cans, while a USDA food-service example uses a 60-ounce can. The number on the label is the can’s net weight, not necessarily the weight of tuna after draining.
What sizes do tuna cans come in?
Can size varies with the product and whether it is packaged for retail or institutional food service. The FDA-hosted February 7, 2025 recall notice lists specific retail products in 5-ounce and 7-ounce sizes. These are examples, not evidence that either size is the most common or universal.
For a much larger format, the USDA Food Buying Guide gives a 60-ounce institutional can as an example. Federal standards also set minimum pressed-cake weights according to can dimensions and tuna form rather than defining one package size for all tuna (21 CFR § 161.190).
Net weight and drained weight are different
The label’s net weight describes the contents as packaged; it does not automatically tell you how much drained fish you will have. Canned tuna may include packing liquid, and the drained yield is lower. The USDA Food Buying Guide explains that canned meats, fish, and shellfish are sold by the weight of their contents, not by volume, and that net weights can vary with food density and manufacturer.
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In the USDA’s institutional example, a 60-ounce purchase-unit can yields about 55 ounces of drained tuna. That is an example for that large-format can, not a conversion to apply to every retail can.
How to use a can size in a recipe
- If the recipe gives a can count: Check the product’s labeled net weight and use a can of that size, rather than assuming every can holds the same amount.
- If it specifies drained tuna: Measure or weigh the fish after draining; do not substitute the can’s net weight for the drained amount.
- If matching an institutional recipe: Pay attention to the stated purchase-unit size and yield. A food-service can is not equivalent to one ordinary retail can.
Why can dimensions do not answer the quantity question
Physical dimensions, net contents, and drained yield describe different things. Can height or diameter alone does not establish how much tuna is inside: the contents’ weight depends on the product and packing, and the amount left after draining is a separate measurement. For quantity, use the labeled net weight or the recipe’s requested drained weight.
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- WILD CAUGHT TUNA IN WATER: Premium canned fish with a mild flavor, firmer texture, and large pieces is a delicious addition to pasta, salads, fish tacos, and seafood bowls.
- FISH AS FUEL: Excellent source of lean protein (29g per can), DHA & EPA Omega-3s (300mg per can), and vitamin B12. Case contains 8 five ounce cans.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS: Non GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, Kosher Pareve, and great for those on a low carb or ketogenic (keto) diet.
- CONVENIENT SHELF STABLE FOOD: Perfect for stocking your pantry at home or bringing on the go as a high-protein option while traveling, camping, or on the job.
- SUSTAINABLE TUNA: Wild Caught and Dolphin Safe - submit the code on the can on our Trace My Catch website to learn where and how your seafood was caught, processed, and more. Canned in the USA and packaged in recyclable packaging.
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- MILD FLAVOR: Enjoy wild caught, dolphin safe chunk light tuna packed with a naturally mild flavor that lets your favorite seasonings shine. Our canned tuna in water is great for sandwiches, salads or high protein seafood meals
- LEAN PROTEIN SNACK: Each 5 oz can is a natural source of Omega 3s and delivers 20g protein and 90 calories, making this tuna fish can perfect for Mediterranean, Weight Watchers, Paleo and Keto diets and are gluten free and soy free
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Rank #3
- MILD FLAVOR: Enjoy wild caught, dolphin safe chunk light tuna packed with a naturally mild flavor that lets your favorite seasonings shine. Our canned tuna in water is great for sandwiches, salads or high protein seafood meals
- LEAN PROTEIN SNACK: Each 5 oz can is a natural source of Omega 3s and delivers 20g protein and 90 calories, making this tuna fish can perfect for Mediterranean, Weight Watchers, Paleo and Keto diets and are gluten free and soy free
- QUALITY TUNA: Our tuna fish canned in water is a dependable pantry staple, delivering consistent taste and performance for quick meals and classic tuna recipes
- VERSATILE: Our tuna in water can makes quick meals effortless. Also available in 25% less sodium and in oil, our tuna can is great for topping fresh salads, fueling protein‑packed rice bowls or grabbing a wholesome seafood snack
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- WILD CAUGHT TUNA IN WATER: Premium canned fish with a light, flaky texture and bolder flavor is delicious in classic tuna melts, baked into casseroles, mixed into tuna salad, or as a high-protein sandwich or salad ingredient.
- THE ORIGINAL AFFORDABLE SUPERFOOD: Excellent source of lean protein (23g per can), DHA & EPA Omega-3s (220mg per can), and vitamin B12. Case contains 24 five ounce cans.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS: Non GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, Kosher Pareve, and great for those on a low carb or ketogenic (keto) diet.
- CONVENIENT SHELF STABLE FOOD: Perfect for stocking your pantry at home or bringing on the go as a high-protein option while traveling, camping, or on the job.
- SUSTAINABLE TUNA: MSC Certified Sustainable Seafood, Wild Caught, and Dolphin Safe - submit the code on the can on our Trace My Catch website to learn where and how your seafood was caught, processed, and more. Canned in the USA and packaged in recyclable packaging.
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