For people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children ages 1–11, canned light tuna—including skipjack—is the lowest-mercury tuna choice in FDA/EPA guidance. Canned albacore (white) and yellowfin are in the next category; bigeye is a choice to avoid for these groups. These are mercury-based categories, not guarantees about every can or a ranking of brands.
How canned tuna types compare
FDA/EPA assigns its fish categories for people who might become or are pregnant or breastfeeding and children ages 1–11. The agency’s technical table reports category-average mercury levels; the values do not predict the mercury content of a particular can.
| Tuna type | FDA/EPA category for covered groups | FDA mean mercury | What the category means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canned light, including skipjack | Best Choice | 0.13 ppm (n=548) | Lower-mercury tuna choice in this comparison. |
| Canned albacore, also called white tuna | Good Choice | 0.35 ppm (n=451) | Higher average mercury than canned light. |
| Yellowfin | Good Choice | 0.35 ppm (n=231) | Do not confuse it with canned light; it is in the Good Choices tier. |
| Bigeye | Choice to Avoid | 0.69 ppm (n=21) | FDA/EPA advises covered groups to avoid it. |
Means and sample counts are from FDA’s technical information, checked in 2026; they are not can-level ranges or brand tests. FDA/EPA says albacore typically contains three times more mercury than canned light tuna. See the FDA technical information.
How much tuna to eat during pregnancy or breastfeeding
For pregnancy and breastfeeding, FDA/EPA advises 2–3 servings a week from Best Choices, or 1 serving a week from Good Choices. A serving is 4 ounces. The agency’s FAQ specifies that someone choosing albacore or another Good Choice should have only one serving and no other fish that week. Canned light is a Best Choice, so it follows the 2–3-serving weekly guidance. Read the FDA/EPA fish advice and its related questions and answers.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
- DELICIOUS, CLASSIC TUNA: A true all-American classic, Chicken of the Sea tuna in water is perfectly seasoned with salt and packed in water for the freshest, best taste
- HIGH IN PROTEIN: The perfect high protein tuna for your active, healthy lifestyle; these non-GMO tuna cans feature heart-healthy omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals; with 23 grams of lean protein, it’s perfect for keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets
- VERSATILE FLAVOR: Our wild caught, water-packed chunk light canned tuna in water is right at home in any recipe; add the canned fish to your favorite sandwich, wrap, rice bowl, pasta, salad, melt, dip, and beyond
- WILD CAUGHT: We’re doing our part to keep our seas healthy; our classic tuna salad cans contain only Marine Stewardship Council certified, 100% wild tuna; this 10-pack of tuna fish lets you stock up and save on delicious meals
- THE ONE FOR ME: Chicken of the Sea has been in business since 1914, providing wild caught tuna overflowing with flavor and packed with protein; our SeaChange sustainability plan has solutions for both people & the planet to support a better future for all
What to look for on a tuna label
Check the fish type rather than relying on a general claim such as “tuna.” Canned light can contain a mix of smaller tuna species and is most often skipjack. Albacore is also labeled white tuna; it is a larger, longer-lived fish. Yellowfin is a separate type and falls in the Good Choices tier—not the Best Choices tier.
- For the lower-mercury tuna option in FDA/EPA guidance, choose canned light or skipjack.
- If choosing albacore/white or yellowfin, treat it as a Good Choice for the covered groups.
- Avoid bigeye tuna if following FDA/EPA advice for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children ages 1–11.
What “safest” can—and cannot—tell you
Here, “safest” means the tuna category with the more favorable mercury guidance for the populations covered by FDA/EPA’s chart. It does not mean mercury-free or guaranteed safe for every person and serving pattern. FDA notes that nearly all fish and shellfish contain trace methylmercury, while most types do not have levels that would result in health effects for adults. FDA’s mercury information provides broader context.
Rank #2
- 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.
The FDA figures summarize historical commercial fish samples by category. They do not establish the mercury level in a named brand, lot, or individual can, so they cannot support a “cleanest brand” ranking. The cited pages also do not compare brands for can linings, BPA, sodium, or other contaminants.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Other lower-mercury choices
If you want alternatives, FDA/EPA identifies canned salmon and sardines as affordable options; both appear among its Best Choices. Check the current chart for the serving advice that applies to your circumstances.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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
- VALUE PACK OF 48: Stock your pantry with this 48 pack of tuna cans for a wholesome addition to meals and snacks. These tuna cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes at the office or at home
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
- VALUE PACK OF 8: Stock your pantry with this 8 pack of tuna cans for a wholesome addition to meals and snacks. These tuna cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes at the office or at home
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
