When it comes to finding quality canned tuna at a great value, Costco is a trusted destination for many shoppers. In addition to popular seafood items like shrimp and salmon, Costco offers several canned tuna options that balance taste, nutrition, sustainability, and price.
Costco’s selection includes well-known store-brand and national options, each with distinct characteristics. Choosing the right one depends on your priorities: flavor and texture, mercury exposure, sustainability, or cost. Below we guide you through the top Costco canned tuna choices and explain what sets each apart.
Table of Contents
Does Costco Have Canned Tuna? What Kind Of Canned Tuna Does Costco Sell
Yes. Costco stocks several canned tuna varieties in the pantry aisle, and one brand is sometimes available only online. The common offerings you’ll find include:
- Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White
- Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore
- Genova Yellow Fin Tuna in Olive Oil
- Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water
- Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna (often online)
The main differences among these products are the species of tuna used, how the fish is packed (water, oil, or cooked in can), texture, flavor, and factors you can’t see on the surface, such as mercury content and fishing practices.
Tuna commonly canned for retail comes from a few species: albacore, skipjack, and yellowfin. Labels such as “Solid White,” “Chunk,” or “Chunk Light” describe the tuna’s texture: Solid White contains larger, intact pieces; Chunk is flaky; and Chunk Light has smaller flakes.
How To Pick The Best Costco Canned Tuna For You
Selecting the right canned tuna at Costco comes down to how you plan to use it and what matters most to you. Consider these factors:
- Texture and taste — Firm, mild albacore versus darker, stronger-flavored skipjack or yellowfin.
- Packing liquid — Water yields fewer calories and preserves some omega-3 benefits; oil adds richness and vitamin D but can reduce omega-3 content in the fish itself.
- Mercury levels — Larger, longer-lived fish like albacore tend to have higher mercury than smaller skipjack.
- Sustainability — Methods such as pole-and-line or other selective fishing techniques reduce bycatch and environmental impact.
- Price and package size — Cost per ounce and number of cans in a pack often influence value.
We evaluated Costco’s canned tuna options by taste and texture, health considerations, sustainability practices, and price to recommend the best overall choices for different priorities.
Types of Canned Tuna Sold At Costco
The most common canned tuna species are albacore (white tuna), skipjack, and yellowfin. Each species varies in flavor, texture, and mercury content. Labels usually indicate the species, though some blended products list only the general category such as “chunk light.” If you have specific health or taste concerns, check the label for the species and packing liquid.
Canned Tuna Texture And Taste
Albacore is prized for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor, which works well in salads, tacos, and recipes where intact pieces are desirable. Yellowfin and skipjack are darker, flakier, and have a more pronounced tuna flavor, which can be preferable in heartier dishes or when packed in oil for added richness.
Mercury Levels In Costco Canned Tuna
All fish contain some mercury. Generally, larger and longer-lived tuna like albacore contain higher mercury than smaller species such as skipjack. If limiting mercury exposure is important—especially for pregnant people and young children—choose smaller species or follow recommended serving limits. For most adults, varying tuna types and following guideline serving sizes can balance benefits and risks.
Sustainability in Costco Canned Tuna
Sustainable fishing practices matter because they reduce bycatch and preserve marine ecosystems. Some brands use pole-and-line or other selective methods that minimize environmental impact. If sustainability is a priority, look for brands and labels that describe responsible fishing methods on the can or opt for companies that highlight selective catch techniques.
Best Canned Tuna Costco Reviews
Costco Albacore Tuna — Kirkland Signature Albacore White
Kirkland Signature Albacore is an affordable solid-white albacore with a firm texture and mild flavor. It works well in recipes that benefit from intact chunks, such as salads and tacos. Because it’s albacore, it tends to have higher mercury than lighter tuna species, so moderate consumption is advised.
Costco Albacore Tuna — Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore
Bumble Bee solid white albacore is similar in texture and flavor to the Kirkland option and is often sold alongside it. Some versions include additional packing ingredients such as vegetable broth, which can add flavor but may be a concern for people with specific allergies. In many cases, the store-brand option offers comparable quality at a lower cost.
Costco Albacore Tuna — Wild Planet
Wild Planet albacore is often priced higher but is notable for its can-cooked method, where the fish is cooked in the can and preserved in its own natural juices rather than added liquid. This brand emphasizes selective, sustainable fishing practices, making it a strong choice for shoppers prioritizing environmental considerations. Mercury levels are similar to other albacore options, so consume accordingly.
Genova Yellow Fin Tuna in Olive Oil
Genova Yellowfin packed in olive oil offers a richer, more pronounced flavor and flakier texture. The olive oil boosts calories and vitamin D, while some omega-3s leach into the oil. This option is well-suited for gourmet applications where a robust tuna flavor is desired.
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light is a blend typically featuring skipjack (and sometimes yellowfin). Its softer texture and stronger flavor make it ideal for sandwiches, casseroles, and dishes where flaked tuna is preferred. Importantly, skipjack tends to have lower mercury than albacore, and this product represents a cost-effective, lower-mercury option for regular consumption.
Best Canned Tuna at Costco
Overall Pick
For most shoppers, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light is the best overall Costco canned tuna: it balances taste, texture, price, and lower mercury risk. It’s a versatile pantry staple that performs well in many recipes.
Best Albacore
Kirkland Signature Albacore is the top albacore pick for shoppers who prefer mild flavor and firm texture at a competitive price.
Best Gourmet Option
For richer flavor and a meatier bite, choose Genova Yellowfin in olive oil or Wild Planet for a sustainably minded, premium albacore prepared in its own juices.
Best Canned Tuna Costco Prices
| Type | Cost | Number of Cans |
| Kirkland Signature Albacore White | $16.99 | (8) 7-ounce cans |
| Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore | $17.99 | (8) 7-ounce cans |
| Genova Yellowfin in Olive Oil | $14.89 | (6) 7-ounce cans |
| Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light in Water | $16.79 | (12) 7-ounce cans |
| Wild Planet | $15.99 | (6) 5-ounce cans |
Is Costco Canned Tuna Healthy?
Canned tuna is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate food that delivers valuable nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, depending on packing. One can often provides a substantial portion of daily protein needs. The main health concern is mercury, which varies by species. By choosing smaller tuna species, keeping portion sizes in mind, and varying seafood choices, you can enjoy tuna’s benefits while managing risk.
Costco Canned Tuna FAQ
Is Kirkland Tuna the Same as Bumble Bee?
Kirkland Signature tuna has been produced in partnership with established tuna manufacturers in the past, and the store brand is crafted to offer consistent quality and value. While product sourcing and manufacturing details can change over time, Kirkland albacore and national brands often have similar quality, with the store brand typically offering better price-per-ounce.
Does Kirkland Canned Tuna Have Mercury?
Yes. Like all tuna, Kirkland albacore contains trace amounts of mercury. Albacore generally has higher mercury than light or skipjack tuna, so if mercury exposure is a concern, favor chunk light or skipjack-based products and adhere to recommended serving limits.
Pin this for later.
