Is canned tuna ok to eat if you have gout?

December 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming two to three servings of canned, light tuna per week is generally considered safe for those with gout. While tuna does contain moderate levels of purines—the compounds that break down into uric acid—it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation and with proper preparation. Understanding the purine content and how to manage intake is key to enjoying this nutritious fish without triggering a painful gout attack.

Quick Summary

Canned tuna is generally acceptable for those with gout, but moderation is crucial due to its purine content. Choosing the right type of tuna, controlling portion sizes, and pairing it with low-purine foods can help manage uric acid levels.

Key Points

Moderation is key: Canned tuna contains moderate purines, so it should be eaten in limited quantities to avoid triggering a gout attack.
Choose wisely: Opt for canned light tuna (like skipjack) packed in water, which generally has a lower purine content than canned white (albacore) or fresh tuna.
Control your portion: Stick to the recommended serving size of 2 to 3 times per week, with each serving being about 4 ounces.
Drain the liquid: Draining the liquid from canned tuna can help reduce the overall purine intake, as some purines can leach into the packing liquid.
Check with a doctor: Individual reactions to food vary; always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice, especially concerning flare-ups.
Focus on overall diet: Incorporate canned tuna into a larger low-purine diet that prioritizes fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy while limiting red meat and alcohol.

Understanding Gout, Purines, and Uric Acid

Gout is a form of arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperuricemia. When the body breaks down chemical compounds called purines, it produces uric acid as a waste product. Elevated uric acid levels can lead to the formation of needle-like crystals in the joints, causing the sudden, severe pain and inflammation characteristic of a gout attack. While the body naturally produces purines, dietary purines from certain foods can significantly impact uric acid levels.

The Purine Profile of Canned Tuna

All types of tuna contain purines, but they fall into the moderate-to-high category, not the highest. The purine content varies depending on whether the tuna is fresh or canned and what type of tuna it is. For instance, fresh tuna typically has a higher purine count than canned tuna. The preparation method also matters, as some purines can be leached out during processing. A diet focused on reducing overall purine intake is a primary strategy for managing gout.

How to Safely Include Canned Tuna in a Gout Diet

For most individuals with gout, canned tuna does not need to be completely off the menu, but it does require careful management. By following a few simple guidelines, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of tuna—like omega-3 fatty acids—while minimizing the risk of a flare-up.

Best Practices for Gout Sufferers

Choose light tuna over albacore: Canned light tuna, which is often skipjack, has a lower purine content than canned white (albacore) tuna. This makes it a better choice for regular consumption.
Opt for water-packed: Canned tuna packed in water is preferable to oil-packed varieties. Some studies suggest that boiling can reduce purine content, and draining the water or oil after opening is a simple step to take.
Control portion sizes: Limit your serving size to about 4 ounces (the size of your palm). The FDA suggests consuming canned light tuna two to three times per week.
Combine with low-purine foods: When making a tuna salad, use a low-fat mayonnaise and mix it with fresh vegetables rather than high-fat or sugary additives.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush uric acid from your system, which is crucial for managing gout.

Comparative Purine Content of Seafood

Not all seafood is created equal when it comes to purine levels. Understanding where canned tuna falls on the spectrum can help you make informed choices. The following table provides a general comparison based on typical purine levels per 100g serving.


Seafood Type	Estimated Purine Content (mg per 100g)	Gout Diet Recommendation
Canned Light Tuna	117	Moderate Intake (2-3 times/week)
Canned Albacore Tuna	~117 (often similar to light)	Moderate Intake
Fresh Tuna	157	Limit Intake (1-2 times/week)
Sardines	480	Avoid (Very High Purine)
Anchovies	273	Avoid (Very High Purine)
Scallops	293	Avoid (Very High Purine)
Salmon	177	Moderate Intake (often lower purines than tuna)
Codfish	98	Moderate Intake (Often Low Purine)

Note: Purine content can vary based on species and preparation.

Making Canned Tuna a Gout-Friendly Meal

To make canned tuna work for a gout-friendly diet, focus on pairing it with low-purine ingredients. Consider a simple tuna salad made with low-fat yogurt instead of mayonnaise, mixed with chopped celery and onions, and served on a whole-grain cracker. You could also create a light tuna pasta salad with whole-grain pasta, olive oil, and plenty of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. During a flare-up, however, it is best to avoid all high and moderate purine foods, including tuna, to prevent worsening symptoms. For more comprehensive dietary advice, consider exploring resources like the Mayo Clinic's gout diet recommendations for healthy and safe eating habits.

Conclusion

In summary, canned tuna is not strictly off-limits for individuals with gout. By understanding its moderate purine content and implementing key dietary strategies, you can safely incorporate it into your diet. The best approach involves choosing canned light tuna packed in water, controlling portion sizes, and consuming it in moderation alongside a variety of low-purine foods. Always prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy, and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially during a gout flare-up.

What to Eat During a Gout Flare-Up

During a gout flare, strict adherence to a low-purine diet is recommended. This means temporarily avoiding foods like tuna and other moderate-to-high purine seafood. Focus instead on plenty of water, fresh fruits (especially cherries), vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Staying hydrated is one of the most effective ways to help your body manage uric acid during an attack.

Long-Term Gout Management and Diet

Managing gout is a lifelong process that goes beyond single food items. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is crucial, as obesity is a major risk factor. Limiting alcohol, especially beer, and avoiding high-fructose corn syrup can also significantly reduce the risk of future attacks. Incorporating low-fat dairy products can be particularly beneficial, as studies have shown a link between dairy consumption and lower uric acid levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all canned tuna is bad. While all tuna contains purines, the purine content is moderate. Light tuna packed in water is the best choice and can be consumed in limited amounts as part of a gout-friendly diet.

For most people with gout, consuming canned light tuna two to three times per week is considered acceptable. It is important to adhere to a serving size of about 4 ounces to manage purine intake effectively.

Canned light tuna (often skipjack) generally contains less purine than canned white (albacore) tuna. This makes light tuna a safer, lower-risk option for those managing gout.

During a gout flare, it is best to avoid moderate-purine foods like tuna. Focus on low-purine foods such as fruits (especially cherries), vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

Yes, some fish have lower purine levels and are better alternatives. These include codfish, flounder, and sole. Salmon is another good option and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Yes, draining the liquid from canned tuna can help lower the purine content. Some purines from the fish can leach into the surrounding oil or water, so removing it helps reduce your intake.

Besides certain seafood, individuals with gout should limit or avoid organ meats, red meat, alcohol (especially beer), and products with high-fructose corn syrup.