Is Northern Catch Good Tuna? An In-depth Review of Aldi's Canned Fish

With over $1.7 billion in canned tuna sales annually in the U.S., many shoppers wonder if discount options hold up. This review addresses the question: is Northern Catch good tuna, and how does Aldi's house brand compare to pricier alternatives? It's the most widely available and cheapest tuna for many shoppers, and its quality is a point of frequent discussion on online forums.

Quick Summary

Aldi's Northern Catch tuna is an affordable, widely available option with quality that varies by product. While the Solid White Albacore receives high praise, the chunk light variety is seen as more average by reviewers.

Key Points

• Albacore is Highly Rated: Northern Catch Solid White Albacore is frequently praised as an excellent, budget-friendly dupe for more expensive name brands, with large, firm, and flavorful pieces.

• Chunk Light Quality Varies: The Chunk Light variety, while affordable, can be inconsistent in quality, sometimes featuring a more shredded, watery texture than the albacore.

• Affordable vs. Premium: Northern Catch offers significant cost savings, making it a great option for budget shoppers, but premium brands like Bumble Bee may offer a richer, more consistently flavored experience at a higher price.

• Moderate Health Concerns: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) flags moderate concerns for mercury and BPA in Northern Catch tuna, though this is a general issue with most canned tuna products.

• Usage Dictates Choice: For recipes where tuna texture is important, such as sandwiches, opt for the albacore; for casseroles and other mixed dishes, the chunk light is a perfectly acceptable, cost-effective alternative.

• Check for BPA: If BPA is a significant concern, consider alternative packaging or brands that specifically state BPA-free linings, as some Northern Catch products use can liners with BPA.

A Closer Look at Northern Catch Tuna Varieties

Northern Catch, Aldi’s exclusive store brand, offers a range of canned and pouched tuna products. The perception of whether Northern Catch is good tuna depends heavily on the specific product being evaluated. The brand offers options catering to different preferences, with significant distinctions in quality, taste, and texture between their premium albacore and standard chunk light varieties.

The Solid White Albacore: Aldi's Crown Jewel

For many devoted Aldi shoppers, the Solid White Albacore is the clear winner in the Northern Catch lineup. Many reviews and online posts frequently praise this variety for its quality relative to its low price point. The solid white albacore is known for its firm, hearty chunks of fish, which hold together well and lack the 'pre-chewed' or overly shredded texture sometimes found in cheaper tunas. The color is consistently white, and reviewers note a clean, classic tuna flavor without unpleasant undertones. This makes it an excellent choice for applications where the tuna's texture and flavor are prominent, such as a classic tuna salad or a tuna melt.

The Chunk Light: A Budget-Friendly but Inconsistent Choice

In contrast, Northern Catch's Chunk Light Tuna receives more mixed reviews. While its low price is a major draw for budget-conscious consumers, its quality is less reliable. The chunk light is typically made from smaller, more plentiful skipjack tuna, resulting in a softer, more flaky consistency compared to the albacore. Some batches may contain more water or smaller, more finely shredded pieces, which can result in a mushy texture. This makes it less ideal for applications requiring firm fish and better suited for casseroles or dishes where the tuna is mixed with other ingredients.

Addressing Health Concerns: Mercury and BPA

As with any canned tuna, health-conscious consumers should be aware of potential concerns related to mercury and BPA. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has flagged Northern Catch's chunk light tuna for moderate concerns regarding both mercury and BPA contamination. However, this is not unique to the Aldi brand. The level of mercury in canned tuna is generally species-dependent, with smaller species like skipjack (used in chunk light) typically having lower levels than larger albacore. In the overall context of canned tuna, Northern Catch's mercury levels are not unusually high, but they are still a consideration for those who consume tuna regularly. BPA contamination is a concern with most canned products and is not exclusive to Northern Catch.

A Note on Canned Tuna and Mercury For those concerned about mercury, it is wise to limit consumption, especially for sensitive groups like pregnant women. According to Consumer Reports, average levels in most light or skipjack tunas were found to be low, with the health benefits of consuming seafood generally outweighing the risks of mercury exposure for most people. It's always best to consume a variety of fish and seafood to balance nutritional intake and potential contaminants.

Northern Catch vs. Major Brands: A Comparison

To properly evaluate Northern Catch, a comparison to major brands is necessary. Many consumers are torn between the significant cost savings of the Aldi brand and the familiarity of established brands like Bumble Bee and Starkist.

Feature	Northern Catch Solid White Albacore	Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore	Starkist Solid White Albacore
Price	Very Low	High	Medium-High
Texture	Firm, meaty chunks; excellent for tuna salad	Large, firm pieces; well-regarded for texture	Generally firm and flaky, but can vary
Flavor	Clean, mild classic tuna taste; no 'fishy' odor	Deeply satisfying, rich, and flavorful	Good flavor, but some find it less robust
Best For	Sandwiches, salads, melts	Stand-alone eating, gourmet salads	Sandwiches, general purpose
Availability	Exclusive to Aldi stores	Very Wide	Very Wide

How to Choose the Right Northern Catch Tuna for You

Making an informed decision about Northern Catch involves considering your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key points to consider:

• Prioritize Price? If budget is your primary concern, Northern Catch offers excellent value, particularly in the albacore variety, which is often significantly cheaper than name-brand counterparts for a comparable product.
• Need a Solid Texture? For recipes like tuna salad where texture is important, opt for the Solid White Albacore. The firmer chunks will give you a more satisfying result.
• Mixing into Dishes? If you are using tuna in a casserole, pasta sauce, or other mixed dish, the Chunk Light will suffice and save you money. The softer, flakier texture won't be as noticeable.
• Concerned about Additives? Consider that the EWG has raised concerns about BPA in the can lining for some Northern Catch products. If this is a concern, seek out alternative packaging like pouches or look for brands that specify BPA-free linings.

Conclusion: Is Northern Catch Good Tuna?

So, is northern catch good tuna? The answer is nuanced. While the overall quality of Northern Catch products can be inconsistent, particularly with the chunk light variety, the Solid White Albacore consistently earns high praise from consumers for its excellent flavor and texture at an unbeatable price point. It presents a high-value option that rivals more expensive name brands. However, for those concerned with potential contaminants like BPA or mercury, it's wise to consider all varieties and consume in moderation. The brand is a fantastic choice for budget-conscious individuals who prioritize flavor and texture in their tuna salads and melts, but might not be the top pick for those seeking absolute premium quality or absolute minimal contaminants in every can.

To see how your favorite seafood stacks up on mercury, you can check resources like Consumer Reports.

Recipes Using Northern Catch

Here are some simple recipe ideas that work well with Northern Catch tuna, depending on the variety:

Classic Tuna Salad (Best with Albacore)

• 1 can Northern Catch Solid White Albacore, drained
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp red onion, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Tuna Melt (Best with Albacore or Chunk Light)

• 2 slices of your favorite bread
• 1/2 can Northern Catch Solid White Albacore or Chunk Light, mixed with a little mayo
• 1 slice of cheese (cheddar or provolone)
• Butter for grilling

Spicy Tuna Pasta (Best with Chunk Light or Flavored Pouch)

• 1 can Northern Catch Chunk Light in Oil (or Sweet & Spicy pouch)
• Cooked pasta
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Garlic, minced
• Chili flakes
• Fresh parsley

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern Catch tuna from Aldi safe to eat?

Yes, Northern Catch tuna is safe for consumption. As with most canned tunas, it has been flagged by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for moderate concerns regarding mercury and BPA in the can lining, but overall, it is considered safe when consumed in moderation.

What is the difference between Northern Catch Solid White Albacore and Chunk Light tuna?

The main differences are the species of tuna and the texture. Solid White Albacore is typically from larger albacore tuna, resulting in firmer, larger chunks. Chunk Light is usually from smaller skipjack tuna, giving it a softer, more flaky texture.

How does Northern Catch compare to Bumble Bee tuna?

Northern Catch, especially the Solid White Albacore, is often favorably compared to Bumble Bee for its flavor and texture at a much lower price point, with some reviewers finding it superior. The Chunk Light varieties can be less consistent than the more premium-priced Bumble Bee.

Is Northern Catch tuna high in mercury?

Like all canned tuna, Northern Catch contains some level of mercury. Its Chunk Light variety (skipjack) has lower levels than albacore, but mercury is still a moderate concern. Overall levels are within FDA limits and generally safe for most people in moderation.

Is Northern Catch tuna sustainably sourced?

Aldi's Northern Catch products are often marked as wild-caught and dolphin-safe. For general information, NOAA Fisheries notes that North Atlantic and Pacific albacore stocks are sustainably managed under U.S. regulations.

What is the best way to use Northern Catch tuna?

The best use depends on the variety. Use the Solid White Albacore for classic tuna salad, melts, or any dish where firm texture is desired. Use the budget-friendly Chunk Light in casseroles or recipes where it is mixed with other ingredients.

Why is Northern Catch tuna cheaper than other brands?

As Aldi's private-label brand, Northern Catch avoids the marketing and distribution costs associated with major national brands. This allows Aldi to offer a comparable product at a significantly lower retail price to consumers.