Tag: Canned light tuna

Mercury levels in canned white albacore tuna are significantly higher than those found in canned light tuna. Consumers must consider this when weighing the nutritional benefits of tuna against potential health risks from mercury.

According to the National Fisheries Institute, about 70% of the canned tuna Americans consume is skipjack, the species most often labeled as 'light'. But what's the actual difference between canned tuna and canned light tuna, and how does this affect your cooking and health choices? It's all about the species of fish, which impacts flavor, texture, and mercury content.

According to FDA and EPA data, canned light tuna, which primarily consists of skipjack, has significantly lower average mercury levels than albacore or bigeye tuna. This makes understanding what tuna has the lowest amount of mercury crucial for anyone concerned about their seafood consumption, especially for sensitive groups like pregnant women and young children.