Why You Should Never Drain Safe Catch Tuna

December 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Unlike most conventional brands that pre-cook and pack tuna in water or oil, Safe Catch hand-packs raw, sashimi-grade fish and slow-cooks it just once. This unique process is precisely why you don't drain Safe Catch tuna, as the liquid is full of its natural, healthy omega-3 oils and flavor.

Quick Summary

The instruction not to drain Safe Catch tuna is key to retaining maximum flavor, moisture, and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. The liquid is the fish's natural juices, not added fillers.

Key Points

Natural Oils: The liquid is not water or oil, but the tuna's own nutrient-rich, natural oils.
Omega-3s: Not draining means you retain the healthy Omega-3 fatty acids for maximum nutritional benefit.
Single Cook Process: Safe Catch slow-cooks the raw tuna once inside the can, unlike conventional brands that cook twice.
Better Flavor: The retained juices keep the tuna moist and flavorful, resulting in a superior taste.
No Fillers: There are no added water, broth, or preservatives in the undrained Safe Catch product.
Stir and Enjoy: Simply open the can and stir the natural juices back into the fish for a ready-to-eat meal.

The Unique Safe Catch Difference

For generations, consumers have been told to drain the liquid from their canned tuna. This is because most tuna brands use a conventional process that involves pre-cooking the fish, machine-processing it, and then adding water, broth, or oil to the can to restore moisture. In this method, the fish's natural and healthy oils are lost during the initial cooking phase, leaving behind a liquid that is essentially just a filler. However, Safe Catch employs a radically different, artisanal approach that makes the 'do not drain' instruction a hallmark of its quality.

Unlike the standard industry practice, Safe Catch takes wild-caught, raw, sashimi-grade tuna steaks and hand-packs them directly into a BPA-free can. It is then cooked slowly, only once, within its sealed can. This method ensures that the fish cooks entirely in its own natural oils and juices. The 'liquid' you see when you open a can of Safe Catch is not added filler but the very essence of the fish, rich with flavor and nutrients. By mixing this liquid back into the tuna, you reabsorb all of that goodness, resulting in a moister, more flavorful product.

Why Conventional Tuna is Drained

To understand why you should never drain Safe Catch, it helps to know why you drain other tunas. Conventional canning involves a rigorous cooking and processing procedure:

Fish is first pre-cooked on racks, a process that drains away its natural oils and omega-3s.
The pre-cooked fish is then broken apart and packed into cans by machine.
Water, vegetable oil, or a broth containing flavorings and preservatives is added to rehydrate the fish.
The can is then sealed and cooked again (a process known as retorting).

This two-step cooking process, along with the addition of unnatural liquids, is why draining is a necessary step for most canned tuna. It's done to get rid of the flavorless, watery or oily additives that don't add nutritional value. With Safe Catch, the process is reversed and simplified, focusing on purity from start to finish.

Retaining Maximum Nutritional Value

One of the most significant reasons not to drain Safe Catch tuna is to maximize the nutritional intake. Safe Catch's process retains approximately 90% of the fish's natural nutrients, including healthy Omega-3s, which are crucial for heart and brain health. Draining the liquid from a Safe Catch can would be like throwing out the healthiest part of the meal.

Here are some key benefits you retain by not draining:

Omega-3s (EPA & DHA): These healthy fats support cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and can help reduce inflammation.
Lean Protein: Tuna is a powerful source of protein, and by retaining all the liquid, you ensure you're getting the most protein per serving.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Safe Catch tuna is also a good source of vital nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Selenium, which are better retained through the single-cook process.

The Simple Way to Enjoy Safe Catch

To enjoy Safe Catch tuna as intended, just follow these simple steps:

Open the can or pouch. You will notice a solid steak of tuna with its natural juices and oils.
Pour everything into a bowl. This ensures none of the valuable liquid is left behind.
Break up the meat with a fork. Mix it thoroughly with the natural liquid until the tuna has reabsorbed its moisture.
Enjoy! Eat it plain or use it in your favorite recipes for a moist, flavorful meal.

Safe Catch vs. Conventional Canned Tuna


Feature	Safe Catch	Conventional Tuna
Processing	Hand-packed raw, single slow-cook in can	Pre-cooked, machine-processed, cooked twice
Can Liquid	The fish's own natural oils and juices	Added water, oil, or broth
Omega-3s	Retained for maximum benefit	Drained away during pre-cooking
Draining	Not recommended; you lose nutrients	Expected to remove added liquids
Flavor/Texture	Rich, moist, and pure tuna flavor	Can be drier, with flavor from added ingredients

Rigorous Purity and Low Mercury Content

Beyond the processing method, Safe Catch is also the only canned tuna company that tests every single fish for its mercury content. Using a proprietary technology, they ensure their mercury limits are significantly stricter than the FDA's. For example, their Elite Wild Tuna is tested to a limit 10 times stricter than the FDA's standard. This commitment to purity means that sensitive populations, like pregnant women and young children, can enjoy their tuna with peace of mind. Because this testing is done on the raw fish before canning, it has no impact on the quality of the nutrient-rich oils retained in the can.

Conclusion

The simple command "do not drain" on a Safe Catch package is more than just an instruction; it is a declaration of a superior, healthier product. It signals that the contents of the can are pure, natural, and full of the fish's original nutrients, not processed fillers. By keeping the natural juices in the can, you are not only enhancing the flavor and texture of your meal but also maximizing the health benefits of the omega-3s, protein, and other vital minerals. So the next time you reach for a can of Safe Catch, remember to stir, not drain, to enjoy the full benefits of this exceptional tuna. For more information on their process, you can explore the Safe Catch website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the liquid is the tuna's own natural fish oils and juices, packed with healthy Omega-3s. Conventional brands add water or oil as a filler, which is what makes draining necessary for them.

Yes, draining Safe Catch tuna is a mistake. It discards the beneficial Omega-3s, healthy oils, and other nutrients present in the natural juices that were retained during the single-cook process.

Safe Catch hand-packs raw, sashimi-grade tuna and cooks it just once in its own juices. Most other brands pre-cook the fish, drain its natural oils, and then add filler liquids like water or broth before a second cooking.

You can, but it is not recommended as you will lose significant nutritional benefits and flavor. For best results, use the natural liquid and adjust the recipe to account for the added moisture and richness.

The instruction highlights the company's commitment to quality and purity. It signals that their unique, artisanal process has retained the fish's natural goodness, making the liquid a key part of the product, not a waste product.

While the natural juices add moisture and flavor, some people might prefer a drier texture. If you must drain it, you will lose the health benefits of the omega-3s. You can also try mixing a smaller amount of the liquid back in to find a balance you enjoy.

Yes, Safe Catch tuna is an excellent source of lean protein. Their process of not draining ensures that the maximum amount of protein is retained in the final product.

Yes, the liquid is completely safe and healthy to eat. It is comprised of the fish's own natural juices and oils, which are rich in nutrients and should be mixed back into the tuna.