In the past, there were a few things to think about when choosing which prepackaged tuna to buy at the grocery store. For example, the type of tuna (albacore or skipjack) and how it was packaged (in water or oil). Now that there are so many flavorings to choose from, like lemon pepper, ranch, and spicy Thai chili, it’s even harder to make a choice.
Another thing to think about is whether the tuna is chunky or solid. Both of these can be found in stores. These terms refer to the size of the tuna in the cans. Chunk tuna comes in small pieces, while solid tuna comes as larger filet pieces. When it comes to nutrition, the two don’t really differ. However, not all brands come in both solid and chunk forms. Well tell you why and how to pick the right one for your next tuna recipe.
Canned tuna is a versatile pantry staple found in cupboards across America. Walk down the canned fish aisle and you’ll likely spot labels for “solid white Albacore” and “chunk light” varieties. But what exactly sets these two canned tuna types apart?
Let’s dive into the key distinctions between solid white and chunk light to become informed shoppers and get the best tuna for our recipes.
Solid White Albacore Tuna
Solid white Albacore tuna consists of large, intact filets of Albacore tuna. This fish is known for its white, lean flesh and mild flavor. The process of canning it in large pieces preserves the fillet’s firm yet tender texture
Since less breakdown occurs compared to other tuna, solid white Albacore retains its fresh from the ocean taste. Many tuna aficionados consider it the superior choice for tuna salads sandwiches, wraps and anywhere you want pronounced tuna flavor.
The Albacore tuna used for solid white also lends itself to sustainable fishing, Albacore is an open ocean fish typically caught via poles or longline fishing These practices help minimize bycatch of other marine species compared to other fishing methods
Chunk Light Tuna
Chunk light tuna undergoes more processing and breakdown before canning. The tuna is cooked then separated into smaller, bite-size chunks rather than kept in whole fillets.
Chunk light often comes from smaller Skipjack tuna. It can also contain Yellowfin or Tongol species. The broader mix of tuna results in a darker color and stronger taste compared to solid white Albacore.
Fishing practices for Skipjack and other light tuna involve more questionable practices like purse seine netting. However, sustainability is improving through regulatory efforts. When shopping, look for certification labels from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council.
Flavor and Texture
The most noticeable difference between the two tuna types is the texture. Solid white Albacore comes in thick, firm steaks perfect for dishes where you want meaty tuna flavor and bite. It holds up well on sandwiches and in pastas or salads.
On the flip side, chunk light’s smaller flaky pieces blend in easier to spreads and casseroles. It breaks down more readily on the tongue. The brevity of the chunks make it less idea for dishes where you want distinct tuna texture.
As for taste, solid white Albacoreagain wins for pure, mild tuna flavor. Chunk light’s mix of tuna species and smaller size distribute oils more resulting in a fishier, brinier taste. Those who find Albacore too bland or boring tend to prefer chunk light.
Nutrition
Both tuna varieties pack protein, but solid white Albacore contains more. A 3 ounce serving of chunk light has around 16 grams of protein compared to 22 grams in solid white Albacore.
Chunk light does contain less mercury on average due to the smaller species used. However, both are low mercury choices that fall within safe consumption guidelines for pregnant women and children when eaten in moderation.
For calories and fat, it’s a toss up. Solid white Albacore has marginally more calories and fat, but both make nutritious low-calorie options for diets. Choose tuna packed in water to further reduce the calorie and fat content.
Best Uses
At the end of the day, the best tuna choice depends on the recipe and your preferences. Albacore is milder and meatier, suiting dishes where the tuna itself shines like salads, wraps, sushi, and pasta. For casseroles or tuna melts, chunk light blends in well.
If you’re a tuna purist who savors that fresh from the sea flavor, go with solid white Albacore. But both work for adding protein, flavor, and nutrition to your meal rotation. Let your taste preferences and recipe needs guide you to the right canned tuna.
So next time you’re shopping the aisles for canned fish, use this breakdown to decipher which variety of tuna fits your needs. Understanding the nuances helps you become an informed shopper and enjoy tuna’s benefits.
Solid tuna comes from bigger fish
It depends on the size of the fish and how well the muscle holds up during the pre-cooking process whether the tuna is sold in chunks or solids. Yellowfin tuna can get up to 7 feet long and weigh about 400 pounds. Albacore tuna and skipjack tuna (which is often labeled “canned light” or “chunk light”) are both much smaller than that. Because they are bigger, yellowfin tuna filets are easier to gather whole so they can be packed up and sold as solid tuna. You can see the firm, separate filet layers because it’s not as light and delicate as albacore and skipjack tuna.
However, sometimes a combination of tuna varieties will be prepared together, such as yellowfin and skipjack. When this happens, the bigger yellowfin will be cut into smaller pieces to match the skipjack. This means that the bigger yellowfin will also be sold as chunk tuna.
TUNA CAN DIFFERENCES between SOLID WHITE, CHUNK WHITE & CHUNK LIGHT Tuna Cans -Whats the Difference?
FAQ
Is solid white or chunk light tuna better?
What is the healthiest canned tuna to eat?
Why is solid white tuna more expensive?
Is solid light tuna healthy?
What is the difference between solid white albacore & Chunk White Tuna?
While solid white albacore offers large tuna pieces, chunk white albacore has smaller chunks but with the same white color, mild flavor, and firm texture. Then again, chunk light tuna tend to have a darker color, rich flavors, and flakier pieces.
What’s the difference between chunk white tuna and solid white?
Similarly chunk white tuna is made from smaller, chopped up pieces of the same fish. I find chunk white to be very similar to solid white. Some say that solid white is a milder tuna taste while chunk white is stronger. I haven’t noticed that so much, but I assume there would be a difference if one tasted them side by side. Now for chunk light.
What is the difference between solid tuna and Chunk tuna?
As the word implies, solid tuna is whole pieces of tuna squeezed inside the can, and white tuna may be sold as solid . Chunk tuna is basically solid but size-varying tuna pieces scrambled together, which makes it a little less expensive than solid tuna. Typically, light tuna is found in chunk . There is another level of smaller tuna pieces: flake.
What is chunk light tuna?
Now for chunk light. This is made from smaller varieties of tuna, not those big albacores. It’s moisture and darker in color. If you’re smashing it up for tuna salad, I find that this is much better. Because it’s made from broken up pieces of smaller fish that are caught in nets (vs. on a fishling line), it’s cheaper.