Navigating a grocery store can be overwhelming, especially when you’re on the hunt for a specific item. And when it comes to canned tuna, it seems like it can be hiding in plain sight.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered. We will show you where to find canned tuna in the grocery store by walking you through the aisles.
Also, we’ll give you some tips on how to stay on track with your healthy shopping list and stay away from the junk food aisles.
Canned tuna is one of the most versatile, affordable and nutrient-packed items you can buy at the grocery store. It’s the perfect pantry staple for quick lunches, dinners snacks salads and more. But the vast size of supermarkets can make locating specific items a hassle. If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the aisles wondering where the canned tuna is hiding, this article will map out exactly where to find it.
Start in the Center Store Aisles
In most grocery stores, the center aisles starting after produce contain almost all the shelf-stable, packaged pantry items and canned goods. This includes canned tuna. So when looking for tuna, your search should begin by heading down the center store aisles past the fresh departments.
Keep your eye out for signs hanging from the ceiling pointing towards “Canned Meat” or “Seafood.” These will direct you towards the general tuna location. But in which aisle exactly? Here is where canned tuna is typically located in stores:
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Aisle 4 or 5 – Center store aisles are usually numbered, and canned meats like tuna are often in aisles 4 or 5.
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With canned chicken/salmon – Tuna is usually stocked alongside other canned seafood like salmon and chicken.
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Above canned soup – Shelves with canned tuna are frequently above the soups.
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Below Spam/potted meat – You’ll typically find tuna below the shelf-stable meats like Spam
So aisle 4 or 5, near the other canned meats and seafood, above soups, and below potted meat is the canned tuna sweet spot. But be sure to scan all the center aisles in case your store does things differently.
Check Both Top and Bottom Shelves
Canned tuna is popular, so stores dedicate quite a bit of real estate to the different varieties. Be sure to scan both the top and bottom shelves in the canned meat section Light tuna in water is often stocked on lower shelves while albacore and flavored tuna can be found on higher shelves.
Also, look on the very top shelf for the large #10 cans used at restaurants and cafeterias. And the fancier tuna packs in pouches may have their own display.
Seek Out Store Brands
Store brand canned tuna is often one of the best deals, but can sometimes be stocked in a different spot than the name brands. Be sure to check endcaps and displays within the aisle for the generic tuna.
At Walmart, Great Value tuna is usually on a separate endcap shelf. Target’s Market Pantry tuna will be on a sidekick display. Check the bottom shelf for Kroger or Safeway brands. Knowing where private label brands are placed takes some investigation but is worth it for the savings.
Check Natural and Specialty Aisles Too
In addition to the main canned tuna, you may also find pricier tuna packed in olive oil or flavored tuna in the natural foods section or specialty aisles. For example:
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Wild Planet and Safe Catch brands in the premium natural aisle.
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Bumble Bee flavored tuna near the Asian foods.
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Fancy Italian tuna like Genova with the gourmet imports.
So if you don’t spot your favorite tuna in the regular canned meat shelves, be sure to peruse the specialty aisles as well. They sometimes have unique tuna offerings.
Don’t Overlook Ethnic Aisles
For a different tuna experience, browse the ethnic food aisles for tuna options popular in Hispanic, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine:
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Spanish style tuna packed in olive oil is common in the Mexican foods section.
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Asian tuna packed in sesame oil and chili flavors can be found with other Asian ingredients.
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Italian tuna packed in pepperoncini peppers or sun-dried tomatoes is usually in the pasta aisle.
You might discover some delicious new tuna flavors and variety by checking the ethnic food selections.
Check Near Other Canned Fish
Besides the canned meat shelves, also browse areas where other canned seafood is stocked:
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With the canned anchovies and sardines (sometimes in aisle 1 or 2).
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By the canned salmon, mackerel, and oysters.
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Near the canned clams, mussels, and crabmeat.
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Close to the canned shrimp, lobster, and octopus.
Stores often group canned seafood items together in certain areas, so seek out where other fish is. Tuna may be stocked alongside.
Don’t Overlook the Perimeter
Though most tuna is in the center aisles, also check the fresh seafood department in the perishable perimeter of the store. Some grocery chains like Hy-Vee, Piggly Wiggly, and Winn-Dixie stock sealed pouches of fresh store-made tuna salad in the refrigerated seafood case near the lunchmeats and shrimp cocktail. The deli may even have canned tuna.
So if you can’t find canned tuna in the center aisles, swing through the fresh seafood department for pouched tuna salad.
Ask a Store Employee
If all else fails, don’t hesitate to ask an employee for assistance locating the tuna. Describe what you’re looking for and they will happily lead you right to the correct spot. Store workers are very accustomed to helping customers find items.
Grocery stores can differ in their shelf organization and product placement. But armed with these tuna hunting tips, you now know the most likely spots to find every type of canned tuna. With a systematic search through the center store, specialty aisles, ethnic sections, and perimeter departments, locating your favorite tuna will be easy. Never again will you have to desperately search every aisle for a simple can of tuna!
Where Is Canned Tuna In Grocery Store?
Many people always have canned tuna on hand, whether they want to make a quick sandwich or add it to a salad. But where exactly can you find it in the grocery store?.
It may depend on the store, but in general, you can find tuna in a can in the aisle with other canned goods. This aisle is usually in the middle of the store and is set up by the type of food or item it holds.
Look for the section that has canned meats and vegetables. Canned tuna is often located here, along with other canned meats like chicken and salmon.
If you’re having trouble finding it, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for assistance. They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
The Basics: Understanding The Layout Of A Grocery Store
If you want to find something specific, like canned tuna, it can help to know how the store is set up. The layout of supermarkets is carefully thought out to get people to stay longer and buy more.
Flowers and baked goods are usually the first things that people notice in a store. The smell makes you salivate and feel good, which makes you more likely to buy something on the spot. The dairy aisle is usually in the back of the store, which means customers have to walk all the way through the store to get there. This is where essential food products are hidden, which encourages customers to buy more items along the way.
After waiting in line for a few minutes, customers are more likely to give in to temptation and buy a candy bar or magazine. This is where the store makes the most money. Sample stations are also strategically placed to slow customers down and expose them to new products.
It is important to know that between 60% and 70% of purchases made in grocery stores are not planned, so it is important not to fall for these traps. It’s best to stay away from places like the candy aisle and junk food sections when you don’t have much willpower left. Stick with the basics like veggies and protein and avoid shopping on an empty stomach.
As you walk down the aisles, keep an eye out for sections with baking goods, canned meat, canned vegetables, frozen vegetables, bulk items, jams and jellies, and spices. These parts are usually set up by the kind of food or item they sell, which makes it easy to find what you need.
The Type Of Canned Tuna You May Want To Skip At The Grocery Store
FAQ
Which aisle is canned tuna?
Where is canned tuna kept?
Where is canned tuna caught?
Where is tuna found?
Where can I buy canned tuna?
If you’re looking for a water-packed canned tuna, Blue Harbor is a delicious choice for albacore packed in water (view at Amazon )—and it’s sustainably sourced, as well. Or, if you’d rather buy an oil-packed canned tuna, you won’t go wrong with Tonnino’s yellowfin option (view at Amazon ).
What kind of tuna is canned?
There are a few species of tuna you’ll find canned; the most common are albacore and skipjack. Each has a slightly different flavor and texture. Albacore: With an overall light and mild flavor and a natural salinity, albacore is popular for its versatility. If you don’t want a fishy taste, this is the tuna type for you.
What are the best canned tuna brands?
Joey is a writer/editor, TV/radio personality, lifestyle expert, former entertainment publicist and author of “Basic Bitchen.” I tried six canned tuna brands: Bumble Bee, Chicken of the Sea, StarKist, 365 by Whole Foods, Safe Catch and Wild Planet. Here is my favorite canned tuna.
Does Whole Foods sell canned tuna?
Whole Foods Market is the world’s largest purveyor of natural and organic products and is a known leader in seafood sustainability. However, while the company has a strong general seafood sustainability policy, Whole Foods does not have a specific canned tuna policy.