When you’re shopping for canned seafood, it’s easy to assume all options are equally good. But not every can on the shelf is worth your money or your taste buds. Some products can have unwanted additives, odd textures, or higher sodium levels that might catch you off guard.
Knowing which canned seafood to skip can save you both money and disappointment. This guide will help you navigate the choices so your pantry stays stocked with options that actually enhance your meals.
Albacore Tuna – high mercury levels make it a no-go for kids
If you’re picking canned tuna for your kids, steer clear of albacore. This type of tuna tends to have higher mercury levels compared to light or skipjack tuna.
Mercury can affect developing brains, so it’s best to limit or avoid albacore for children.
For you and your family, lighter tuna options are a safer bet for regular meals. Keeping mercury intake low helps reduce health risks without cutting out tuna completely.
Yellowfin Tuna – better to avoid due to mercury concerns
If you like tuna, you might want to skip yellowfin. This type tends to have higher mercury levels than some other canned tuna options. Eating too much can build up mercury in your body over time.
Mercury is especially risky if you’re pregnant or feeding young kids. It can affect the nervous system and development. Choosing light canned tuna or skipjack is a safer bet.
Limiting yellowfin to just a couple of servings a week is a good idea. That way, you enjoy tuna without worrying too much about mercury.
Bigeye Tuna – not recommended because of toxins
If you’re picking canned tuna, steer clear of bigeye tuna. It tends to have higher levels of mercury compared to other types like skipjack or yellowfin. Mercury is a toxin that builds up in your body and can affect your nervous system.
Eating too much bigeye tuna regularly might not be the best idea, especially if you’re pregnant or feeding kids. Choosing tuna with lower mercury helps keep you safer without giving up on taste or convenience.
Canned Mackerel – some brands have weird textures and additives
When you pick up canned mackerel, not all brands are created equal. Some have a texture that’s oddly chewy or even slimy, which can be off-putting if you’re expecting flaky fish.
You might also find additives or overly salty brines in certain cans. These ingredients can mask the natural flavor or make the fish taste artificial.
If texture or taste feels off, it’s worth trying a few brands. Look for ones with simple ingredients and minimal additives to get a better eating experience.
Certain Low-Quality Sardine Brands – taste and preservatives can be off
You might want to be cautious with some canned sardine brands that have noticeable off tastes. These can range from overly fishy to bland or even metallic, which ruins the overall experience.
Some brands use preservatives or higher sodium levels that can alter the flavor or make the sardines taste artificially salty.
If you care about freshness and natural flavor, it’s best to look for sardines packed in water or olive oil without too many additives. Avoiding heavily processed options will help you skip those unpleasant surprises.
