I Asked 4 Experts To Name the Best Oil-Packed Tuna—They All Said the Same Thing

The popularity of canned fish seems to be growing, and tuna isn’t one to miss! Oil-packed tuna offers a mix of rich, juicy flavors that can’t be beat. After hearing from four experts, here is the best brand of oil-packed tuna to keep in your pantry.

The Experts

• Sam Stymest: Former Manhattan chef and owner of Sam’s Table, an intimate seafood tasting restaurant in Montclair, New Jersey
• Anna Hezel: Food editor, journalist, and author of Tin to Table: Fancy, Snacky Recipes for Tin Enthusiasts and A-Fish-Ionados
• Sebastian Skillings: Fishmonger in Dublin, Ireland, author of “The Hungry Fishmonger,” winner of the 2024 Irish Food Writing awards, and owner of the popular The Hungry Fishmonger Instagram account
• Pooja Naik: Social media seafood food tour guide and founder of The Chicago Pescetarian, the city’s one and only seafood blog

The Best Oil-Packed Tuna

While there were several contenders, one brand was recommended the most—Tonnino.

“In my opinion, it’s one of the best widely available options out there. The tuna comes in large, flaky pieces, packed in high-quality olive oil, and the company prioritizes responsible, sustainable fishing practices, which is important to me both as a chef and as a consumer,” Stymest shared.

Tonnino is based in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, and sells 100 percent wild-caught yellowfin and albacore tuna. In addition to these sustainable fishing practices, Tonnino maintains the quality of the fish through minimal freezing and hand-packaging.

“When it comes to oil-packed tuna, Tonnino is a go-to for me. Their jars of yellowfin are buttery and elegant, perfect for when you want tuna to be the star,” Naik shared.

Why Oil Quality Matters

When it comes to oil-packed tuna, the type and quality of the oil matter.

“Sunflower oil generally means it’s a lower quality product. Some brands of tuna in olive oil can also be of low quality, where the olive oil can be a blend of different oils. If you can, always buy tuna in extra virgin olive oil. This ensures it’s a high-quality product with maximum flavour,” Skillings shared.

When made properly, like Tonnino’s, oil-packed options promise a bolder tuna flavor that these experts take advantage of.

How To Cook With Oil-Packed Tuna

“I love adding it to Niçoise-inspired salads, open-faced sandwiches with roasted red peppers, or folding it into a simple pasta with lemon, capers, and fresh herbs,” Naik shared.

The most recommended recipe was a tonnato sauce.“My favorite way to use it is in a classic tonnato sauce—blended until smooth and savory, then served with seasonal vegetables or layered into a traditional vitello tonnato. It’s simple, elegant, and always delivers,” Stymest shared.

Who knew tuna was so versatile! The next time you’re in the grocery store, grab a can of Tonnino’s tuna off the shelf and try one of these delicious recipes.