When it comes to buying quality canned tuna in bulk, Costco is a reliable choice for many shoppers. The warehouse sells several popular seafood pantry staples and has built a strong reputation for value and consistent quality.
Costco carries a selection of well-known canned tuna brands and styles. But which one is best for your needs?
This article walks through Costco’s canned tuna options, comparing types, textures, sustainability, mercury concerns, taste, and price to help you choose the right cans for cooking, salads, sandwiches, and more.
Table of Contents
Does Costco Have Canned Tuna? What Kind Of Canned Tuna Does Costco Sell
Yes. In-store Costco locations typically stock several canned tuna varieties in the pantry aisle. A commonly available lineup includes:
- Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White
- Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore
- Genova Yellow Fin Tuna in Olive Oil
- Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water
- Wild Planet Albacore (often available online)
These products differ mainly by species (albacore, yellowfin, skipjack), how the fish are packed (water, oil, or natural juices), and the resulting texture. Labels such as “Solid White,” “Chunk,” or “Chunk Light” indicate the texture: Solid White typically comes out in large pieces, Chunk is flakier, and Chunk Light yields smaller flakes.
Packing liquid affects nutrition and flavor: water-packed tuna tends to be lower in calories and retains more omega-3s; oil-packed tuna is richer and often higher in vitamin D but may have fewer omega-3s left in the fish itself. Wild Planet is unique among these because the fish is cooked in the can and packed in its natural juices.
How To Pick The Best Costco Canned Tuna For You
Standing in Costco’s pantry aisle can be confusing if you’re trying to choose the best canned tuna. Look beyond brand and price: consider fish species, packing liquid, texture, sustainability practices, taste, and mercury content. Below are the main factors to guide your choice.
Types of Canned Tuna Sold At Costco
Three of the most common commercial tuna species are albacore, skipjack, and yellowfin. Costco carries products made from these species. Some labels specify the fish type; others—like Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light—may blend skipjack and yellowfin. Species matters because it influences flavor, texture, sustainability, and mercury levels.
Canned Tuna Texture And Taste
Albacore (labeled “white”) has a firmer texture and milder taste, which is why many people prefer it in dishes where intact pieces are desirable—tacos, salads, or pasta. Yellowfin and skipjack are darker and have softer textures with bolder flavor. Choose Solid White for larger, firm flakes; Chunk for flakier pieces; and Chunk Light when a softer texture is acceptable, such as in casseroles or tuna melts.
Mercury Levels In Costco Canned Tuna
All fish contain trace amounts of mercury. Larger, longer-lived species like albacore generally have higher mercury levels than smaller species like skipjack. Testing by consumer groups has shown albacore often contains more mercury than light or skipjack tuna, so people concerned about mercury may prefer lighter tuna varieties and limit albacore consumption.
Sustainability in Costco Canned Tuna
Sustainability varies by brand and fishing method. Some tuna are pole-and-line caught, a selective practice with lower bycatch, while other commercial methods use nets that can capture non-target species. If sustainable sourcing is important to you, check the label for catch method and certifications when available.
Best Canned Tuna Costco Reviews
Costco Albacore Tuna — Kirkland Signature Albacore White
Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White is typically the most budget-friendly albacore option at Costco. It has a firm texture and a mild flavor, making it versatile for salads, pasta, and other recipes. Because it’s albacore, it tends to have higher mercury than smaller tuna species.
Costco Albacore Tuna – Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore
Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore is similar to the Kirkland option in texture and flavor. One difference is the packing liquid—some versions include vegetable broth, which can add flavor but may be a consideration for people with specific allergies. In many cases the store-brand Kirkland product provides comparable quality at a lower price.
Costco Albacore Tuna — Wild Planet Albacore
Wild Planet Albacore is often the priciest option, notable because the fish are cooked in the can and packed in their natural juices rather than added liquids. Many shoppers choose this brand for its sourcing practices and flavor profile, though its mercury content is similar to other albacore products.
Genova Yellow Fin Tuna In Olive Oil
Genova Yellow Fin packed in olive oil delivers a fuller, richer flavor and flakier texture. Olive oil increases calorie and vitamin D content while drawing some oils out of the fish. This is a good choice when you want a bolder tuna taste for more gourmet preparations.
Chicken Of The Sea Chunk Light Tuna In Water
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light is typically made from skipjack and yellowfin and offers a softer texture with a stronger flavor. It is often a more sustainable and lower-mercury choice compared with albacore, making it a solid everyday option for sandwiches, salads, and quick meals.
Best Canned Tuna Costco
Overall pick: Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light. Its mix of skipjack and yellowfin offers good flavor, low mercury relative to albacore, and a strong value for regular use.
Albacore pick: Kirkland Signature Albacore is the best value if you prefer the mild, firm texture of albacore.
Gourmet pick: Genova Yellow Fin in olive oil for a meatier taste and richer mouthfeel when you want a premium flavor.
Best Canned Tuna Costco Prices
| Type | Cost | Number of Cans |
| Kirkland Signature Albacore White | $16.99 | (8) 7-Ounce Cans |
| Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore | $17.99 | (8) 7-Ounce Cans |
| Genova Yellow Fin Tuna In Olive Oil | $14.89 | (6) 7-Ounce Cans |
| Chicken Of The Sea Chunk Light Tuna In Water | $16.79 | (12) 7-Ounce Cans |
| Wild Planet | $15.99 | (6) 5-Ounce Cans |
Is Costco Canned Tuna Healthy?
Canned tuna from Costco is a nutritious, high-protein pantry staple. A typical can provides a substantial amount of protein and important nutrients like omega-3s. At the same time, mercury is a downside to consider—especially with albacore—so balance and moderation are recommended. Many health authorities advise regular fish consumption but suggest limiting higher-mercury species.
Costco Canned Tuna FAQ
Is Kirkland Tuna The Same As Bumblebee?
Costco’s private-label products are often produced by third-party manufacturers. Historically, reports have linked some Kirkland tuna to major tuna producers. Regardless of manufacturer, the Kirkland and Bumble Bee products sold at Costco differ in species and packaging in many cases—Kirkland’s canned tuna is commonly albacore, while some Chicken of the Sea products use skipjack and yellowfin.
Does Kirkland Canned Tuna Have Mercury?
Yes. Like all tuna, Kirkland canned tuna contains trace mercury because it is made from albacore, a larger species that accumulates more mercury than smaller tuna. If mercury exposure is a concern, choose light or skipjack-based products more frequently and limit albacore servings.
Save this guide to help you pick the best Costco canned tuna for flavor, health, and value.
