Best tinned tuna - brands available in the UK please

SRH7

I love fresh tuna but it's expensive and not always convenient. I eat a couple of tins of tuna a week but unless it is mashed up in mayo I find it pretty soft, mushy and icky. I've tried most of the big brands (John West, Princes, supermarket own, in oil, in brine, in spring water etc etc).

Does anyone know of any decent brands in the UK that are chunkier and a bit nicer to throw on top of a salad without dissolving into mush?

AverageUkDude

I tend to make fish cakes out of tinned tuna, its the only way i can stomach it.

Hope someone can point out a half decent canned tuna, there so simple in concept.

trud72

th ones pre drained stay "in shape" better than the ones in liquid of sorts if any help x

mazdauk

Look for tins marked tuna steak rather than tuna chunks - they are usually a bit dearer (but that is why...) also Waitrose do some fancy brand (not their own, although that is OK too) which is supposed to be good.

MattLBennett

Tesco's own brand as they are line caught instead of net which not only is more ethical but better for the taste (apparently).

DawnieB1977

Why not get a proper tuna steak instead? That's really tasty with salad. Of you've got time to cook it that is! We had some Sainsburys frozen ones last night for dinner (cooked obviously lol).

MrsSWW

John West no drain in spring water is my tuna of choice. It's steak rather than chunks so stays in nice and firm. Expensive though, looks at it in Asda this morning and it was £2 a tin. I always bulk buy when they're on offer.

I HATE the tuna in brine with a passion, was very glad when they started doing it in water instead, it allows me to control the calories much better than when I used to buy in oil.

freemystery

Have you tried Ortiz? You can't get it in many places but it's really good. I first had it a few months ago in Spain and it was like a completely different food... worth a try.

SRH7

Thanks everyone. Think I'm going to have to have a trip to the supermarket and buy one of each of the ones recommended and do a taste test!

I've had a Google for Ortiz too and it's sadly really expensive mail order. Will keep looking though.

Funnily enough, Pizza Express Nicoise salad always has really good tinned tuna in it so may have to ask what brand it is next time I'm in (not often, mind, just sometimes the place we go after work for convenience when staying over). Always really chunky and flaky.

AnsiStar

You could always buy fresh tuna from the counter and flake it yourself? I know it takes extra time but if you're like it less mushy it's an option.

SRH7

You could always buy fresh tuna from the counter and flake it yourself? I know it takes extra time but if you're like it less mushy it's an option.

I really can't as I work away from home with no access to cooking facilities, unfortunately.

MrsSWW

If you like the really big flakes then Sainsbury's do albacore tuna, and I think M&S do one too but I couldn't see it on the database. It is more expensive, and to my taste wasn't worth he difference in cost, but everyone is different, might be worth trying anyway if you're doing comparisons!

294Rich

My opinion only, but I'm happy to share it with you!
I prefer Tuna in oil, to Tuna in Brine, or anything else. Drain off the excess, but it is lovely to keep the oil, especially if making a tuna omelette.
I prefer John West to Princes. Not sure about other brands. I much prefer the Yellowfin to the Katsuwonus Pelamis (Have a look at the type of tuna on the underside of the can. The Yellowfin is much chunkier and meatier than Katsuwonus Pelamis, in my experience.

SRH7

Albacore? Yellowfin? Katsuwonus Pelamis? Wow, who knew tuna could vary so much? :laugh:

Sounds a bit sad but looking forward to hunting all these down and trying them out.

SRH7

Taste test #1: the verdict is in

Bought several different tins of tuna at Sainsburys today (thanks for all the tips).

Had John West No Drain Tuna Steak with Sunflower Oil for lunch and was impressed. No hint of mushiness but it was a little lacking in flavour (soon sorted out with a smattering of capers, anchovies, hard boiled eggs, olives and green beans).

Looking forward to trying the others (all sorts including albacore, Reel Fish Co etc etc).

I also spotted smoked tuna on Amazon (John West). Bit pricey but it would probably be quite a strong flavour and spread over a few meals mixed with normal tuna. Might give it a go.

294Rich

Pleased to be of help. Please keep updating your findings here on other types as well, I'd be keen to hear.

CharlotteAnneUK

If you are going to go tinned then I'd have to say John West - Spring Water, but fresh is best and I'd buy tuna steak and prepare to your own personal taste.

ST99000722

Bump.

haroon_awan

Amazon
Search tuna

Buying from amazon suppliers is a great way to save money.

SRH7

Two more taste tests!

2. Sainsburys Taste the Difference Albacore in oil: Very pale and delicate flavour. Delicious but not sure it's worth the extra expense.

3. Sainsburys Tuna Steak in Olive Oil: Really loved this - great flavour, held its shape well.

At the moment No.3 is winning for taste and value but think John West no-drain in spring water might have to become my tuna of choice due to the calorie difference. I'm not anti oil and make sure I get plenty within my calorie count but I'm finding the tuna in oil is just too calorific, even for me.

I'll keep testing and tasting!

SRH7

And thanks for the suggestions of going to a deli. None near me, unfortunately, but will keep an eye out while I'm elsewhere. And never though of Amazon - will have a look.