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What did ConsumerLab’s independent tests of popular canned fish reveal?
High mercury levels were detected in two albacore “white” tuna <a href="https://shoppixy.com/our-editors-pick-the-top-products-and-technologies-of-ces-2026/” title=”Our Editors Pick the Top Products and Technologies of CES 2026″>products, with moderate amounts found in four others and in two skipjack “light” tuna varieties.
Elevated arsenic levels were identified in five out of six albacore tuna samples (with a moderate amount in the sixth), three of five sardines (with moderate amounts in the remaining two), one of two mackerel, and one of three skipjack “light” tuna (with moderate amounts in the others). Both yellowfin “light” tuna samples contained moderate arsenic levels. Neither sockeye “red” salmon nor pink salmon showed measurable mercury or arsenic, and none of the tested products contained quantifiable amounts of lead or cadmium.
The significant mercury and arsenic concentrations suggest that daily consumption of these canned fish should be avoided. Children, as well as women who are pregnant or nursing, should restrict their intake of the products highest in mercury to no more than one or two servings per week.
The content of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) varied drastically, ranging from as low as 119 mg in one tuna product to over 1,000 mg or even 2,000 mg in certain sardines, mackerel, and salmon, based on an 85-gram serving. There was also substantial variance within specific fish types; DHA and EPA levels differed by sevenfold among albacore tunas, twofold among sardines, and nearly fourfold among mackerel.
(See What CL Found and How Products Were Evaluated.)
Which canned fish products are best?
ConsumerLab identified eight products as Top Picks across various tuna, salmon, sardine, and mackerel categories. Each selection offered a substantial amount of DHA and EPA alongside minimal mercury and arsenic contamination, all at a reasonable price point. These Top Picks represent particularly sound choices for consumers looking to incorporate healthier fish options into their diet.
Is it worth paying more for some canned fish than others?
In certain instances, we believe it is. Although some brands cost more than twice as much per serving as others, these premium options provided significantly higher levels of DHA and EPA, lower levels of mercury or arsenic contamination, or both.
Why eat canned fish?
Canned or otherwise packaged tuna, salmon, sardines, and herring are convenient staples that help meet dietary protein recommendations while supplying essential omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA. They can also provide additional nutrients, including vitamin D, calcium—found in the edible bones of some salmon and sardines—and small amounts of iron. Consuming fish may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease (see What It Does).
In addition to the results of its expert testing, ConsumerLab utilizes only high-quality, evidence-based information sources. These include peer-reviewed studies and data from agencies such as the FDA, the USDA, and the National Academy of Medicine. For evolving topics, research from pre-print journals may be utilized. All of our content undergoes review by medical doctors and doctoral-level experts in toxicology, pharmacology, and chemistry. We consistently update and medically review our information to ensure our content remains reliable, accurate, and trustworthy. The following sources are referenced in this article:
Make sure you’re choosing the best canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardine, mackerel) approved in our tests!
Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel compared in this review
Bumble Bee Solid White Albacore In Water
Chicken of the Sea Chunk White Albacore Tuna In Water
Fishwife Sardines With Preserved Lemon
Genova Yellowfin Tuna In Olive Oil
King Oscar Royal Fillets Mackerel In Olive Oil – Skinless & Boneless
King Oscar Wild Caught Sardines in Extract Vigin Olive Oil
Kirkland Signature Albacore Solid White Tuna In Water
Kirkland Signature Pink Salmon – Boneless & Skinless
Safe Catch Wild (Skipjack) Elite Pure Tuna
Safe Catch Wild Ahi Yellowfin Tuna
Safe Catch Wild Pacific Pink Salmon – Skinless & Boneless
Season Sardine Fillets in 100% Olive Oil
StarKist Chunk White Albacore Tuna In Water
StarKist Solid White Albacore Tuna In Water
Trader Joe’s Chunk Light Skipjack Tuna In Water
Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Sardines in Spring Water
Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna
Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna
Wild Planet Wild Mackerel – Skinless & Boneless In Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Wild Planet Wild Pacific Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Lightly Smoked
Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon – Skinless & Boneless
You must be a member to get the full test results along with ConsumerLab.com’s recommendations and quality ratings. You will get results for 22 canned tuna, salmon, sardine and mackerel products selected for testing by ConsumerLab.
In this comprehensive review, you’ll discover:
Which canned tuna, salmon, sardine and mackerel products failed testing and which passed
CL’s Top Picks, for canned tuna, salmon, sardines and mackerel
How much EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) is in each tuna, salmon, sardine, and mackerel product
How much mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium is in each product
The worst canned fish — ones you should not eat more than once a week
How much canned fish you should eat as part of a healthful diet, and how this differs for children
