Compared to canned fish, the vacuum-sealed pouches also have a fresher flavor and texture. However, there is one potential concern with eating it 3-4 times a week. Tuna, especially white albacore, is relatively high in mercury.
There are some differences between pouched and canned tuna
However, since heat can penetrate the thin material on the pouch more easily than cans, pouched tuna requires a shorter cooking and processing time, which leads to a fresher and firmer tasting product, according to Just Food.
In theory this would mean you are getting more net weight for your buck. I read many online reviews of the various types of tuna in a pouch and the consensus on the Interwebs is that it was better than canned tuna in taste, quality and was potentially safer than canned tuna.
Historically it has been suggested that cans provide a longer shelf life than flexible pouches, however, advanced technology means that the shelf life provided by a flexible pouch can actually outstrip cans by years in some cases, depending on the type of food being stored in the packaging and the preservation method.
Canned tuna needs added water to block out air inside the can. No water is added to tuna pouches, although you find some liquid inside that comes from the fish itself. Pouch tuna may need more mayonnaise when used for salad because of the reduced liquid, according to Chicago Tribune writer CeCe Sullivan.
Certain types of tuna are high in mercury, which can have harmful effects on health in high amounts or in certain populations. For most healthy adults, it's recommended to consume at least 2 servings of fish per week, which can include tuna.
1. Is canned tuna fish good for you? Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.
pouch Light Tuna in Water has 180 mg per serving of EPA and DHA omega-3's. Our 6.4 oz. and 11 oz. pouch of Light Tuna has140 mg per serving of EPA and DHA omega-3's.
Overusing pouches can affect your baby's health
Here's why: Some pouches have more sugar than whole fruit and are more likely to sit on your child's teeth and gums, which can lead to tooth decay. Always read labels. Drinking food isn't as satisfying as eating it.
All but one of the light tunas in our tests had levels low enough that CR's experts think that, assuming no other fish is consumed, adults who are not pregnant could eat three 4-ounce servings a week, and children could eat two 1- to 4-ounce servings (depending on age).
"While canned tuna, especially light varieties, has relatively low average levels of mercury, individual cans can sometimes have much higher levels," Consumer Reports said.
The tuna sandwich is a lunchbox staple. But several species of tuna — like other large ocean fish — contain higher-than-average amounts of mercury, a highly toxic metal that can cause severe health effects.
This wild caught, hand packed light tuna in a Flavor Fresh Pouch® is fully-cooked and ready to enjoy – especially since it doesn't require draining! Try it over a salad, in a sandwich or you can enjoy straight out of the pouch – just tear, eat and go! 70 calories and 17g of protein per pouch.
The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in tuna fish may help to reduce the level of omega-6 fatty acids and LDL cholesterol that can accumulate inside the arteries of the heart. Studies have shown that eating more omega-3 is associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks.
When they cook tuna inside the can/pouch the microorganisms and bacteria will die. So bacteria and microorganisms free canned/pouch tuna, stay fresh for so long.
Technically, you don't have to drain the water or oil from a can of tuna to enjoy it. Most people don't enjoy soggy sandwiches, though, so draining your tuna is the common-sense solution to that problem. But draining tuna is beneficial for more than just removing excess liquid. It has a nutritional impact, too.
Place cans and pouches of tuna in a cool place. The best temperature for storage is room temperature. Keep cans and pouches dry and off the floor because this will prevent them from rusting and leaking, or accidentally being crushed.
For albacore tuna, the FDA recommends eating up to 4 oz. a week. All other consumers should aim for 8–12 oz of a variety of seafoods a week as recommended by the American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines.
With only 220 mg of sodium per serving, it's an excellent choice if you are watching your sodium intake. With 70 calories and 17g of protein, this nutrient dense tuna pouch is the perfect fit for today's active lifestyle. Because no draining is required, it's perfect to enjoy in a tuna salad sandwich.
For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
If you're counting calories and maximizing omega-3 fatty acids, then tuna in water might make a great choice. On the other hand, if moisture, flavor, and vitamin D levels are your focus, then olive oil-packed tuna might be better. Whatever tuna you choose, it's important not to go overboard for this mild-flavored fish.
If you're concerned about limiting the amount of mercury you consume, and if you've eaten no other fish during the week, Consumer Reports says up to 12 ounces a week of Bumble Bee Chunk Light, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light, Safe Catch Wild Elite, and StarKist Chunk Light tunas are the safer choices among the products ...