Solid white albacore tuna vs. chunk light tuna: not all tuna is created equal

Not all tuna is created equal. Here at Bumble Bee, we understand that everyone has their own preference. That is why we provide a variety of shelf-stable tuna products to meet your needs. From Solid White Albacore to Chunk Light, we created a quick guide to understanding the various types of canned tuna, their journey from sea to can, and how they can enhance your favorite recipes.

THE TYPES OF CANNED TUNA – SOLID WHITE ALBACORE TUNA, CHUNK WHITE ALBACORE TUNA, & CHUNK LIGHT TUNA
Common types of canned tuna include Solid White Albacore Tuna, Chunk White Albacore Tuna, and Chunk Light Tuna. But do you know the true difference between these various types? Let us break it down for you.

Solid White Albacore Tuna, also known as white tuna, possesses a firm and steaky texture. With its lighter colored flesh, commonly found in large albacore tuna, Solid White Albacore Tuna has a mild and fresh-tasting flavor that is great on its own, or in almost any recipe that calls for tuna.

Chunk White Albacore Tuna is another type of white tuna that we often find in the tuna aisle. While Solid White Albacore is packed with larger pieces, Chunk White Albacore Tuna is packed with smaller chunks that are still mild in flavor, firm in texture, and white in color.

Finally, Chunk Light Tuna is sourced from a variety of smaller tuna fish. Chunk Light Tuna typically consists of skipjack, but may also include yellowfin or big-eye tuna. Featuring a softer texture, this tuna tends to be darker in color with smaller, flakier pieces and a stronger flavor. Explore the difference between these various types of canned tuna in our Q&A.

THE SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY FROM SEA TO CAN – ALBACORE TUNA VS. LIGHT TUNA
Now that we have a better understanding of the types of tuna, let’s learn about the product’s journey. Bumble Bee Seafoods believes in transparency. The company inspects, audits, and monitors its business practices as part of its commitment to sustainability that goes far beyond just fisheries.

All of Bumble Bee’s tuna is wild-caught using two primary methods – purse seining for Chunk Light Tuna and longline fishing for Albacore Tuna. Purse seining accounts for a majority of the world’s tuna catch while longline fishing accounts for roughly 14%.

Purse seining catches tuna by using a net to scoop up the fish while longline fishing is ideal for catching larger tuna that swim deeper. Explore the journey your can of tuna takes using Bumble Bee’s Trace My Catch feature on their website.

HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR MEALS WITH SOLID WHITE ALBACORE TUNA, CHUNK WHITE ALBACORE TUNA, AND CHUNK LIGHT TUNA
The key to making the most out of your canned tuna is to understand which one of these pantry essentials is suitable for your recipe. Keep these quick tips in mind next time you’re planning your meal.

Since Solid White Albacore Tuna is firm and steaky, it’s delicious on its own, or in any recipe that calls for tuna. We recommend using Solid White Albacore in fish tacos or in this Classic Tuna Wrap recipe.

Chunk White Albacore Tuna retains the firm texture, but is pre-separated into smaller chunks, so it’s perfect for salads, sandwiches, and pasta. Holding up well against veggies, it provides an excellent base for the flavors of salad dressings and pasta sauces. Try our New York Deli-Style Tuna recipe.

Lastly, Chunk Light Tuna is better suited for recipes where texture isn’t as important to the dish. Instead, opt for this type of tuna as a flavor enhancer with its bolder taste and softer texture. Chunk Light Tuna is ideal in Classic Tuna Casseroles and sauces for the ultimate comfort food.

Discover other simple and delicious ways to enhance your meals with our collection of canned tuna recipes for any occasion. With more insight into these distinctive types of canned tuna, we hope this crash course taught you a thing or two about the differences between Solid White Albacore and Chunk Light Tuna.