Who is this for?

Salt-label comparers

If salt is your main consideration, compare figures given on the same per-100g basis. The packing liquid alone does not tell you which tin has the lower figure.

Quick-assembly Christmas cooks

For a filling, topping or buffet dish assembled close to serving, a no-drain format can remove a preparation step. Its salt figure still needs a separate check.

Sourcing-conscious shoppers

If a catching method or certification helps you choose between otherwise suitable tins, check the statement on the exact product. Sourcing information does not stand in for its nutrition panel.

What matters when choosing?

For a Christmas filling, buffet dish or extra meal, compare salt on a consistent basis and work out how much tuna the dish will use.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Labelled salt Compare salt per 100g on the same drained-weight basis where stated, then check the amount for your planned portion. If keeping salt lower is my priority, I need the figure for the tuna I will serve, not an assumption based on its packing liquid. About 46% of consumers put labelled salt first.
Usable quantity Check drained weight against the recipe quantity and note how many tins are in the pack. When making enough filling for guests, I need to know how much tuna remains after draining. Usable quantity is the main concern for about 27% of consumers.
Preparation time Check whether the exact product is labelled no-drain or ready to eat; assess its salt figure separately. If I am assembling food just before serving, skipping a draining step matters most. About 18% of consumers prioritise that convenience.
Sourcing information Look for certification or a stated catching method on the selected tin, independently of its salt panel. Where several tins meet my other needs, I may choose by the sourcing information on the pack. For about 9% of consumers, that is the primary deciding factor.

Checks before you buy or serve

  • Assuming spring water means low or reduced salt

    The checked spring-water products have different salt figures. Nidirect describes 0.3g salt or less per 100g as low; the checked examples are above that figure. A lower figure among these tins does not itself establish a reduced-salt claim.

    Read the current salt panel and compare products on the same per-100g basis before considering your serving size.

  • Using the tin’s net weight as the recipe quantity

    Tesco lists 102g drained weight for its checked 145g spring-water tin. A recipe calling for drained tuna needs the usable amount, not just the number printed as net weight.

    Check the drained weight and scale the number of tins to the dish you plan to make.

  • Overlooking fish allergy and possible bones

    The Food Standards Agency identifies fish as an allergen. M&S also warns that its checked spring-water tuna may contain bones.

    Confirm guests’ food requirements, read the label on the tin being served and check the tuna while preparing a shared dish.

  • Ignoring instructions after opening

    Storage directions can include refrigeration and transferring unused tuna to another container. The directions on the selected pack govern how to handle what remains.

    Read those instructions before preparing food ahead or storing leftovers, and follow the stated timeframe.

Tinned tuna brands for reference

M&S

A spring-water option to compare when labelled salt is a priority.

  • M&S lists 0.75g salt and 23.5g protein per 100g for its checked 160g tuna chunks.
  • That figure applies to the named product, not every M&S tin. Its product information also warns that it may contain bones.

John West

A no-drain format for food assembled close to serving.

  • John West describes its checked No Drain Tuna Chunks in Spring Water MSC 3 x 100g pack as ready to eat and lists 0.80g salt per 100g.
  • No-drain describes preparation, not a low-salt or reduced-salt claim.

Princes

Spring-water tuna chunks offered in different pack formats.

  • Princes Food and Drinks lists 0.85g salt and 23.5g protein per 100g drained for its spring-water chunks.
  • Check the label of the format you choose: Joybuy lists 0.90g salt per 100g drained for a 4 x 145g Princes pack.

Tesco

A spring-water tin with a stated drained weight for planning recipe quantities.

  • Tesco lists 102g drained weight for its checked 145g tin and 0.90g salt per 100g drained.
  • The spring-water description does not establish a low-salt claim; compare the current panel.

Asda

A brine multipack for shoppers whose recipe calls for that format.

  • Asda lists 0.90g salt per 100g drained and 0.46g per half-can for its checked 4 x 145g tuna chunks in brine.
  • Neither brine nor spring water establishes which individual tin has less salt; use the product panels.

Joybuy tuna selection

This spring-water multipack is relevant to a quick Christmas filling or topping. Compare its current salt panel with other tins before deciding whether it meets your needs.

John West Tuna Chunks in Springwater, four 125g tins

John West Tuna Chunks in Springwater 4 x 125g

For a quick filling or topping, the listing describes use straight from the can. The pack contains four 125g tins in spring water; check this pack’s salt panel and preparation and storage instructions before serving.

View on Joybuy

Common questions

How do I choose tinned tuna with a lower salt figure?

Compare the current salt panels on the same per-100g basis, preferably per 100g drained where that is stated, and then consider how much you will serve. Nidirect describes 0.3g salt or less per 100g as low; choosing the lower figure from two tins above that level does not make it a low-salt product.

Is tuna in spring water always lower in salt than tuna in brine?

No conclusion about every tin follows from its packing liquid. The checked spring-water products list different salt figures, while Asda lists 0.90g per 100g drained for its checked brine multipack. Compare the exact products on a consistent basis.

How should I keep tuna left after opening a tin?

Follow the selected pack’s instructions for refrigeration, whether to transfer unused tuna to another container and when to use it. Read them before preparing a Christmas dish ahead of time.

What should I check before serving tinned tuna to guests?

Fish is an allergen identified by the Food Standards Agency, so confirm guests’ requirements and check the ingredients and allergen information on the exact tin. Check for bones while preparing the dish; M&S warns that its checked spring-water product may contain them.