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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Mercury reaches the environment from natural sources and human activity. In water and sediment, microorganisms can convert some of it into methylmercury, which enters the food web. Albacore take in methylmercury when they eat contaminated prey, and it can build up in their bodies over time.
How mercury moves from the environment into albacore
- Mercury enters air, land, and water. It comes from multiple sources, then can settle from the air into water or onto land and wash into waterways. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains the exposure pathway.
- Microorganisms convert some mercury into methylmercury. This conversion can happen in water and sediment. Methylmercury is the form that builds up in fish and shellfish.
- It moves through the food web. Fish absorb methylmercury from the food they eat. Levels vary with factors including diet, lifespan, and position in the food chain.
- Albacore acquire it by eating prey. NOAA Fisheries says albacore feed near the top of the food chain, eating fish, crustaceans, and squid. The mercury pathway is environmental; it is not something added to tuna during canning.
Individual fish do not all have the same mercury level. Their exposure depends in part on what they eat and how long they live.
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Why albacore usually has more mercury than canned light tuna
Albacore, also called white tuna, is larger and lives longer than the fish generally used for canned light tuna. Those differences help explain why it can accumulate more methylmercury. FDA says albacore typically contains three times more mercury than canned light tuna; this is a general comparison, not a precise ratio for every can or fish. FDA’s fish-advice Q&A notes that canned light tuna is often made from smaller species, most often skipjack.
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What FDA’s mercury figures do—and do not—tell you
The FDA reports a mean mercury concentration of 0.350 parts per million (ppm) for canned albacore tuna, based on 451 samples collected from 1991 through 2009 in its dataset covering 1990–2012. Its technical table rounds the mean to 0.35 ppm and places canned albacore/white tuna in the “Good Choice” category. These are historical category figures, not tests of a current can, brand, or batch. The averages cannot tell you which brand or individual can has less mercury.
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- WILD CAUGHT TUNA IN WATER: Premium canned fish with a mild flavor, firmer texture, and large pieces is a delicious addition to pasta, salads, fish tacos, and seafood bowls.
- FISH AS FUEL: Excellent source of lean protein (29g per can), DHA & EPA Omega-3s (300mg per can), and vitamin B12. Case contains 8 five ounce cans.
- CLEAN INGREDIENTS: Non GMO Project Certified, Gluten Free, Kosher Pareve, and great for those on a low carb or ketogenic (keto) diet.
- CONVENIENT SHELF STABLE FOOD: Perfect for stocking your pantry at home or bringing on the go as a high-protein option while traveling, camping, or on the job.
- SUSTAINABLE TUNA: Wild Caught and Dolphin Safe - submit the code on the can on our Trace My Catch website to learn where and how your seafood was caught, processed, and more. Canned in the USA and packaged in recyclable packaging.
Sources: FDA’s commercial fish and shellfish mercury data and FDA’s technical information on its fish-advice categories.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What this means when choosing or serving albacore
FDA lists albacore/white tuna, both canned and fresh or frozen, as a “Good Choice.” For people covered by FDA/EPA advice—those who might become pregnant or are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children ages 1–11—the advice is to eat one serving of a “Good Choice” fish and no other fish that week. Serving details depend on the person’s age and circumstances, so check the current FDA fish advice chart before planning servings.
Rank #2
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water cans contain a solid fillet of delicious, wild caught albacore tuna. The mild flavor and firmer texture make it a great option for salads, pasta dishes or in your favorite recipe
- Excellent Source of Protein: White Albacore Tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s, with 26g of protein and 110 calories per serving It’s soy free, gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and Weight Watchers diets
- Add Variety to Your Diet: This dolphin safe tuna is a wholesome choice for a snack or meal StarKist Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water is a great and easy way to add seafood to your diet
- Versatile: StarKist Solid White Albacore Tuna is a versatile and easy way to liven up a meal It can be used in cool salads, hot casseroles, on sandwiches and as a substitute for chicken in your favorite recipe
- Bulk (4 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 4-Pack of canned tuna. These tuna cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
FDA says methylmercury cannot be prevented from entering seafood or removed from seafood. Cooking does not remove it. The agency also notes that most types of seafood do not contain levels expected to cause health effects in adults. For more detail, see FDA’s mercury-in-food information.
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Best Value
- Delicious, Mild Flavor: Starkist Albacore Chunk White Tuna in Water is wild caught and dolphin safe. Each of our nutrient dense tuna cans features select cuts of delicious, premium tuna
- Excellent Source of Protein: Our tuna is a natural source of protein and Omega 3s It has 22g of protein and 100 calories per can. It’s soy free, gluten free and works well with Keto, Paleo, Mediterranean and Weight Watchers diet plans
- Add Variety to Your Diet: StarKist Chunk White Albacore Tuna in Water can contains delicious wild caught albacore tuna that you can enjoy in a wrap or on a salad StarKist makes it easy to incorporate seafood into your lifestyle
- Versatile: Albacore’s mild flavor and firmer texture makes it a great option for salads, pasta dishes or as a substitute for chicken in your favorite recipe
- Bulk (12 Pack): Buy your tuna in Bulk with the StarKist 12-Pack. These tuna cans are easy to store and great to have handy for when hunger strikes, whether you’re on the go, at the office or at home
Rank #4
- DELICIOUS TUNA STEAK- Our Wild Albacore Tuna steak is hand-cut, hand packed and cooked only once to retain its natural juices and pristine flavor. We don't add water, broths, or fillers to our tuna, so no need to drain the can
- CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY- With a convenient pull tab, enjoy this tuna at home or on-the-go for a great-tasting, satisfying snack or healthy lunch. Our tuna steak can also be used in seafood recipes or to elevate any tuna sandwich
- EXCELLENT SOURCE OF PROTEIN- Our Wild Albacore Tuna with no salt added contains 21 g of clean protein per 3 ounces and 705 mg of DHA and EPA Omega 3s. Wild Planet tuna is Non-GMO verified, gluten-free, keto-friendly and Kosher Pareve
- NATURALLY LOW IN MERCURY- Using 100% pole & line method allows us to catch smaller, migratory tuna that are naturally lower in mercury than some conventional brands that use deep sea methods and catch larger, older tuna resulting in higher mercury
- SUSTAINABLY SOURCED WILD-CAUGHT TUNA- We catch our tuna to the highest sustainability standards. Wild Planet tuna is 100% pole & line caught, eliminating bycatch, or the capture of unintended species. Dolphin & turtle safe
Rank #3
- 6-pack of 5 oz no-salt-added albacore tuna in water
- 100% pole and line caught for dolphin and sea turtle safety
- Wild-caught tuna naturally GMO-free
- Packed in water with no added salt
- Convenient protein-rich meal or snack option
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