Who is this choice for?

Shoppers who care about organic certification

If you want the fish itself to be certified organic, distinguish it from any agricultural ingredients added to the tin. Agence Bio states that wild-caught tuna cannot receive this certification.

Shoppers putting together a quick savoury meal

For toast or a cold meal, compare the ingredients list, drained weight and whether the tuna is in brine or oil, or already drained, before choosing a pack size.

Shoppers who pay attention to fishing information

If the fishing method matters more to you than an organic ingredient, look for claims specific to the product, such as MSC or “FAD-free”. Don’t confuse these with organic certification.

What should you check before ordering?

When choosing tinned tuna online, first clarify what the word “organic” refers to. Then compare the fishing information, ingredients and pack size according to what matters most to you.

Criterion What to check Who this matters to
What “organic” refers to Identify the organic ingredient and its proportion. Don’t assume from the product name that the wild-caught tuna is organic. When I see “organic” on a tin, I want to know whether it refers to the fish or just an added ingredient; around 39% of shoppers would prioritise this clarification.
Fishing information Check for MSC or “FAD-free” claims on the specific product, and don’t mistake them for organic certification. If I’m happy to buy wild-caught tuna, I want to be able to choose based on the fishing information provided; around 23% of shoppers would make this their priority.
Ingredients Compare the ingredients, salt and fat per 100 g, particularly between tuna in brine and tuna in oil. For a savoury meal, I prefer to know which ingredients have been added and check the nutritional values before choosing a recipe; this would be the priority for around 23% of shoppers.
Pack size and ordering Check the net drained weight, packaging and storage instructions after opening on the product page for your chosen item. If I want to prepare a quick meal, I need a suitable pack size and clear storage instructions; around 15% of shoppers would prioritise this practical consideration.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing an organic ingredient with organic tuna

    The Carrefour Extra product page for “Whole Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Organic” states that it contains 27.3% organic extra virgin olive oil; the skipjack tuna is listed separately. According to Agence Bio, wild-caught tuna cannot be certified organic.

    Before you order, read the ingredients list and check the stated proportion of organic ingredients rather than relying on the product name alone.

  • Assuming MSC or “FAD-free” means organic

    MSC and claims about the fishing method relate to how the fish is caught. For example, Auchan’s description of its tuna in brine states that it is “FAD-free”; this does not certify the fish as organic.

    Compare these claims separately from the ingredients and check that they apply to the tin you’re ordering.

  • Choosing a pack size without checking the drained weight

    The total weight of a tin containing liquid is not the same as the amount of tuna once drained. This matters if you’re planning portions or comparing different pack sizes.

    Look for the net drained weight on the product page and check whether the product is described as already drained.

  • Forgetting the storage instructions after opening

    The product pages for the Saupiquet and Auchan items described here say to transfer any leftovers to a suitable container, refrigerate them and eat them within 48 hours.

    Follow the storage instructions for the tin you buy, especially if you don’t plan to eat it all as soon as you open it.

Brands and retailers to consider

Carrefour

A retailer whose product pages sometimes distinguish the tuna from the recipe’s organic ingredients.

  • The Carrefour Extra product page for “Whole Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Organic” lists skipjack tuna and 27.3% organic extra virgin olive oil.
  • This proportion does not certify the tuna as organic. Another product page, for Mouettes d’Arvor tuna with basil, lists 0.60% organic ingredients of agricultural origin. Check each recipe separately.

Petit Navire

A tuna in brine that’s already drained, worth considering if quick preparation is important to you.

  • The product page for its whole tuna in brine, already drained, lists 93% tuna, water and salt. It also carries the MSC label.
  • MSC provides information about fishing, not organic certification for the tuna.

Saupiquet

An MSC-certified whole skipjack tuna in brine to compare by ingredients and pack size.

  • The product page for its MSC-certified whole tuna in brine lists skipjack tuna, water, salt and natural flavouring.
  • If you’re looking for a recipe containing only tuna, water and salt, bear the flavouring in mind. The MSC label does not mean the tuna is organic.

Auchan

A retailer to check for fishing information on its tuna in brine.

  • For its 280 g net drained product, Auchan lists skipjack tuna, water and salt, and says it is caught on free-swimming schools without FADs.
  • This information about the fishing method is not organic certification.

Lidl

A Sol&Mar tuna in sunflower oil with an MSC label to consider if this recipe suits your needs.

  • The product description specifies that this is Skipjack tuna in sunflower oil with the MSC label.
  • MSC does not refer to an organic ingredient. Check whether this product is available through the channel you want to order from.

E.Leclerc

A retailer with a “Bio Village tuna and other fish” section to browse, checking each product individually.

  • The section lets you search for tuna products in this range.
  • The section name alone isn’t enough to tell you which ingredients in a specific tin are organic. Check the product page and ingredients list.

Joybuy products related to tinned tuna

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can tinned wild-caught tuna be certified organic?

No. According to Agence Bio, tuna from wild fishing cannot be certified organic. However, a tin labelled “organic” may contain an organic agricultural ingredient, such as oil or herbs. Check which ingredient it is.

Does an MSC or “FAD-free” claim mean the tuna is organic?

No. MSC and “FAD-free” relate to fishing information, which is separate from organic certification. Check that the claim appears on the specific product, then read its ingredients list separately.

What should I check on the product page before ordering tinned tuna?

Start with the product name and ingredients list to understand the recipe and what any “organic” claim refers to. Then compare the nutritional information, net quantity, drained weight if the tuna is packed in liquid, and the storage instructions for your chosen product.

Should pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children take the tuna into account?

Yes. Anses has specific recommendations concerning wild predatory fish, including tuna, for pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under three. Check the recommendations that apply to your circumstances before deciding how often to eat it.

How should I store leftover tuna after opening?

Follow the instructions on the tin you buy. The product pages for the Auchan and Saupiquet items mentioned here say to transfer any leftovers to a suitable container, keep them in the fridge and eat them within 48 hours.