Who is this guide for?

Shoppers who want to understand the organic claim

You want to know exactly what “organic” means on the tin, rather than relying on the name on the shelf. The packaging lets you check the ingredients and certification claims.

Shoppers looking for certified fishing

You’re looking for a product carrying a fishing label such as MSC, or for traceability information, without confusing these claims with organic certification.

Shoppers making simple meals

For a salad or sandwich, you compare tuna in spring water with tuna in oil, the drained net weight and whether the tin needs draining.

What to compare

When shopping locally, start by deciding whether your priority is what the organic claim covers, the fishing label or the recipe. These criteria are not interchangeable.

Criterion What to check Who it’s for
Organic claim Look for the EU organic logo and certification details on the tin, then read the ingredients to establish what the word “organic” applies to. I want to know what the “organic” claim covers before choosing a tin; around 44% of consumers would make this their top priority.
Fishing and traceability Check whether the specific product carries the advertised MSC label and what traceability information is available. If how the tuna is caught guides my choice, I look for a label on the tin itself; nearly 33% of consumers would prioritise this criterion.
Recipe and format Compare the ingredients, the liquid it’s packed in and the drained net weight, where stated. For a quick salad or sandwich, I want to know how much usable tuna I’ll get and whether it needs draining; around 23% of consumers would prioritise the recipe and convenience.

Common misconceptions to avoid

  • Assuming the word “organic” in a product listing tells you everything

    A product name alone doesn’t tell you which ingredients the claim applies to. Agence Bio describes the EU organic logo as the European logo that identifies food products meeting the conditions for its use.

    Before deciding what is certified organic, check the logo, certification details and ingredients list on the tin.

  • Confusing MSC with organic certification

    The MSC label relates to fishing; it doesn’t certify the organic ingredients in a recipe. Nor should a product described as working towards MSC certification be mistaken for one that is already certified.

    If both criteria matter to you, check each one on the same tin.

  • Comparing tins by total weight alone

    When tuna is packed in liquid, the total weight includes that liquid. The DGCCRF states that the drained net weight must be shown on the label in this case.

    Use this weight to compare the amount of tuna, and check the ingredients to distinguish tuna in spring water from tuna in oil.

  • Making tuna a default choice for people who need to take extra care

    Anses includes tuna among wild predatory fish that pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 3 should limit, due to precautions relating to methylmercury.

    If you’re choosing fish for these groups, take Anses recommendations into account.

Brands and retailers to compare

Carrefour

Carrefour lists a Carrefour Extra tin called “Organic Whole Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil”, with a drained net weight of 104 g.

  • This product lets you compare tuna in olive oil with tuna in spring water.
  • The name alone doesn’t explain what the organic claim covers, so check the tin’s label.

Petit Navire

Petit Navire offers tuna in spring water and in oil, as well as products associated with the MSC label.

  • The “Responsibly Sourced Tuna in Spring Water” listing gives the ingredients as tuna, water and salt.
  • For this product, the brand describes an approach aimed at MSC certification. Check the status of the label on the tin you choose.

Saupiquet

Saupiquet offers MSC whole tuna in spring water, which it says can be used without draining.

  • The brand provides information about the fishing methods and traceability for this range.
  • This information doesn’t amount to organic certification; check the claims on the specific product you buy.

Auchan

Auchan’s tuna range lets you compare tins in spring water, in oil or marinated.

  • The different recipes make it easier to choose based on the dish you’re planning.
  • If a tin carries an organic claim, check its label rather than assuming it’s certified based on its shelf category.

Lidl

Lidl offers, among other products, Sol&Mar tuna in sunflower oil carrying the MSC label.

  • This product makes it easy to distinguish a fishing label from the ingredients in the recipe.
  • The MSC label doesn’t tell you whether the product has organic certification.

Leclerc

E.Leclerc offers Eco+ tinned tuna and, in a separate range, Bio Village tins.

  • Eco+ tuna listings let you compare options including tuna in spring water.
  • The fact that a separate Bio Village range exists doesn’t mean Eco+ tinned tuna is organic.

Tinned tuna on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I check the organic claim on a tin of tuna?

Check the packaging to see what the word “organic” applies to, rather than relying on the product listing title alone. Look for the EU organic logo where the conditions for its use apply, and read the ingredients list. Agence Bio says the logo indicates compliance with the European framework for organic farming.

Is tuna carrying the MSC label organic too?

No. The MSC label doesn’t mean that the tuna is certified organic. It relates to fishing. If you’re also looking for an organic claim, check separately what it applies to on the specific product.

Why check the drained net weight?

The drained net weight lets you compare how much tuna there is without the packing liquid. The DGCCRF states that this weight must appear on the label when a product is packed in liquid. Compare it alongside whether the tuna is in spring water or oil.

What precautions apply to tuna during pregnancy or for young children?

Anses advises pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under 3 to limit wild predatory fish, including tuna. Its recommendations should be taken into account when deciding how often to eat these fish and which species to choose.