To choose tinned tuna for Christmas with clear evidence of sustainability, check for the blue MSC label on the exact tin you’re buying. According to the Marine Stewardship Council, it applies to wild-caught fish from fisheries assessed against its environmental requirements. Then choose the format that suits your recipe by comparing the drained net weight, ingredients and whether the tuna needs draining. A ‘responsible approach’ claim is not a substitute for the MSC label.
For your Christmas meal, you’d rather check for a label on the tin itself than rely on a brand’s general promise. The Marine Stewardship Council says its blue label applies to wild-capture fishing practices assessed against its environmental requirements.
For tuna pâté, layered appetisers or fillings, you’ll need to choose a usable quantity and a type of tuna that suits your planned seasoning. Petit Navire, Saupiquet and Carrefour Extra list options including solid tuna in spring water and albacore tuna.
Compare the ingredients, salt content and species listed for each tin. If you’re preparing a meal for someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or for a child under 3, the specific advice from Anses also calls for separate consideration from the fishing label.
First decide whether the MSC label on the tin is essential, then choose the quantity and preparation that work for your Christmas recipe.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence of sustainability | Look for the blue MSC label on the format you’re buying; distinguish it from a fishery improvement programme claim. | I want to be able to recognise a certification on the tin I’ll be serving at Christmas, rather than relying on the brand’s reputation alone. Around 50% of consumers would make this their priority. |
| Format and recipe | Compare the tuna’s presentation, the liquid it’s packed in, the drained net weight and the draining instructions. | For my appetisers or fillings, the usable quantity and how I plan to season the tuna will determine my choice. This would be the priority for around 30% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and precautions | Read the ingredients and salt content for the exact product; check Anses guidance if it’s relevant to your guests. | Before preparing the meal, I want to know what’s in the tin and take into account any precautions that apply to the people eating it. This would be the main criterion for around 20% of consumers. |
Petit Navire describes its ‘Responsible Approach’ product as coming from a fishery involved in a programme aiming for MSC certification. This doesn’t mean the product already carries the label.
If certification is essential to your choice, check for the blue label on the exact tin.
The total weight and the amount of tuna you can use for canapés aren’t necessarily the same. For example, Carrefour Extra lists a drained net weight of 112 g for its MSC albacore tuna.
Work out how much you need using the stated drained net weight, and check whether the recipe calls for the product to be drained.
‘In spring water’ describes how the tuna is prepared; it doesn’t mean it’s low in salt or that there are no individual precautions to consider. The MSC label relates to fishing practices, not nutritional content or methylmercury.
Read the nutritional information on the tin. For people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children under 3, consult the specific advice from Anses.
Petit Navire offers a 160 g tin of MSC albacore tuna in spring water, separate from its ‘Responsible Approach’ range.
Saupiquet offers its MSC solid tuna in spring water in formats ranging from 93 g to 280 g.
Carrefour describes its MSC solid albacore tuna in spring water as having a drained net weight of 112 g.
E.Leclerc lists a 112 g drained net weight tin of MSC solid albacore tuna in spring water under its Pêche Océan brand.
Auchan sells tinned tuna under its own brand, alongside MSC products from other brands.
This Petit Navire tuna in spring water is a good option for a Christmas dish you want to season yourself. If the MSC label is important to your purchase, check that it appears on the tin you receive.
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Worth considering for a starter or salad when you want to control the seasoning. The tin contains 160 g in total, including 112 g drained net weight, so use the latter figure to work out how much tuna you’ll need. Petit Navire lists tuna, water and salt for this product; check the label on the tin you buy, especially if the blue MSC label is your main criterion.
Look for the blue MSC label on the exact product you’re buying. According to the Marine Stewardship Council, it applies to wild-caught fish from fisheries assessed against its environmental requirements; a ‘responsible approach’ claim alone doesn’t mean the product has the same certification.
Solid tuna in spring water lets you decide how to season your dish. Check the drained net weight to make sure you’ll have the amount you need. If you’d rather avoid draining it, Saupiquet says its MSC solid tuna in spring water can be used without draining.
Follow the instructions on the tin you’ve opened. For its MSC solid tuna in spring water, Saupiquet recommends refrigerating it and eating it within 2 days of opening; don’t assume the same applies to another product.
No. The MSC label relates to fishing practices assessed against the Marine Stewardship Council’s environmental standard. Anses has specific advice on eating fish for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children under 3; consult it separately from the label on the tin.
Compare the product name, ingredients, allergens, nutritional information, drained net weight and storage instructions for the exact products. Also check the species where it’s listed, and look for the MSC label if certification is an important part of your choice.