When shopping for organic food, first check which ingredients in the tin are labelled organic. For example, Carrefour says its Carrefour Extra tuna contains 27.3% organic extra virgin olive oil. A fishing label such as MSC answers a different question. To compare recipes, also look at the ingredients, drained weight and nutritional values in relation to how you plan to use the tuna.
If you’re putting together an organic shopping basket, read the ingredient list for the specific product: an oil labelled organic doesn’t mean that every ingredient is organic. Drained weight also helps you compare the amount of tuna in two different pack sizes.
If fishing practices are your priority, look for a clearly identified label on the tin. France’s Ministry of Agriculture describes the public Sustainable Fishing label as a guide to environmental, economic and social requirements; it is not a substitute for an organic claim.
Whether you’re making a salad, sandwich or pasta dish, choosing tuna in spring water or oil will affect your recipe. Also check the pack size, whether it needs draining and the storage instructions once opened.
When shopping for organic food, start with the ingredients and claims on the specific product. Then choose a recipe that suits your dish, and assess the fishing label and pack size separately.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Organic ingredients | The ingredient list and which ingredients are identified as organic. | I want to know exactly which ingredients in the tin I’m putting in my basket are organic; around 31% of consumers prioritise this check. |
| Recipe and ingredients | Whether it contains water or oil, then the salt and fat per 100 g on a like-for-like basis. | If I want to season the tuna myself, I’d rather look at tuna in spring water before tuna in oil; around 25% of consumers prioritise the ingredients. |
| Fishing label | The name of the label shown and the tuna species listed, without confusing a fishing label with an organic claim. | If fishing practices are my deciding factor, a clearly named certification matters more than a general statement on the packaging; this is a priority for around 25% of consumers. |
| Pack size and storage | The net weight and, where stated, the drained weight; storage instructions once opened. | I’m looking for a pack size that suits the meal I have planned, so I don’t leave an opened tin unused; for around 19% of consumers, convenience comes before other criteria. |
The organic farming rules set out by INAO and the requirements for the public Sustainable Fishing label described by France’s Ministry of Agriculture relate to different things.
Check separately which ingredients are identified as organic and whether the product carries a fishing label.
The liquid in some tins is included in the net weight. For example, Carrefour lists a drained weight of 104 g for its Carrefour Extra tuna in organic olive oil.
To compare how much tuna you’ll get, look for the drained weight on each tin rather than comparing the total weight alone.
Carrefour states that its Carrefour Extra tuna in organic olive oil contains 13 g of fat per 100 g; Petit Navire lists 1.0 g per 100 g drained for its MSC tuna in spring water. Take the products and the stated basis into account when comparing them.
Choose according to the dish you’re making and check the nutritional information for the specific product, particularly the fat and salt content.
Anses highlights the particular sensitivity of unborn babies and young children to methylmercury. An organic claim or a fishing label doesn’t address this issue.
If you’re in one of the groups concerned, consult Anses guidance rather than relying solely on an organic claim or fishing label.
These examples show how recipes and claims can vary. Always check the exact product before assuming a feature applies to another product from the same brand.
Carrefour offers skipjack tuna in organic extra virgin olive oil, with a stated drained weight of 104 g.
Petit Navire offers MSC tuna in spring water, made with tuna, water and salt.
Saupiquet offers MSC whole tuna in spring water, suited to quick meals among other things.
Lidl offers MSC skipjack tuna in sunflower oil for dishes such as salads and sandwiches.
Auchan’s range includes skipjack and yellowfin tuna in spring water under this brand.
These products let you compare tuna in spring water with tuna in oil for meals made using store-cupboard tins. If an organic claim is essential for your shopping, check the exact product before choosing.
Image unavailable
A recipe in water to consider if you’d like to add your own seasoning to a salad or sandwich.
The stated total weight is 140 g. Check the drained weight and any organic or fishing claims on the exact product.
Image unavailable
This product is useful for comparing tuna in spring water with an MSC fishing label against products with an organic claim.
The total weight is 160 g, including 112 g drained. Check the ingredients separately if your shopping needs to meet an organic criterion.
Image unavailable
The 93 g size is worth considering for a dish that calls for a small tin of tuna in spring water.
To compare the amount of fish with another tin, check its drained weight; also look for any organic or fishing claims you’re after.
Image unavailable
This tin in brine is worth considering if you prefer to season the tuna as you prepare your meal.
The stated total weight is 140 g. Check the drained weight to compare pack sizes, as well as any organic or fishing claims you’re looking for.
Image unavailable
This tuna in sunflower oil suits a different type of dish from tuna in spring water.
The stated total weight is 160 g. Check the drained weight and nutritional information to compare recipes, then look for any organic or fishing claims that matter to you.
Don’t assume so from the name alone: check the ingredient list on the exact tin. For its Carrefour Extra tuna, Carrefour specifies that organic extra virgin olive oil makes up 27.3% of the product. In France, INAO sets out the European rules that apply to organic farming claims.
No. A fishing label and an organic claim relate to different criteria. France’s Ministry of Agriculture describes the public Sustainable Fishing label as covering environmental, economic and social requirements for fishing; check the organic claims on your chosen tin separately.
Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. For its MSC whole tuna in spring water, Saupiquet advises keeping it refrigerated and using it within two days of opening.
No. These claims don’t replace advice on eating fish. Anses highlights the particular sensitivity of unborn babies and young children to methylmercury; those concerned can consult its specific guidance.