Canned tuna is a staple in many pantries thanks to its affordability, nutritional value, and versatility. However, not all tuna is created equal. When it comes to sustainable options, two brands stand out from the pack – Wild Planet and Safe Catch.
But which one should you choose? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of Wild Planet and Safe Catch tuna.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Wild Planet | Safe Catch |
| Fishing Methods | Pole & line, trolling | Purse seine |
| Sustainability | Sources from healthy stocks with strict oversight | Sources from sustainable fisheries |
| Traceability | Fully traceable from catch to can | Traceable back to boat |
| Tuna Varieties | Albacore, skipjack, yellowfin | Albacore, skipjack |
| Mercury Levels | Meets FDA limits | Lab tested below 0.1 ppm mercury |
| Taste | Fresh, delicious flavor | Great taste |
| Texture | Firm, flakes nicely | Good texture |
| Price | $3-5 per 5oz can | $2-3 per 5oz can |
| Availability | Found in natural grocers like Whole Foods | Less availability than major brands |
Wild Planet – The Ethical Tuna Brand
Founded in 2004, Wild Planet is an environmentally-conscious company dedicated to providing high-quality, sustainably-sourced seafood. Their tuna comes from pole and line or troll caught fisheries in the Pacific Ocean.
Pros of Wild Planet Tuna:
- Sustainably sourced from healthy, well-managed stocks
- Caught using selective fishing methods that reduce bycatch
- Traceable supply chain ensures no illegal fishing or human rights abuses
- Cans BPA-free and dolphin-safe
- Offers skipjack, albacore, and yellowfin varieties
- Tastes fresh and flavorful
- Texture is firm, flakes nicely
- Reasonably priced
Cons of Wild Planet Tuna:
- Limited selection compared to other brands
- Not always easy to find in stores
- Caught in the Pacific, so not local for many in the US
One of the standout qualities of Wild Planet is their commitment to sustainability. They only source tuna from healthy stocks with well-enforced regulations. The tuna is caught using selective methods like pole and line or trolling which eliminates bycatch issues. They can trace every step of their supply chain to ensure no illegal practices.
For these reasons, Wild Planet is considered one of the most ethical options when it comes to canned tuna. Their practices help protect the future of our oceans.
Safe Catch – The Lowest Mercury Tuna
Safe Catch takes a different approach than Wild Planet, making tuna that is very low in mercury. They aim to keep levels below the EPA’s recommended guidelines.
Pros of Safe Catch Tuna:
- Lab tested to contain the lowest mercury levels
- Uses a proprietary method to remove larger, higher mercury fish
- Sources from sustainable fisheries
- Provides traceability back to the boat
- BPA-free cans and pouches
- Great taste and texture
- Good levels of omega-3s
- More affordable than Wild Planet
Cons of Safe Catch Tuna:
- Only sell skipjack and albacore tuna
- Caught mainly in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans
- Not always easy to find in stores compared to big brands
The biggest perk of Safe Catch is it consistently tests below 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of mercury. That’s well under the FDA’s 1 ppm limit for canned tuna. Their tuna is lab-tested multiple times throughout the supply chain.
Safe Catch’s proprietary methods allow them to catch smaller tuna and remove larger fish. Since mercury accumulates as fish age, this keeps levels low.
For those concerned about mercury exposure, Safe Catch is a great choice. Their tuna provides all the nutrition of canned tuna without the usual risks.
Comparing Nutrition, Taste And Price
When it comes to nutrition, there’s not a huge difference between Wild Planet and Safe Catch tuna. Both offer excellent protein, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals. Safe Catch may have a slight edge as smaller fish tend to be a bit lower in contaminants.
In terms of taste and texture, consumer reviews give Wild Planet a small advantage. However, Safe Catch still receives great feedback on flavor. Overall, you can expect high-quality with either brand.
Lastly, Wild Planet retails for $3-5 per 5 oz can, whereas Safe Catch is $2-3. So if price is a concern, Safe Catch provides the most value. Wild Planet costs more due to their sustainable fishing practices.
Also Read: Comparison Between El Monterey Chimichangas And Burritos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Wild Planet is considered one of the best and most ethical canned tuna brands. Their practices are sustainable, traceable, and help protect ocean wildlife. The tuna itself is high-quality with great taste.
Independent organizations like Greenpeace and the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation rate Wild Planet as a highly ethical and sustainable choice. They only source from healthy stocks, reducing bycatch and avoiding labor abuses.
Wild Planet tuna is rated as better than conventional brands because of their commitment to protecting oceans. They use selective fishing methods, traceability measures, and ethical oversight to produce high-quality sustainable tuna.
Safest in terms of lowest mercury is Safe Catch tuna. Their tuna is lab tested to contain less than 0.1 ppm of mercury, well under the FDA limit of 1 ppm. This makes it a great choice for pregnant women, kids, and those concerned about mercury exposure.
The Verdict
So when it comes down to it, which sustainable tuna brand reigns supreme?
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Wild Planet is the winner for environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Their practices protect our oceans.
- Safe Catch takes home the prize for lowest mercury levels. Their tuna is rigorously tested.
- Both offer great nutrition, flavor, and a BPA-free package.
- Wild Planet costs more but has better availability in stores.
- Safe Catch is very affordable but can be harder to find locally.
Ultimately, it depends on your personal priorities. If supporting responsible fisheries is most important, go with Wild Planet. But if your main concern is mercury exposure, Safe Catch is the better option.
No matter which brand you choose, you can feel good knowing your pantry staple just got a major upgrade. Both Wild Planet and Safe Catch offer gourmet, guilt-free versions of canned tuna.