Here’s where the party gets awkward. Tuna is a predatory fish, which means it accumulates mercury from the ocean’s food chain. Eating too much—like more than two or three servings a week—can lead to mercury buildup. Not ideal for pregnant people, nursing moms, or anyone with a habit of eating tuna five days in a row. You know who you are.
Six Tasty Meals That Fit Your Healthy Lifestyle | Chicken of the Sea
But the packets themselves? They often have added sodium for flavor and preservation. A single packet can clock in at 200-400 mg of sodium, which is a decent chunk of your daily limit. If you’re salt-sensitive or watching your blood pressure, that “healthy” snack suddenly feels a bit salty in more ways than one.
Also, check the oil or brine situation. Packets labeled “in oil” or “in sunflower oil” add extra calories and processed fats. Water-packed or olive oil packs are better bets—just read the label like a detective inspecting a crime scene. Your future self will thank you.
What About the Additives and Packaging?
Some tuna packets contain hydrolyzed soy protein or natural flavors (read: hidden MSG) to pump up the taste. It’s not automatically bad, but if you’re sensitive to additives, your stomach might throw a protest. And let’s talk about the plastic pouches—they’re convenient, but they’re also single-use waste that BPA-lined nightmares are made of. A can might be less sexy, but it’s often more eco-friendly.
