Minus the Mercury: 4 Healthier Alternatives to Canned Tuna

Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong
Anjali Prasertong is a writer and public health dietitian focused on food systems, racial equity, and nutrition. Originally from Los Angeles, she has taught English in rural Japan, worked as a private chef in Malibu, and led an innovative city-funded corner store program in New Orleans that increased fresh food access in low-income neighborhoods. She was previously a contributing editor for The Kitchn, and currently lives in Denver with her husband and two kids.
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updated May 2, 2019
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Thanks to concerns about tuna’s high mercury levels and unsustainable fishing practices, the carefree days of eating lots of tuna fish sandwiches for lunch are over. But if you are missing the quick, tasty and economical meals canned tuna provides, we have a few excellent alternatives — including one vegetarian option.

• 1 Smoked trout: Canned smoked trout is a great substitute for canned tuna, whether mashed up with mayonnaise and lemon juice or flaked over a green salad. It is especially good tossed with thinly sliced cabbage.

→ Recipe to try: Smoked Trout & Cabbage Salad at Eat Your Greens

• 2 Canned sardines: Sustainable and full of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, sardines are one of the few fish we can and should be eating regularly.

→ Recipe to try: Cilantro-Lime Sardine Salad in Avocado Halves at The Kitchn

• 3

Canned salmon

: Canned salmon is lower in mercury than canned tuna and can be mixed into burgers, croquettes, pasta and quiche.

→ Recipe ideas: What Can I Make With Canned Salmon?

• 4 Chickpeas: Or you can skip fish altogether and make a vegetarian spin on tuna salad with a can of chickpeas.

→ Recipe: Chickpea of the Sea at The Kitchn

What are your favorite alternatives to canned tuna?

Related:

Chicken, Tuna, Pasta: 15 Fresh & Filling Lunch Salads

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