Choosing between Costco’s Wild Planet Albacore and Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna? If flavor is key, go for Chicken of the Sea. But for health benefits, Wild Planet is the better pick. This comparison looks at both taste and health to help you decide.
Why listen to me? With years in nutrition and a focus on sustainable seafood, I’ve researched how our food choices affect health and the environment. Whether you’re into fitness, health-conscious, or just want to eat better, I offer insights to help you pick the tuna that matches your health and taste goals.
Other Snack items from Costco that I like include: Costco Ajinomoto Vegetable Yakisoba Review, Costco’s Rao’s Cavatappi Arrabbiata with Spicy Sausage Review, Costco Social Kitchens Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Review, Costco Gen Bake Churro Donut Bites Review, Costco Chomps Original Beef Stick Review, Costco Don Lee Farms Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken, Costco Schwartz Brothers Bakery Organic Everything Bagel Chips, Minh Mini Chicken Egg Rolls Review , Costco David’s Cookies Butter Pecan Meltaways Review and Costco Universal Bakery Traditional Aussie Bites Review
Costco Wild Planet Albacore VS Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna
Taste Test
In a taste test, Wild Planet Albacore Tuna tasted plainer compared to Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna. This is mostly because Wild Planet focuses on simplicity and doesn’t add extra ingredients like vegetable broth, which other brands do. As a result, Wild Planet tuna has a cleaner taste, though it’s less bold. Chicken of the Sea, with its additional ingredients, has a stronger flavor that many people like.
It’s also saltier, which might make it taste better to some. I prefer the richer taste of Chicken of the Sea, but Wild Planet is still a good choice for those who value health benefits and a more natural flavor.
Nutritional Analysis
A nutritional comparison between Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna and Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna reveals some key points for those watching their diet. Chicken of the Sea is the lighter option, with a 2oz serving containing only 70 calories, 2.5g of fat, and no carbs, offering 11g of protein. This makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to up their protein intake without extra calories or fat.
Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna is a bit different. One can (142g) packs 180 calories and 5g of fat, including 1.5g of saturated fat, but it’s rich in protein, delivering 33g. It’s worth noting that Wild Planet uses sustainable fishing methods, an important factor for those concerned about the environment, even though larger albacore tunas like this can have higher mercury levels.
Looking at cholesterol and sodium, Chicken of the Sea has less of both (25mg of cholesterol and 180mg of sodium) compared to Wild Planet (45mg of cholesterol and 310mg of sodium). So, for those watching their sodium and cholesterol, Chicken of the Sea might be the better pick.
However, when it comes to protein, fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, plus the environmental benefits, it’s a bit of a trade-off between the two options. Wild Planet offers more vitamin D and iron, which are great for bones and energy, while Chicken of the Sea has more potassium, which is important for muscles and heart health.
Your choice between these two should consider your health goals, dietary needs, and how much you value sustainability. If you’re leaning towards health benefits and environmental sustainability, despite the higher fat and cholesterol, Wild Planet could be the way to go.
Ingredients Analysis
When you look at what’s in Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna, its simplicity really stands out. The label shows just two things: tuna and sea salt. Unlike many other canned tunas, this one doesn’t add any water or oil. It’s hand-packed with 100% pure tuna, with no unnecessary liquids or fillers, giving consumers top-quality tuna.
Plus, it’s non-GMO and comes in an easy-to-open can. Interestingly, it mentions the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), making you wonder if they’re getting into the tuna business. Wild Planet focuses on keeping its ingredients minimal and pure, showing its dedication to health and the environment.
On the other hand, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna takes a different tack with its ingredients, including tuna and vegetable broth. This move away from the simplicity of just tuna and sea salt, like in Wild Planet’s product, suggests Chicken of the Sea is going for more flavor by adding extra ingredients.
This difference highlights the contrasting philosophies of the brands: Chicken of the Sea aims for flavor with more ingredients, while Wild Planet goes for a pure, natural product. This comparison clearly shows the unique market positions of each brand, offering consumers a choice between simplicity and added flavor.
Convenience
A key similarity between Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna and Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna is their convenient packaging. Both brands provide their tuna in pull-top cans, offering a big plus for anyone looking for easy access to their meals. This means you don’t need a can opener, making meal prep faster and simpler. Also, the pull-top design makes it easier to store any leftover tuna, though it’s rare to have any.
This feature is a real bonus in our busy lives, saving precious time. Unlike traditional tuna cans that need a tool to open, the pull-top cans from Wild Planet and Chicken of the Sea show their focus on practicality and making customers happy. Even though it’s a small detail, it significantly improves the product experience, making these brands stand out to those who prioritize convenience and efficiency in their food choices.
Price Analysis
When comparing the prices, Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna presents an intriguing value proposition. During the review period, it was priced at $12.99 for a pack of 12 cans, each containing 7 ounces of tuna.
This promotional offer represented a $4 discount off its regular price, significantly enhancing its appeal from a cost perspective. In comparison, the exact price of Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna at the time of the review was not available as it was not on sale, and I do not recall the precise price point.
However, it is noteworthy that the amount of tuna per can for Wild Planet exceeds that offered by Chicken of the Sea, further accentuating the former’s economic advantage. With Wild Planet providing more tuna per can and at an attractive discounted price, it seems to offer a superior value for those looking to maximize both quantity and quality within their budget.
This analysis, combining price, quantity, and product quality, suggests that Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna likely represents a better overall deal for consumers, especially those who prioritize sustainability and simplicity in ingredients.
Video Summary
Review Score
Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna
- Taste: 7.5/10
- Nutrition: 9/10
- Ingredients: 8/10
- Convenience: 10/10
- Overall: 8/10
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna
- Taste: 9/10
- Nutrition: 8/10
- Ingredients: 7.5/10
- Convenience: 10/10
- Overall: 8.5/10
In summary, Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna beats Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna by a small margin in the overall score, mostly because it tastes better. Both brands are easy to use thanks to their convenient packaging. Although Wild Planet is ahead in nutrition due to its simple ingredients and focus on sustainability, it could taste better than Chicken of the Sea’s flavorful option. This close score highlights that choosing between these two quality options really comes down to personal taste and ingredient preferences.
Overall Verdict
In conclusion, both Chicken of the Sea and Wild Planet offer high-quality canned tuna options. They cater to different market segments, with Wild Planet focusing on sustainability and natural ingredients, while Chicken of the Sea appeals to those looking for more flavor and convenience.
Ultimately, the choice between these two brands comes down to personal priorities. If you value sustainable, simple ingredients and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of taste, Wild Planet is the better option. However, if you prioritize flavor and convenience over sustainability, Chicken of the Sea will be the most suitable choice for you.
What are your key priorities when selecting canned tuna?
Is it the simplicity and purity of ingredients, the taste and flavor, or the brand’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility?
Share your thoughts and preferences below.
FAQs
Can I recycle the cans from both Wild Planet and Chicken of the Sea?
Yes, cans from both Wild Planet and Chicken of the Sea are recyclable. It’s recommended to rinse them out before recycling to avoid contamination.
Are these tuna brands dolphin-safe?
Both Wild Planet and Chicken of the Sea claim to adhere to dolphin-safe fishing practices. However, Wild Planet specifically markets its commitment to sustainable and ethical fishing practices.
Can I eat this tuna straight from the can?
Yes, both brands offer tuna that is ready to eat straight from the can, making it a convenient choice for a quick meal or snack.
How long does canned tuna last?
Unopened canned tuna typically has a shelf life of 2-5 years when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it’s best to consume it within 3 days if kept refrigerated.
Are there any preservatives in these canned tunas?
Wild Planet Albacore Wild Tuna does not contain any added preservatives, sticking to just tuna and sea salt. Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna includes vegetable broth in its ingredients, which may contain natural preservatives, but it does not list any artificial preservatives.
Is canned tuna healthy?
Canned tuna is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy choice as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s advisable to consume it in moderation due to concerns about mercury content, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that this review is independent and unbiased. The product was purchased by Cosctcopickz solely for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed here belong solely to Cosctcopickz and do not reflect any affiliation with Costco or its suppliers. Should Cosctcopickz ever receive compensation from a product manufacturer or any other third party, full disclosure will be provided, including instances where a product sample was provided for review purposes.
