Cook's Country had an interesting taste test in this month's issue. They pitted canned tunas against the newer pouch-packaged tunas. The pouch tunas claim to be fresher and less processed, though in all likelihood, the amount of processing that goes into each product is probably similar. Pouches may take up less room in the lunch bag, but cans also have the advantage of being recyclable. With plusses and minuses on both sides, Cook's Country looked for the brand that tasted the best.
Eight brands of solid white albacore packed in water, the most popular tuna variety, were sampled and canned tuna took four of the five top spots. The primary reason was that canned tuna offered bigger and meatier chunks of fish, while the smaller and less-supportive pouches offered a mushier, less appealing, texture. In general, tasters preferred tuna with a mild flavor, too, and their preference reflects in the rankings:
Top Picks
- Chicken of the Sea, canned
- Starkist, canned
Runners-Up
- Starkist, pouch
- Geisha, canned
- Diamonds, canned
- Chicken of the Sea, pouch
Don't Bother
- Bumble Bee, canned
- Bumble Bee, pouch
7-08-2006 @11:13AM Mike said... Since cat food has progressed from the short little cans to pouches, I guess tuna had to also.
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7-09-2006 @3:04PM Gabriella said... I am not sure why, but the pouches sort of creep me out. I always eat bumble bee - a carry over from childhood. I think I will try Chicken of the Sea.
Progresso with Oil is delicious and somewhat easily found in grocery stores. I just put it over a baked potato with a little balsamic vinegar. I know it sounds very odd but it is good.
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7-10-2006 @7:48PM jumper said... Yes Gabriella it does sound odd, but it is very delicious. I thought I was the only one that ate tuna that way. Basalmic vinegar and tuna is the best.
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7-23-2006 @12:10AM Gabriella said... ooh how exciting that you eat it that way too!! My Aunt Gabriella first made it for me when I was in 10th grade. She is from Italy and is a wonderful cook.
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